Luke 3:35
Which was the son of Saruch, which was the son of Ragau, which was the son of Phalec, which was the son of Heber, which was the son of Sala,
Original Language Analysis
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Σαρούχ,
Which was the son of Saruch
G4562
Σαρούχ,
Which was the son of Saruch
Strong's:
G4562
Word #:
2 of 10
saruch (i.e., serug), a patriarch
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
This genealogical section spans from approximately 2300-2000 BC, covering the post-flood world's repopulation and the Babel event. These ancestors lived in Mesopotamia (modern Iraq), the cultural cradle of civilization, before God called Abraham to leave Ur and establish a covenant people.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus's genealogical connection to pre-Abrahamic humanity underscore the gospel's universal scope beyond Jewish particularism?
- What does the Babel context (division of nations) teach about Jesus's mission to reunite all peoples under God's rule?
- How should the ancient Mesopotamian context of Jesus's ancestors inform your understanding of God's work in pagan cultures?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Which was the son of Saruch, which was the son of Ragau, which was the son of Phalec—The genealogy now moves beyond Abraham to pre-patriarchal ancestors preserved in Genesis 11:10-26. Phalec (Peleg, Φάλεκ) lived when "the earth was divided" (Genesis 10:25), likely referring to the Babel dispersion when God confused languages and scattered humanity (Genesis 11:1-9).
These names connect Jesus's lineage to the table of nations (Genesis 10), emphasizing His significance for all humanity, not just Abraham's descendants. Luke's Gentile audience would recognize Jesus's connection to all peoples predating Israel's election. The Greek transliterations (Phalek, Ragau, Serouch) preserve Hebrew forms, maintaining linguistic continuity with Genesis.