Matthew 1:11
And Josias begat Jechonias and his brethren, about the time they were carried away to Babylon:
Original Language Analysis
ἐγέννησεν
begat
G1080
ἐγέννησεν
begat
Strong's:
G1080
Word #:
3 of 13
to procreate (properly, of the father, but by extension of the mother); figuratively, to regenerate
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀδελφοὺς
brethren
G80
ἀδελφοὺς
brethren
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
8 of 13
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
αὐτοῦ
his
G846
αὐτοῦ
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
9 of 13
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ἐπὶ
about the time
G1909
ἐπὶ
about the time
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
10 of 13
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Jeremiah 27:20Which Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon took not, when he carried away captive Jeconiah the son of Jehoiakim king of Judah from Jerusalem to Babylon, and all the nobles of Judah and Jerusalem;Daniel 1:2And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with part of the vessels of the house of God: which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the vessels into the treasure house of his god.
Historical Context
The Babylonian captivity occurred in stages (605, 597, 586 BC) under Nebuchadnezzar. Jeconiah (also called Jehoiachin) was carried to Babylon in 597 BC and remained in exile until released by Evil-Merodach (2 Kings 25:27-30).
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's covenant faithfulness in judgment demonstrate both His justice and His mercy?
- What does the exile teach about God's purposes even in catastrophic circumstances?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The Babylonian exile was God's covenant judgment on Judah for persistent idolatry and covenant breaking. Yet even this catastrophic event served God's redemptive purposes—the exile preserved Jewish distinctiveness and prepared hearts for the Messiah. The phrase 'carried away to Babylon' echoes Deuteronomy's covenant curses, showing God's faithfulness even in judgment.