Matthew 1:12
And after they were brought to Babylon, Jechonias begat Salathiel; and Salathiel begat Zorobabel;
Original Language Analysis
Μετὰ
after
G3326
Μετὰ
after
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
1 of 14
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μετοικεσίαν
they were brought
G3350
μετοικεσίαν
they were brought
Strong's:
G3350
Word #:
4 of 14
a change of abode, i.e., (specially), expatriation
Βαβυλῶνος
to Babylon
G897
Βαβυλῶνος
to Babylon
Strong's:
G897
Word #:
5 of 14
babylon, the capitol of chaldaea (literally or figuratively (as a type of tyranny))
ἐγέννησεν
begat
G1080
ἐγέννησεν
begat
Strong's:
G1080
Word #:
7 of 14
to procreate (properly, of the father, but by extension of the mother); figuratively, to regenerate
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐγέννησεν
begat
G1080
ἐγέννησεν
begat
Strong's:
G1080
Word #:
12 of 14
to procreate (properly, of the father, but by extension of the mother); figuratively, to regenerate
Cross References
1 Chronicles 3:17And the sons of Jeconiah; Assir, Salathiel his son,Ezra 3:2Then stood up Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and his brethren the priests, and Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and his brethren, and builded the altar of the God of Israel, to offer burnt offerings thereon, as it is written in the law of Moses the man of God.
Historical Context
This covers the period of Babylonian exile (586-539 BC) and the Persian period (539-333 BC), when Judah existed as a subject people without political independence. Yet God was preserving the lineage of the King of kings.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's faithfulness during Israel's exile encourage believers facing dark providences?
- What does this teach about trusting God's promises when visible circumstances seem contrary to them?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The genealogy continues even through the exile, demonstrating that God's promises are not nullified by human failure or divine judgment. These obscure names during Israel's lowest point show that God was still sovereignly working toward the Messiah. Faith clings to God's promises even when circumstances seem to contradict them.