Matthew 1:12

Authorized King James Version

And after they were brought to Babylon, Jechonias begat Salathiel; and Salathiel begat Zorobabel;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Μετὰ
after
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
#2
δὲ
And
but, and, etc
#3
τὴν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
μετοικεσίαν
they were brought
a change of abode, i.e., (specially), expatriation
#5
Βαβυλῶνος
to Babylon
babylon, the capitol of chaldaea (literally or figuratively (as a type of tyranny))
#6
Ἰεχονίας
Jechonias
jechonias (i.e., jekonjah), an israelite
#7
ἐγέννησεν
begat
to procreate (properly, of the father, but by extension of the mother); figuratively, to regenerate
#8
τὸν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
Σαλαθιὴλ
Salathiel
salathiel (i.e., shealtiel), an israelite
#10
Σαλαθιὴλ
Salathiel
salathiel (i.e., shealtiel), an israelite
#11
δὲ
And
but, and, etc
#12
ἐγέννησεν
begat
to procreate (properly, of the father, but by extension of the mother); figuratively, to regenerate
#13
τὸν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
Ζοροβάβελ
Zorobabel
zorobabel (i.e., zerubbabel), an israelite

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of Jewish biographical literature presenting Jesus as the fulfillment of Scripture shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Matthew Understanding a worldview expecting divine intervention through a promised Messiah helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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