Matthew 1:16
And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.
Original Language Analysis
ἐγεννήθη
begat
G1080
ἐγεννήθη
begat
Strong's:
G1080
Word #:
3 of 15
to procreate (properly, of the father, but by extension of the mother); figuratively, to regenerate
ὁ
who
G3588
ὁ
who
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὁ
who
G3588
ὁ
who
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Μαρίας
of Mary
G3137
Μαρίας
of Mary
Strong's:
G3137
Word #:
8 of 15
maria or mariam (i.e., mirjam), the name of six christian females
ἐξ
of
G1537
ἐξ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
9 of 15
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
ἧς
whom
G3739
ἧς
whom
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
10 of 15
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἐγεννήθη
begat
G1080
ἐγεννήθη
begat
Strong's:
G1080
Word #:
11 of 15
to procreate (properly, of the father, but by extension of the mother); figuratively, to regenerate
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
12 of 15
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
ὁ
who
G3588
ὁ
who
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Matthew 27:17Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ?Matthew 27:22Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified.John 4:25The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things.Luke 3:23And Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, which was the son of Heli,
Historical Context
This verse brings us to approximately 4-6 BC (Herod died in 4 BC). The Roman Empire had united the Mediterranean world, Greek was the common language, and Jewish communities existed throughout the known world—God's sovereign timing for the Incarnation.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the virgin birth preserve both Christ's humanity (born of Mary) and deity (conceived by the Holy Spirit)?
- What does the title 'Christ' signify about Jesus' threefold office as Prophet, Priest, and King?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The genealogy's structure breaks at this crucial point: Joseph is called 'the husband of Mary' rather than 'begat Jesus,' indicating the virgin birth. Jesus is born 'of' Mary, not Joseph, yet Joseph's lineage provides legal inheritance rights to David's throne. The title 'Christ' (Greek for 'Messiah') identifies Jesus as the Anointed One, God's promised King, Priest, and Prophet.