Matthew 1:17
So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations.
Original Language Analysis
αἱ
G3588
αἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γενεαὶ
generations
G1074
γενεαὶ
generations
Strong's:
G1074
Word #:
4 of 29
a generation; by implication, an age (the period or the persons)
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
5 of 29
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
ἕως
to
G2193
ἕως
to
Strong's:
G2193
Word #:
7 of 29
a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)
γενεαὶ
generations
G1074
γενεαὶ
generations
Strong's:
G1074
Word #:
9 of 29
a generation; by implication, an age (the period or the persons)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 29
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
12 of 29
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
ἕως
to
G2193
ἕως
to
Strong's:
G2193
Word #:
14 of 29
a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μετοικεσίας
the carrying away
G3350
μετοικεσίας
the carrying away
Strong's:
G3350
Word #:
16 of 29
a change of abode, i.e., (specially), expatriation
Βαβυλῶνος
into Babylon
G897
Βαβυλῶνος
into Babylon
Strong's:
G897
Word #:
17 of 29
babylon, the capitol of chaldaea (literally or figuratively (as a type of tyranny))
γενεαὶ
generations
G1074
γενεαὶ
generations
Strong's:
G1074
Word #:
18 of 29
a generation; by implication, an age (the period or the persons)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
20 of 29
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
21 of 29
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
22 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μετοικεσίας
the carrying away
G3350
μετοικεσίας
the carrying away
Strong's:
G3350
Word #:
23 of 29
a change of abode, i.e., (specially), expatriation
Βαβυλῶνος
into Babylon
G897
Βαβυλῶνος
into Babylon
Strong's:
G897
Word #:
24 of 29
babylon, the capitol of chaldaea (literally or figuratively (as a type of tyranny))
ἕως
to
G2193
ἕως
to
Strong's:
G2193
Word #:
25 of 29
a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
26 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
This summary statement helps Jewish readers see continuity between their entire history and Jesus. The structure moves from promise (Abraham) to kingdom (David) to judgment and exile (Babylon) to fulfillment in Christ.
Questions for Reflection
- How does seeing salvation history as purposefully structured strengthen faith in God's sovereign plan?
- In what ways does your life story demonstrate God's purposeful design and providence?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Matthew explicitly draws attention to the genealogy's three-fold structure, emphasizing God's sovereign design in salvation history. Each period represents a distinct phase of covenant administration, all culminating in Christ. This demonstrates that the Old Testament is not random history but purposeful preparation for the gospel.