Matthew 1:2
Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren;
Original Language Analysis
ἐγέννησεν
begat
G1080
ἐγέννησεν
begat
Strong's:
G1080
Word #:
2 of 18
to procreate (properly, of the father, but by extension of the mother); figuratively, to regenerate
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐγέννησεν
begat
G1080
ἐγέννησεν
begat
Strong's:
G1080
Word #:
7 of 18
to procreate (properly, of the father, but by extension of the mother); figuratively, to regenerate
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰακὼβ
Jacob
G2384
Ἰακὼβ
Jacob
Strong's:
G2384
Word #:
10 of 18
jacob (i.e., ja`akob), the progenitor of the israelites
ἐγέννησεν
begat
G1080
ἐγέννησεν
begat
Strong's:
G1080
Word #:
12 of 18
to procreate (properly, of the father, but by extension of the mother); figuratively, to regenerate
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰούδαν
Judas
G2455
Ἰούδαν
Judas
Strong's:
G2455
Word #:
14 of 18
judas (i.e., jehudah), the name of ten israelites; also of the posterity of one of them and its region
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 18
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 #:
16 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Acts 7:8And he gave him the covenant of circumcision: and so Abraham begat Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat the twelve patriarchs.Genesis 25:26And after that came his brother out, and his hand took hold on Esau's heel; and his name was called Jacob: and Isaac was threescore years old when she bare them.
Historical Context
Written for a Jewish audience, Matthew begins with Abraham to demonstrate Jesus fulfills God's covenant promises. The genealogy spans approximately 2000 years from Abraham to Christ, showing God's faithfulness across generations.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's genealogy demonstrate God's faithfulness to His covenant promises?
- What does this historical record teach us about God's sovereignty over human history?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
This genealogy traces Christ's legal lineage through Joseph, establishing Jesus as the rightful heir to David's throne and Abraham's covenant. The Greek 'egennesen' (begat) emphasizes the historical reality of the incarnation, refuting any notion of a merely spiritual Christ. God's sovereign providence is evident in preserving this royal line through centuries of judgment and exile.