Matthew 1:3
And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram;
Original Language Analysis
Ἰούδας
Judas
G2455
Ἰούδας
Judas
Strong's:
G2455
Word #:
1 of 21
judas (i.e., jehudah), the name of ten israelites; also of the posterity of one of them and its region
ἐγέννησεν
begat
G1080
ἐγέννησεν
begat
Strong's:
G1080
Word #:
3 of 21
to procreate (properly, of the father, but by extension of the mother); figuratively, to regenerate
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐκ
of
G1537
ἐκ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
9 of 21
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐγέννησεν
begat
G1080
ἐγέννησεν
begat
Strong's:
G1080
Word #:
14 of 21
to procreate (properly, of the father, but by extension of the mother); figuratively, to regenerate
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐγέννησεν
begat
G1080
ἐγέννησεν
begat
Strong's:
G1080
Word #:
19 of 21
to procreate (properly, of the father, but by extension of the mother); figuratively, to regenerate
Historical Context
Tamar was a Canaanite woman who conceived twins through Judah after he failed to fulfill his levirate duty. This occurred during the patriarchal period, roughly 1900-1700 BC.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the inclusion of sinful and scandalous people in Christ's genealogy reveal about God's grace?
- How does this genealogy challenge our assumptions about moral perfection as a prerequisite for God's use?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The inclusion of Judah and Tamar highlights God's grace in using flawed individuals in Christ's lineage. Tamar's account (Genesis 38) involves deception and scandal, yet God sovereignly brings redemption through this broken family line. This foreshadows the gospel truth that Christ came to save sinners, not the righteous.