Matthew 1:15
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Matthew 1:15
15 And Eliud begat Eleazar; and Eleazar begat Matthan; and Matthan begat Jacob;
Chapter Context
Matthew 1 is a biographical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of truth, obedience, fellowship. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-90 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christianity was separating from Judaism following Jerusalem's destruction.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-25: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Matthew and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Matthew 1:15
15 And Eliud begat Eleazar; and Eleazar begat Matthan; and Matthan begat Jacob;
Analysis
This verse completes the genealogy with specific mathematical structure: fourteen generations from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the exile, and fourteen from the exile to Christ. The number fourteen may relate to David's name in Hebrew numerology (DVD = 4+6+4=14). This structure demonstrates divine design in history, not random chance.
Historical Context
Matthew organizes salvation history into three distinct epochs, each demonstrating God's covenant faithfulness: the patriarchal period, the monarchy, and the post-exilic period leading to Christ.
Reflection
- What does the mathematical structure of the genealogy reveal about God's sovereign ordering of history?
- How does this structured progression build confidence in the reliability of Scripture?