Keraia
Luke 3

Luke 3:24

The Genealogy of Jesus · Luke 3:23–38
Read Luke 3

Translations

Modern
…the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Melchi, the son of Jannai, the son of Joseph,
Traditional
Which was the son of Matthat, which was the son of Levi, which was the son of Melchi, which was the son of Janna, which was the son of Joseph,
Literal
…of Matthat, of Levi, of Melchi, of Jannai, of Joseph,
Latin
…qui fuit Levi, qui fuit Melchi, qui fuit Janne, qui fuit Joseph,

Original

Greek
English
…the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Melchi, the son of Jannai, the son of Joseph,

Notes

Luke 3:23–38

This record of the family line of Jesus is in the opposite order from Matthew’s list (Matthew 1:1–17). Luke traces the family line of Jesus back to Adam. This may show that Jesus is connected to all people as the Son of God (Luke 3:38).

Matthew’s list moves from Abraham down to Joseph. It shows that Jesus is the rightful heir (legal ruler) of David’s throne and the one who receives God’s promises to Abraham.

The two lists are very different. Because of this, some people suggest that Luke’s list is actually Mary’s family line (see study note on 3:23). If so, Mary may have been one of Luke’s main sources when he wrote his Gospel.

Theme notes and profiles

Judah Ancestors of Jesus

Parallels

Ruth 4:18–22 Matthew 1:1–17

People

Jannai: Ancestor of Jesus in Luke's genealogy Joseph: An ancestor of Jesus Christ Levi: Son of Melchi, an ancestor of Jesus Matthat: An ancestor of Jesus Christ Melchi: An ancestor of Jesus in Luke's genealogy

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Genealogy Genealogy of Jesus Christ Jacob Jannai Levi (Person) Luke, Gospel of Matthan Matthat Melchi Messiah

Topics

Genealogies of Christ: Given Genealogy of Joseph Genealogy: To Jesus Janna: Ancestor of Joseph Jesus, the Christ: Genealogy of Jesus, the Christ: Incarnation of Joseph: Husband of Mary: His Genealogy Joseph: Three Ancestors of Joseph Matthat: Father of Heli, and Ancestor of Joseph Melchi: Ancestor of Jesus The Human Nature of Christ: Genealogy of the Tribe of Judah: out Lord Sprang From