Keraia
Luke 3

Luke 3:31

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

Modern
…the son of Melea, the son of Menna, the son of Mattatha, the son of Nathan, the son of David,
Traditional
Which was the son of Melea, which was the son of Menan, which was the son of Mattatha, which was the son of Nathan, which was the son of David,
Literal
…of Melea, of Menna, of Mattatha, of Nathan, of David,
Latin
…qui fuit Melea, qui fuit Menna, qui fuit Mathatha, qui fuit Natham, qui fuit David,

Original

Greek
English
…the son of Melea, the son of Menna, the son of Mattatha, the son of Nathan, the son of David,

Notes

Luke 3:31

Nathan was King David’s third son, born in Jerusalem (2 Samuel 5:14). This is not the same person as Nathan the prophet (2 Samuel 7:2).

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

David Judah Ancestors of Jesus

Parallels

Ruth 4:18–22 Matthew 1:1–17

People

David: Anointed king of Israel, ancestor of Jesus Christ Mattatha: An ancestor of Jesus Christ Melea: An ancestor of Jesus in Luke's genealogy Menna: An ancestor of Jesus in Luke's genealogy Nathan: Son of David and Bathsheba, ancestor of Jesus

Glossary

Bathsheba Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Covenant David Genealogy Genealogy of Jesus Christ Luke, Gospel of Mattatha Melea Menan Menna Messiah Nathan

Topics

David: King of Israel: Genealogy of Genealogies of Christ: Given Genealogy of Joseph Genealogy: To Jesus Jesus, the Christ: Genealogy of Jesus, the Christ: Incarnation of Joseph: Husband of Mary: His Genealogy Mattatha: An Ancestor of Jesus Menan: An Ancestor of Jesus The Human Nature of Christ: Genealogy of the Tribe of Judah: out Lord Sprang From