Keraia
Matthew 1

Matthew 1:17

The Genealogy of Jesus · Matthew 1:1–17
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Translations

Modern
In all, then, there were fourteen generations from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the exile to Babylon, and fourteen from the exile to the Christ.
Traditional
So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations.
Literal
Therefore all the generations from Abraham until David were fourteen generations, and from David until the deportation to Babylon fourteen generations, and from the deportation to Babylon until the Christ fourteen generations.
Latin
Omnes itaque generationes ab Abraham usque ad David, generationes quatuordecim: et a David usque ad transmigrationem Babylonis, generationes quatuordecim: et a transmigratione Babylonis usque ad Christum, generationes quatuordecim.

Original

Greek
English
In all, then, there were fourteen generations from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the exile to Babylon, and fourteen from the exile to the Christ.

Notes

Matthew 1:17

Matthew says each time period has fourteen generations. But the first and third periods list only thirteen. A traditional Jewish and Old Testament method would count King David in both the first and second groups. It would include Jesus in the third group.

This suggests Matthew is probably emphasizing the gematria (a system where letters represent numbers). The letters in the Hebrew word dawid (meaning "David") add up to fourteen. Matthew is emphasizing Jesus’ credentials as the Messiah (1:1).

Matthew 1:1–2:23

This story shows how certain parts of the life of Jesus fulfilled Old Testament prophecies. This includes:

  • his family history and birth (chapter 1), and

  • the places he lived as a child (chapter 2).

The story also shows how efforts to stop the plan of God do not work (2:1–15; see also 27:62–66).

Theme notes and profiles

Ancestors of Jesus The Promise of Dynasty

Parallels

Ruth 4:18–22 Luke 3:23–38

People

Abraham: Patriarch, chosen by God to father His people David: Anointed king of Israel, ancestor of Jesus Christ Jesus: The Son of God and Savior of the world

Places

Babylon: Ancient Mesopotamian city, capital of Babylonian Empire, site of the Tower of Babel

Glossary

Babylon as a Symbol Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Genealogy Genealogy of Jesus Christ Gospel of Matthew Messiah Numbers and Numerology Ruth, Book of Virgin Birth of Jesus

Topics

Genealogies of Christ: Given Genealogy of Jesus Jesus, the Christ: Genealogy of Jesus, the Christ: Incarnation of Judas Hanging Himself Prophecies Respecting Christ: The Conversion of the Gentiles to Him: Fulfilled The Human Nature of Christ: Genealogy of