New Testament
Luke 3:26
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
the son of Maath, the son of Mattathias, the son of Semei, the son of Joseph, the son of Juda,
Compare translations
Which was the son of Maath, which was the son of Mattathias, which was the son of Semei, which was the son of Joseph, which was the son of Juda,
What Luke 3:26 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Luke provides a genealogy that traces the lineage of Jesus Christ. This specific part lists several ancestors, emphasizing the connection between Jesus and significant figures in Jewish history. The names mentioned, such as Maath and Mattathias, may not be widely recognized today, but they serve to establish Jesus' rightful place in the lineage of David and Abraham. Genealogies were important in Jewish culture as they affirmed one's heritage and legitimacy. By including these names, Luke highlights the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah's lineage. This verse, while seemingly a simple list of names, underscores the importance of Jesus' earthly heritage and the continuity of God's plan through generations. It reminds readers that Jesus is not just a spiritual figure but also a part of a historical and familial context, linking the New Testament to the Old Testament and God's promises to His people.
How to apply Luke 3:26 to your life
Understanding Jesus' genealogy helps us appreciate the significance of His identity and mission. It encourages us to reflect on our own heritage and how it shapes our faith. Recognizing our roots can deepen our connection to God's ongoing story in our lives.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from John the Apostle's story: Mending Their Nets (Mark 1:19–20)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
John the Apostle
Photo: zeevveez, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.0. Source. Location: Capernaum, on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Capernaum
Jesus' home base by the Sea of Galilee, and the town where Peter lived.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Luke 3:26
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Luke 3:26
At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 3:26 mean?
Luke 3:26 is part of a genealogy that traces the lineage of Jesus Christ, listing several ancestors to emphasize His connection to significant figures in Jewish history. This lineage highlights the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah's descent.
What is the significance of the names in Luke 3:26?
The names in Luke 3:26, such as Maath and Mattathias, serve to establish Jesus' rightful place in the lineage of David and Abraham, affirming His heritage and legitimacy as the Messiah.
How does Luke 3:26 connect to Old Testament prophecies?
Luke 3:26 connects to Old Testament prophecies by tracing Jesus' lineage back to key figures, demonstrating that He fulfills the prophecies concerning the Messiah's descent from David and Abraham.
What can we learn from Jesus' genealogy in Luke 3:26?
From Jesus' genealogy in Luke 3:26, we learn about the importance of heritage and how it shapes identity. It encourages reflection on our own roots and their impact on our faith and connection to God's story.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.