New Testament
Luke 3:34
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, Luke provides a genealogy that traces the lineage of Jesus back to significant patriarchs in Jewish history.
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
the son of Jacob, the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham, the son of Thara, the son of Nachor,
Which was the son of Jacob, which was the son of Isaac, which was the son of Abraham, which was the son of Thara, which was the son of Nachor,
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Luke provides a genealogy that traces the lineage of Jesus back to significant patriarchs in Jewish history. It highlights Jesus' connection to key figures like Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, emphasizing His rightful place in the Jewish tradition. This lineage is important as it fulfills Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah's descent from Abraham, the father of many nations. The mention of Thara (Terah) and Nachor further roots Jesus' ancestry in the broader context of the Hebrew people. By establishing this lineage, Luke not only affirms Jesus' Jewish identity but also underscores the continuity of God's plan through generations. This genealogy serves to remind readers of the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises throughout history, culminating in the birth of Jesus, who is seen as the ultimate fulfillment of those promises.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Luke 3:34 to your life
Understanding Jesus' genealogy helps us appreciate our own spiritual heritage. Just as Jesus' lineage connects Him to God's promises, we can reflect on our own backgrounds and how they shape our faith. This encourages us to honor our roots while living out our faith today.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 3:34 mean?
Luke 3:34 provides a genealogy of Jesus, tracing His lineage back to significant figures in Jewish history, including Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This lineage emphasizes Jesus' connection to the Jewish tradition and fulfills Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah's descent.
What is the significance of Abraham in Luke 3:34?
Abraham is a key figure in Luke 3:34 as he is considered the father of many nations and the patriarch of the Jewish people. His inclusion in Jesus' genealogy highlights the fulfillment of God's promises and the continuity of faith through generations.
Who are Thara and Nachor in Luke 3:34?
Thara, also known as Terah, is the father of Abraham, and Nachor is Abraham's brother. Their mention in Jesus' genealogy helps to further establish the historical and cultural roots of Jesus within the Hebrew lineage.
What does the genealogy in Luke 3:34 tell us about Jesus?
The genealogy in Luke 3:34 shows that Jesus is part of a long line of significant Jewish ancestors, affirming His identity and role within the Jewish faith. It underscores the importance of His heritage in relation to God's promises.

The Book of Luke
Luke 1: The Births of John the Baptist and Jesus Foretold
In the days of Herod, king of Judaea, a priest named Zacharias serves in the temple. He and his wife Elisabeth are both righteous but have no children because Elisabeth is barren, and they are both old. While Zacharias burns incense, the angel Gabriel appears to him and says Elisabeth will bear a son who is to be named John. The child will be great before the Lord, will drink no wine or strong drink, and will be filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother's womb. He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. Zacharias asks how he can know this, since he and his wife are old. Gabriel says Zacharias will be unable to speak until these things come to pass because he did not believe.
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