New Testament
Matthew 1:15
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Eliud was the father of Eleazar. Eleazar was the father of Matthan. Matthan was the father of Jacob.
Compare translations
And Eliud begat Eleazar; and Eleazar begat Matthan; and Matthan begat Jacob;
What Matthew 1:15 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see a continuation of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, tracing His lineage through Joseph, His legal father. Eliud is identified as the father of Eleazar, who in turn is the father of Matthan, and Matthan is the father of Jacob. This lineage is significant as it establishes Jesus' rightful place in the Jewish heritage and fulfills Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah's descent from David. Each name represents a link in the chain of generations that leads to Jesus, emphasizing the importance of family and heritage in biblical times. The genealogy serves to connect Jesus to the history of Israel, showing that He is part of God's unfolding plan for salvation. This verse, while seemingly straightforward, highlights the importance of every individual in God's plan, reminding us that each person has a role in the larger story of faith and redemption.
How to apply Matthew 1:15 to your life
Understanding the genealogy of Jesus encourages us to appreciate our own family histories and the roles they play in shaping who we are. It reminds us that every generation contributes to God's purpose, and we should honor our heritage while living out our faith today.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew 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 Peter's story: Andrew Brings Simon to Jesus (John 1:40–42)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Peter
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. 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.
Nazareth
The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
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 Matthew 1:15
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 Matthew 1:15
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 1:15 mean?
Matthew 1:15 details part of the genealogy of Jesus, showing that Eliud is the father of Eleazar, who is the father of Matthan, and Matthan is the father of Jacob. This lineage emphasizes Jesus' connection to the Jewish heritage and fulfills prophecies about the Messiah's descent.
What is the significance of the names in Matthew 1:15?
The names Eliud, Eleazar, Matthan, and Jacob represent a direct lineage leading to Jesus, highlighting the importance of family and heritage in biblical times. Each name signifies a link in the genealogy that establishes Jesus' rightful place in the history of Israel.
What does 'begat' mean in Matthew 1:15?
In Matthew 1:15, 'begat' means to father or give birth to. It indicates the lineage and succession of generations leading to Jesus, showing how each individual contributed to His ancestry.
How does Matthew 1:15 relate to the theme of family?
Matthew 1:15 highlights the theme of family by tracing Jesus' genealogy through specific individuals, emphasizing the importance of heritage and the role of each generation in God's plan for salvation.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.