New Testament
Matthew 1:15
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, we see a continuation of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, tracing His lineage through Joseph, His legal father.
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Eliud was the father of Eleazar. Eleazar was the father of Matthan. Matthan was the father of Jacob.
And Eliud begat Eleazar; and Eleazar begat Matthan; and Matthan begat Jacob;
Verse Analysis
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. Explore related legacy.
Related Bible verses
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
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.

The Book of Matthew
Matthew 1: The Generation and Birth of Jesus Christ
The book begins with the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. It records the generations from Abraham to David, from David until the carrying away into Babylon, and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ, each being fourteen generations. The genealogy concludes with Jacob begetting Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.
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