New Testament
Matthew 1:16
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Jacob was the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Mary gave birth to Jesus, who is called Christ.
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And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.
What Matthew 1:16 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see a crucial link in the genealogy of Jesus Christ. Jacob is identified as the father of Joseph, who is married to Mary. This establishes Joseph's lineage, which is significant in Jewish tradition, as it connects Jesus to the line of David. Mary is noted as the mother of Jesus, emphasizing her role in the miraculous birth of Christ. The phrase 'who is called Christ' highlights Jesus' identity as the Messiah, the anointed one expected by the Jewish people. This verse serves as a bridge between the Old Testament prophecies and the New Testament fulfillment, showing that Jesus is the culmination of God's plan for salvation. It also underscores the importance of family lineage in understanding Jesus' heritage and the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel.
How to apply Matthew 1:16 to your life
Understanding Jesus' lineage helps us appreciate the significance of His birth and the fulfillment of God's promises. It reminds us that God works through ordinary people and families to accomplish His divine purposes. We can trust that our own backgrounds and stories are part of His greater plan.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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Key themes
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 1:16 mean?
Matthew 1:16 identifies Jacob as the father of Joseph, who is married to Mary, the mother of Jesus. This verse highlights Jesus' lineage, connecting Him to the line of David and emphasizing His role as the Messiah.
What is the significance of Joseph in Matthew 1:16?
In Matthew 1:16, Joseph is significant because he links Jesus to the royal lineage of David through his father Jacob. This connection fulfills Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah's ancestry.
What does 'who is called Christ' mean in Matthew 1:16?
The phrase 'who is called Christ' in Matthew 1:16 emphasizes Jesus' identity as the Messiah, the anointed one expected by the Jewish people. It signifies His role in fulfilling God's promises of salvation.
Why is Mary mentioned in Matthew 1:16?
Mary is mentioned in Matthew 1:16 to highlight her role as the mother of Jesus, emphasizing the miraculous nature of His birth. This underscores the importance of her lineage and connection to God's plan.
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