New Testament

Matthew 1:17

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

Matthew 1:17 summarizes the genealogy of Jesus Christ, highlighting the significant divisions in Israel's history.

Author
Matthew the apostle
Written
Around AD 60-70
Genre
Gospel
Original Audience
Jewish Christians
CBTClear Bible Translation

So there were 14 generations from Abraham to David, 14 generations from David to the exile in Babylon, and 14 generations from the exile in Babylon to Christ.

KJVKing James Version

So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

Matthew 1:17 summarizes the genealogy of Jesus Christ, highlighting the significant divisions in Israel's history. It notes that there are three sets of 14 generations: from Abraham, the father of the Jewish nation, to King David, who established the monarchy; from David to the Babylonian exile, a pivotal moment of judgment and loss for Israel; and from the exile to Jesus, marking the fulfillment of God's promise of a Messiah. The repetition of the number 14 emphasizes God's sovereignty and the orderly unfolding of His plan through history. This structure also serves to connect Jesus to key figures in Jewish history, reinforcing His identity as the awaited Savior. The genealogy illustrates God's faithfulness across generations, showing that despite Israel's failures, He remained committed to His covenant promises. Explore related historical.

How to apply Matthew 1:17 to your life

Understanding the genealogy of Jesus encourages us to recognize God's hand in our own family histories. It reminds us that every generation plays a role in God's plan. We can find hope in knowing that God is faithful through all circumstances, just as He was with Israel.

Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What is the significance of the 14 generations in Matthew 1:17?

The 14 generations in Matthew 1:17 highlight key periods in Israel's history, emphasizing God's sovereign plan. The structure of three sets of 14 generations connects Jesus to important figures like Abraham and David, reinforcing His identity as the Messiah. This repetition of the number 14 also symbolizes completeness and order in God's unfolding narrative.

Why does Matthew emphasize the genealogy of Jesus?

Matthew emphasizes the genealogy of Jesus to establish His rightful place in Jewish history and fulfill Old Testament prophecies. By tracing Jesus' lineage back to Abraham and David, Matthew demonstrates that Jesus is the promised Messiah who fulfills God's covenant with Israel. This genealogy serves to connect Jesus with the faithfulness of God across generations.

How does Matthew 1:17 relate to God's faithfulness?

Matthew 1:17 illustrates God's faithfulness by showing how He maintained His covenant promises through generations, despite Israel's failures. The genealogy reveals that God has a plan for redemption that spans history, culminating in the birth of Jesus. This serves as a reminder that God is consistently at work in our lives and family histories, fulfilling His promises.

What can we learn from the genealogy in Matthew 1:17?

The genealogy in Matthew 1:17 teaches us about the importance of our family histories and the roles we play in God's plan. It encourages us to recognize that every generation contributes to a larger story of faith and redemption. This understanding can inspire hope and a sense of purpose as we navigate our own lives, knowing that God is faithful through all circumstances.

The Book of Matthew
Book Summary

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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