King James Version

What Does Luke 3:25 Mean?

Luke 3:25 in the King James Version says “Which was the son of Mattathias, which was the son of Amos, which was the son of Naum, which was the son of Esli, which ...” — study this verse from Luke chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Which was the son of Mattathias, which was the son of Amos, which was the son of Naum, which was the son of Esli, which was the son of Nagge,”

Luke 3:25 · KJV

Context

23

And Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, which was the son of Heli,

24

Which was the son of Matthat, which was the son of Levi, which was the son of Melchi, which was the son of Janna, which was the son of Joseph,

25

Which was the son of Mattathias, which was the son of Amos, which was the son of Naum, which was the son of Esli, which was the son of Nagge,

26

Which was the son of Maath, which was the son of Mattathias, which was the son of Semei, which was the son of Joseph, which was the son of Juda,

27

Which was the son of Joanna, which was the son of Rhesa, which was the son of Zorobabel, which was the son of Salathiel, which was the son of Neri,

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Which was the son of Mattathias, which was the son of Amos—The repetitive genealogical formula emphasizes continuity and historical authenticity. Each generation represents God's providential preservation of the messianic line through centuries of exile, oppression, and national upheaval. The name Amos (Ἀμώς, Amos) differs from the prophet Amos, illustrating how common these names were.

Luke's inclusion of unfamiliar names serves theological purposes: demonstrating Jesus's genuine humanity, fulfilling prophetic requirements for Messiah's Davidic descent, and showing God's faithfulness across generations where no individual achievements are recorded—only covenant faithfulness.

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Historical & Cultural Context

These post-exilic names represent the period between David's reign (1010-970 BC) and the return from Babylonian captivity. Most individuals listed here have no other biblical record, yet their faithful preservation of lineage and faith sustained the messianic promise through Israel's darkest hours.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's work through unknown, faithful generations challenge our culture's obsession with celebrity and recognition?
  2. What responsibility do you have to faithfully pass on the gospel to the next generation, even if your name is never widely known?
  3. How does this genealogy demonstrate that God's purposes are not thwarted by historical obscurity or lack of human recognition?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
τοῦ1 of 10
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ματταθίου2 of 10

“Which was the son of Mattathias”

G3161

mattathias (i.e., mattithjah), an israelite and a christian

τοῦ3 of 10
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἀμὼς4 of 10

“which was the son of Amos”

G301

amos, an israelite

τοῦ5 of 10
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ναοὺμ6 of 10

“which was the son of Naum”

G3486

naum (i.e., nachum), an israelite

τοῦ7 of 10
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἑσλὶ8 of 10

“which was the son of Esli”

G2069

esli, an israelite

τοῦ9 of 10
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ναγγαὶ10 of 10

“which was the son of Nagge”

G3477

nangae (i.e., perhaps nogach), an israelite

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 3:25 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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