King James Version

What Does Luke 3:27 Mean?

Luke 3:27 in the King James Version says “Which was the son of Joanna, which was the son of Rhesa, which was the son of Zorobabel, which was the son of Salathiel,...” — study this verse from Luke chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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,”

Luke 3:27 · KJV

Context

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,

28

Which was the son of Melchi, which was the son of Addi, which was the son of Cosam, which was the son of Elmodam, which was the son of Er,

29

Which was the son of Jose, which was the son of Eliezer, which was the son of Jorim, which was the son of Matthat, which was the son of Levi,

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Which was the son of Joanna, which was the son of Rhesa, which was the son of Zorobabel—Here Luke intersects with Old Testament history: Zerubbabel (Ζοροβάβελ, Zorobabel) was the governor who led the first return from Babylonian exile (Ezra 3:2) and rebuilt the temple. Haggai and Zechariah prophesied during his leadership, and God called him His "signet ring" (Haggai 2:23), reversing the curse on his ancestor Jeconiah.

Salathiel (Shealtiel, שְׁאַלְתִּיאֵל) was Zerubbabel's father according to Ezra 3:2, connecting Jesus's lineage to the post-exilic restoration. The inclusion of these historically verifiable figures anchors the genealogy in documented history, demonstrating Luke's careful research (Luke 1:3: "having followed all things closely," ἀκριβῶς παρηκολουθηκότι).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Zerubbabel (circa 520 BC) represents a pivotal figure connecting pre-exilic Israel to post-exilic Judaism. His temple reconstruction (completed 516 BC) restored central worship and prepared for Messiah's coming. Luke's inclusion demonstrates Jesus as the ultimate temple builder and restoration figure Zerubbabel foreshadowed.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Zerubbabel's role as temple builder foreshadow Jesus as the ultimate temple (John 2:19-21)?
  2. What does God's reversal of the curse on Jeconiah through Zerubbabel reveal about His redemptive power over generational consequences?
  3. How does Jesus's connection to the post-exilic restoration fulfill the 'greater exodus' theme in Luke's Gospel?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
τοῦ1 of 10
G3588

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

Ἰωὰννα2 of 10

“Which was the son of Joanna”

G2490

joannas, an israelite

τοῦ3 of 10
G3588

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

Ῥησὰ4 of 10

“which was the son of Rhesa”

G4488

resa (i.e., rephajah), an israelite

τοῦ5 of 10
G3588

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

Ζοροβαβὲλ6 of 10

“which was the son of Zorobabel”

G2216

zorobabel (i.e., zerubbabel), an israelite

τοῦ7 of 10
G3588

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

Σαλαθιὴλ8 of 10

“which was the son of Salathiel”

G4528

salathiel (i.e., shealtiel), an israelite

τοῦ9 of 10
G3588

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

Νηρὶ10 of 10

“which was the son of Neri”

G3518

neri (i.e., nerijah), 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 3:27 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 3:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 1:12

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