King James Version

What Does Luke 3:28 Mean?

Luke 3:28 in the King James Version says “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 ...” — study this verse from Luke chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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,”

Luke 3:28 · KJV

Context

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,

30

Which was the son of Simeon, which was the son of Juda, which was the son of Joseph, which was the son of Jonan, which was the son of Eliakim,

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Which was the son of Melchi, which was the son of Addi—Following Zerubbabel, the genealogy continues through lesser-known post-exilic descendants. The name Melchi (Μελχί) derives from Hebrew melekh (מֶלֶךְ, king), ironically pointing toward Jesus's true kingship despite these ancestors' lack of royal power after the exile.

This section covers the "silent centuries" between the Old Testament's close and Jesus's birth—approximately 400 years when Israel had no prophetic voice. Yet God was sovereignly preserving the messianic line through faithful, ordinary Israelites. Their obscurity magnifies grace: Jesus came not through continuing royal splendor but through humble preservation of covenant lineage.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The period from Zerubbabel (520 BC) to Jesus (4 BC) encompassed Persian rule, Alexander's conquest, the Maccabean revolt, and Roman occupation. These ancestors lived through centuries of foreign domination, messianic expectation, and religious development that shaped Second Temple Judaism into which Jesus was born.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's preservation of the messianic line through centuries of political subjugation encourage your faith during times of waiting?
  2. What does the 'silent' period between testaments teach about trusting God's purposes even when He seems inactive?
  3. How might the humble circumstances of Jesus's ancestors have prepared His mission to the poor and marginalized?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
τοῦ1 of 10
G3588

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

Μελχὶ2 of 10

“Which was the son of Melchi”

G3197

melchi (i.e., malki), the name of two israelites

τοῦ3 of 10
G3588

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

Ἀδδὶ4 of 10

“which was the son of Addi”

G78

addi, an israelite

τοῦ5 of 10
G3588

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

Κωσὰμ6 of 10

“which was the son of Cosam”

G2973

cosam (i.e., kosam) an israelite

τοῦ7 of 10
G3588

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

Ἐλμωδὰμ,8 of 10

“which was the son of Elmodam”

G1678

elmodam, an israelite

τοῦ9 of 10
G3588

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

Ἢρ10 of 10

“which was the son of Er”

G2262

er, 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 3:28 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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