King James Version

What Does Luke 3:29 Mean?

Luke 3:29 in the King James Version says “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...” — study this verse from Luke chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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,”

Luke 3:29 · KJV

Context

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,

31

Which was the son of Melea, which was the son of Menan, which was the son of Mattatha, which was the son of Nathan, which was the son of David,

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Which was the son of Jose, which was the son of Eliezer—Eliezer (Ἐλιέζερ) means "God is my helper" in Hebrew (אֱלִיעֶזֶר), a theophoric name testifying to covenant faith during Israel's subjugation. Jose is the Greek form of Joseph (Ἰωσήφ), one of several Josephs in the lineage, demonstrating cultural patterns of naming children after patriarchs to maintain covenant identity under foreign rule.

Each generation in this obscure section represents families who faithfully maintained Jewish identity, worship, and messianic hope through persecution and assimilation pressures. Their fidelity to covenant obligations—circumcision, Sabbath, temple worship—preserved the cultural and religious context necessary for Messiah's mission.

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Historical & Cultural Context

These generations likely lived under Persian and early Hellenistic rule (5th-3rd centuries BC), when Judaism was developing the synagogue system, producing the Septuagint translation, and establishing the scribal traditions Jesus would later critique. Their faithfulness maintained the theological framework necessary for recognizing Messiah.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the prevalence of theophoric names (names containing God's name) in this genealogy challenge your public witness to faith?
  2. What cultural and spiritual pressures might these ancestors have faced in maintaining Jewish identity under foreign rule?
  3. How should their faithful perseverance through centuries of waiting inform your patience in waiting for Christ's return?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
τοῦ1 of 10
G3588

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

Ἰωσὴ,2 of 10

“Which was the son of Jose”

G2499

jose, an israelite

τοῦ3 of 10
G3588

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

Ἐλιέζερ4 of 10

“which was the son of Eliezer”

G1663

eliezer, an israelite

τοῦ5 of 10
G3588

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

Ἰωρεὶμ,6 of 10

“which was the son of Jorim”

G2497

jorim, an israelite

τοῦ7 of 10
G3588

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

Ματθὰτ,8 of 10

“which was the son of Matthat”

G3158

matthat (i.e., mattithjah), the name of two israelites

τοῦ9 of 10
G3588

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

Λευὶ10 of 10

“which was the son of Levi”

G3017

levi, the name of three israelites

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 3:29 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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