King James Version

What Does Luke 3:30 Mean?

Luke 3:30 in the King James Version says “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 w... — study this verse from Luke chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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,

Luke 3:30 · KJV


Context

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,

32

Which was the son of Jesse, which was the son of Obed, which was the son of Booz, which was the son of Salmon, which was the son of Naasson,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Which was the son of Simeon, which was the son of Juda—Simeon (Συμεών, Symeon) bears the name of Jacob's second son, meaning "hearing" (Genesis 29:33), while Juda (Judah, Ἰούδα) recalls the tribe from which Messiah would come (Genesis 49:10). The repetition of tribal names reinforces the family's conscious identification with covenant history and prophetic promises.

These names also connect to Luke's narrative: Simeon the prophet recognized infant Jesus as Messiah (Luke 2:25-35), and the entire genealogy establishes Jesus as "Lion of the tribe of Judah" (Revelation 5:5). Each generation's naming choices reflected active participation in maintaining messianic expectation through faithful child-rearing and covenant instruction.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The practice of naming children after patriarchs and tribal ancestors served as living catechism, teaching each generation their place in salvation history. This genealogical consciousness helped preserve Jewish identity during dispersion and prepared the people to recognize prophetic fulfillment when Messiah appeared.

Reflection Questions

  1. How might deliberate naming practices (choosing names with spiritual significance) serve as faith-forming tools in raising children?
  2. What does this genealogical consciousness teach about the importance of knowing and teaching church history and biblical heritage?
  3. How does Jesus's embodiment of Israel's tribal identity (Lion of Judah) fulfill the corporate election of Israel?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
τοῦ1 of 10
G3588

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

Συμεὼν2 of 10

Which was the son of Simeon

G4826

symeon (i.e., shimon), the name of five israelites

τοῦ3 of 10
G3588

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

Ἰούδα4 of 10

which was the son of Juda

G2455

judas (i.e., jehudah), the name of ten israelites; also of the posterity of one of them and its region

τοῦ5 of 10
G3588

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

Ἰωσὴφ6 of 10

which was the son of Joseph

G2501

joseph, the name of seven israelites

τοῦ7 of 10
G3588

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

Ἰωνὰν,8 of 10

which was the son of Jonan

G2494

jonan, an israelite

τοῦ9 of 10
G3588

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

Ἐλιακεὶμ,10 of 10

which was the son of Eliakim

G1662

eliakim, 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 3:30 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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