King James Version

What Does Luke 3:32 Mean?

Luke 3:32 in the King James Version says “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...” — study this verse from Luke chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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,”

Luke 3:32 · KJV

Context

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,

33

Which was the son of Aminadab, which was the son of Aram, which was the son of Esrom, which was the son of Phares, which was the son of Juda,

34

Which was the son of Jacob, which was the son of Isaac, which was the son of Abraham, which was the son of Thara, which was the son of Nachor,

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Which was the son of Jesse, which was the son of Obed, which was the son of Booz—The genealogy now enters Ruth's account: Boaz (Βοόζ, Booz) married Ruth the Moabitess, producing Obed (Ὠβήδ), grandfather of David. This inclusion of a Gentile woman in Messiah's lineage anticipates Luke's universal emphasis—Jesus came as Savior of all nations, not Jews only.

Salmon married Rahab the Canaanite (Matthew 1:5), another Gentile woman in Jesus's ancestry. These foreign women—both redeemed through faith and covenant inclusion—preview the gospel's breaking down of ethnic barriers. The Greek text emphasizes legitimate sonship (huios) despite non-Jewish ancestry, demonstrating that covenant faith, not ethnic purity, determines standing in God's kingdom.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The book of Ruth occurs during the judges period (circa 1100 BC), a time of spiritual apostasy and political chaos in Israel. Yet God was working through an impoverished widow from a pagan nation to preserve the messianic line—illustrating His sovereignty over human chaos and redemptive inclusion of faith-filled outsiders.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the inclusion of Ruth and Rahab in Jesus's genealogy challenge ethnic pride and cultural exclusivism in the church?
  2. What does Ruth's redemption and inclusion in Messiah's lineage teach about God's grace toward 'outsiders' who come in faith?
  3. How should the presence of Gentile women in Jesus's ancestry shape your understanding of the church's mission to all nations?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
τοῦ1 of 10
G3588

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

Ἰεσσαὶ2 of 10

“Which was the son of Jesse”

G2421

jessae (i.e., jishai), an israelite

τοῦ3 of 10
G3588

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

Ὠβήδ,4 of 10

“which was the son of Obed”

G5601

obed, an israelite

τοῦ5 of 10
G3588

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

Βόοζ,6 of 10

“which was the son of Booz”

G1003

booz, (i.e., boaz), an israelite

τοῦ7 of 10
G3588

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

Σαλμών,8 of 10

“which was the son of Salmon”

G4533

salmon, an israelite

τοῦ9 of 10
G3588

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

Ναασσὼν10 of 10

“which was the son of Naasson”

G3476

naasson (i.e., nachshon), 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 3:32 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 3:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ruth 4:18-22Matthew 1:3-6Isaiah 11:1-21 Samuel 20:31Psalms 72:20Numbers 7:12

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