King James Version

What Does Luke 3:33 Mean?

Luke 3:33 in the King James Version says “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...” — study this verse from Luke chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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,”

Luke 3:33 · KJV

Context

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,

35

Which was the son of Saruch, which was the son of Ragau, which was the son of Phalec, which was the son of Heber, which was the son of Sala,

Read Luke 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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—The genealogy now reaches Judah (Ἰούδα), Jacob's fourth son through whom the messianic promise would flow (Genesis 49:10: "The scepter shall not depart from Judah"). Phares (Perez, Φάρες) was born to Judah through Tamar (Genesis 38), another scandalous inclusion involving deception and unconventional circumstances—yet God's redemptive plan continued.

Esrom (Hezron, Ἐσρώμ) and Aram (Ram, Ἀράμ) connect the patriarchal period to the judges' era. Aminadab (Ἀμιναδάβ) was father-in-law of Aaron (Exodus 6:23), linking Judah's kingly line to Levi's priestly line—both converging in Jesus, the ultimate priest-king after Melchizedek's order (Hebrews 7:1-3).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

These ancestors lived during Israel's Egyptian bondage and exodus (1446 BC traditional dating). Aminadab's generation witnessed God's redemptive acts: the plagues, Passover, Red Sea crossing, and Sinai covenant. Their faithfulness preserved the Judahite line that would produce both David and ultimately Jesus.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the inclusion of Tamar's scandalous account in Messiah's lineage demonstrate God's redemptive use of broken circumstances?
  2. What does the convergence of kingly and priestly lines in Jesus teach about His multifaceted mediatorial role?
  3. How should Jesus's connection to both exodus generation and David's kingdom inform your understanding of the 'greater exodus' in His ministry?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
τοῦ1 of 10
G3588

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

Ἀμιναδὰβ2 of 10

“Which was the son of Aminadab”

G284

aminadab, an israelite

τοῦ3 of 10
G3588

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

Ἀράμ,4 of 10

“which was the son of Aram”

G689

aram (i.e., ram), an israelite

τοῦ5 of 10
G3588

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

Ἑσρὼμ6 of 10

“which was the son of Esrom”

G2074

esrom (i.e., chetsron), an israelite

τοῦ7 of 10
G3588

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

Φάρες8 of 10

“which was the son of Phares”

G5329

phares (i.e., perets), an israelite

τοῦ9 of 10
G3588

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

Ἰούδα10 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

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 3:33 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 3:33 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 2:4-5Ruth 4:19-20Genesis 46:12Ruth 4:12Numbers 26:20-21Genesis 49:8

Test Your Knowledge

Luke 3 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterLuke Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Luke 3 with CommentaryAll Luke ChaptersComplete Luke QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes