King James Version

What Does Luke 3:34 Mean?

Luke 3:34 in the King James Version says “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 ... — study this verse from Luke chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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,

Luke 3:34 · KJV


Context

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,

36

Which was the son of Cainan, which was the son of Arphaxad, which was the son of Sem, which was the son of Noe, which was the son of Lamech,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Which was the son of Jacob, which was the son of Isaac, which was the son of Abraham—The genealogy reaches the patriarchs: Abraham (Ἀβραάμ) received God's covenant promise that through his seed all nations would be blessed (Genesis 12:3; 22:18). Isaac (Ἰσαάκ) was the child of promise, born miraculously to aged parents, prefiguring Jesus's virgin birth. Jacob (Ἰακώβ) was renamed Israel, father of the twelve tribes, embodying God's electing grace despite personal unworthiness.

These three patriarchs form the covenant foundation for Israel's entire history. The phrase "God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob" (Exodus 3:6) defines Yahweh's covenant character. Jesus explicitly invoked this patriarchal formula when teaching resurrection (Luke 20:37), establishing continuity between Old Testament promises and New Testament fulfillment. Luke's inclusion emphasizes Jesus as the ultimate Seed of Abraham (Galatians 3:16).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The patriarchal period (circa 2000-1800 BC) established foundational covenant promises: land, descendants, and blessing to nations. Abraham's faith-righteousness (Genesis 15:6) became Paul's paradigm for justification by faith (Romans 4). Isaac's sacrifice foreshadowed Jesus's substitutionary atonement. Jacob's wrestling with God pictured Israel's history of struggle and transformation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus's identity as the 'Seed of Abraham' fulfill God's promise that through Abraham all nations would be blessed?
  2. What does Isaac's miraculous birth teach about God's pattern of bringing life from impossibility, culminating in Jesus's virgin birth?
  3. How should the patriarchs' lives of faith despite personal failures encourage your confidence in God's covenantal faithfulness?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
τοῦ1 of 10
G3588

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

Ἰακὼβ2 of 10

Which was the son of Jacob

G2384

jacob (i.e., ja`akob), the progenitor of the israelites

τοῦ3 of 10
G3588

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

Ἰσαὰκ4 of 10

which was the son of Isaac

G2464

isaac (i.e., jitschak), the son of abraham

τοῦ5 of 10
G3588

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

Ἀβραὰμ6 of 10

which was the son of Abraham

G11

abraham, the hebrew patriarch

τοῦ7 of 10
G3588

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

Θάρα8 of 10

which was the son of Thara

G2291

thara (i.e., terach), the father of abraham

τοῦ9 of 10
G3588

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

Ναχὼρ10 of 10

which was the son of Nachor

G3493

nachor, the grandfather of abraham


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 3:34 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 3:34 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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