King James Version

What Does Luke 3:35 Mean?

Luke 3:35 in the King James Version says “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 ...” — study this verse from Luke chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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,”

Luke 3:35 · KJV

Context

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,

37

Which was the son of Mathusala, which was the son of Enoch, which was the son of Jared, which was the son of Maleleel, which was the son of Cainan,

Read Luke 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Which was the son of Saruch, which was the son of Ragau, which was the son of Phalec—The genealogy now moves beyond Abraham to pre-patriarchal ancestors preserved in Genesis 11:10-26. Phalec (Peleg, Φάλεκ) lived when "the earth was divided" (Genesis 10:25), likely referring to the Babel dispersion when God confused languages and scattered humanity (Genesis 11:1-9).

These names connect Jesus's lineage to the table of nations (Genesis 10), emphasizing His significance for all humanity, not just Abraham's descendants. Luke's Gentile audience would recognize Jesus's connection to all peoples predating Israel's election. The Greek transliterations (Phalek, Ragau, Serouch) preserve Hebrew forms, maintaining linguistic continuity with Genesis.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This genealogical section spans from approximately 2300-2000 BC, covering the post-flood world's repopulation and the Babel event. These ancestors lived in Mesopotamia (modern Iraq), the cultural cradle of civilization, before God called Abraham to leave Ur and establish a covenant people.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus's genealogical connection to pre-Abrahamic humanity underscore the gospel's universal scope beyond Jewish particularism?
  2. What does the Babel context (division of nations) teach about Jesus's mission to reunite all peoples under God's rule?
  3. How should the ancient Mesopotamian context of Jesus's ancestors inform your understanding of God's work in pagan cultures?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
τοῦ1 of 10
G3588

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

Σαρούχ,2 of 10

“Which was the son of Saruch”

G4562

saruch (i.e., serug), a patriarch

τοῦ3 of 10
G3588

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

Ῥαγαὺ4 of 10

“which was the son of Ragau”

G4466

ragau (i.e., reu), a patriarch

τοῦ5 of 10
G3588

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

Φάλεκ6 of 10

“which was the son of Phalec”

G5317

phalek (i.e., peleg), a patriarch

τοῦ7 of 10
G3588

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

Ἔβερ8 of 10

“which was the son of Heber”

G1443

eber, a patriarch

τοῦ9 of 10
G3588

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

Σαλὰ10 of 10

“which was the son of Sala”

G4527

sala (i.e., shelach), a patriarch

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 3:35 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 3:35 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 10:24-25Genesis 11:12-21

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