King James Version

What Does Luke 3:36 Mean?

Luke 3:36 in the King James Version says “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 wa...” — study this verse from Luke chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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,”

Luke 3:36 · KJV

Context

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,

38

Which was the son of Enos, which was the son of Seth, which was the son of Adam, which was the son of God.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Which was the son of Cainan, which was the son of Arphaxad, which was the son of Sem, which was the son of Noe—The genealogy reaches Noah (Νῶε, Noe), the second Adam figure who preserved humanity through judgment. Shem (Σήμ, Sem) was Noah's son through whom God's covenant line continued, receiving special blessing (Genesis 9:26). Arphaxad (Ἀρφαξάδ) represents the post-flood generation that repopulated earth.

The inclusion of Cainan (Καϊνάμ) presents a textual issue: he appears in the Septuagint (Greek Old Testament) but not the Hebrew Masoretic text of Genesis 11. Luke, writing for Greek readers, likely used the Septuagint genealogy. This demonstrates ancient textual complexity without undermining scriptural authority—the genealogical point (Jesus's connection to Noah and through him to Adam) remains theologically intact regardless of this minor variation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Noah lived circa 2500-1500 BC (traditional dating), experiencing the flood judgment (Genesis 6-9) and establishing the Noahic covenant with all humanity (Genesis 9:8-17). This covenant—never to destroy earth by flood, symbolized by the rainbow—forms the universal baseline for God's dealings with humanity, over which the Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic, and New Covenants build.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus's connection to Noah link His mission to God's covenant with all humanity, not just Israel?
  2. What does Noah's preservation of humanity through judgment foreshadow about salvation through Jesus alone?
  3. How should the flood account inform your understanding of future judgment and the urgency of gospel proclamation?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
τοῦ1 of 10
G3588

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

Καϊνάν,2 of 10

“Which was the son of Cainan”

G2536

cainan (i.e., kenan), the name of two patriarchs

τοῦ3 of 10
G3588

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

Ἀρφαξὰδ4 of 10

“which was the son of Arphaxad”

G742

arphaxad, a post-diluvian patriarch

τοῦ5 of 10
G3588

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

Σὴμ6 of 10

“which was the son of Sem”

G4590

sem (i.e., shem), a patriarch

τοῦ7 of 10
G3588

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

Νῶε8 of 10

“which was the son of Noe”

G3575

no, (i.e., noch), a patriarch

τοῦ9 of 10
G3588

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

Λάμεχ10 of 10

“which was the son of Lamech”

G2984

lamech (i.e., lemek), 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 3:36 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 3:36 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 5:28-32Genesis 10:21-22Genesis 9:1Genesis 7:131 Peter 3:20Genesis 9:26-27

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