King James Version

What Does Luke 3:37 Mean?

Luke 3:37 in the King James Version says “Which was the son of Mathusala, which was the son of Enoch, which was the son of Jared, which was the son of Maleleel, w...” — study this verse from Luke chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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,”

Luke 3:37 · KJV

Context

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 Mathusala, which was the son of Enoch—Enoch (Ἐνώχ) "walked with God, and he was not, for God took him" (Genesis 5:24)—one of only two people who never experienced death (the other being Elijah). His translation to heaven without dying prefigures the believer's ultimate hope: bodily resurrection and eternal life with God. Hebrews 11:5 cites Enoch as exemplifying faith that pleases God.

Methuselah (Μαθουσάλα, Mathusala) lived 969 years, the longest lifespan recorded in Scripture (Genesis 5:27). His name possibly means "when he dies, it shall come"—tradition suggests his death coincided with the flood, embodying God's patient postponement of judgment. The inclusion of these pre-flood figures demonstrates Jesus's connection to humanity's earliest faithful generations.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Enoch lived in the seventh generation from Adam (Genesis 5:18-24), during the increasingly wicked period before the flood. His godly walk contrasted with his generation's corruption, illustrating that faithfulness is possible even in degenerate societies. His son Methuselah's long life demonstrated God's patience, giving humanity extensive opportunity for repentance before judgment (cf. 2 Peter 3:9).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Enoch's translated state (taken without death) encourage your hope for resurrection and eternal life through Jesus?
  2. What does Methuselah's 969-year lifespan teach about God's patience with sinful humanity and His desire for repentance?
  3. How should Enoch's faithful walk during a corrupt generation inspire your witness in an increasingly post-Christian culture?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
τοῦ1 of 10
G3588

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

Μαθουσαλὰ2 of 10

“Which was the son of Mathusala”

G3103

mathusala (i.e., methushelach), an antediluvian

τοῦ3 of 10
G3588

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

Ἑνὼχ4 of 10

“which was the son of Enoch”

G1802

enoch (i.e., chanok), an antediluvian

τοῦ5 of 10
G3588

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

Ἰαρέδ,6 of 10

“which was the son of Jared”

G2391

jared (i.e., jered), an antediluvian

τοῦ7 of 10
G3588

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

Μαλελεὴλ8 of 10

“which was the son of Maleleel”

G3121

maleleel (i.e., mahalalel), an antediluvian

τοῦ9 of 10
G3588

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

Καϊνὰν,10 of 10

“which was the son of Cainan”

G2536

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

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 3:37 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 3:37 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 1:1-3Genesis 5:6-28

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