King James Version

What Does Luke 3:38 Mean?

Luke 3:38 in the King James Version says “Which was the son of Enos, which was the son of Seth, which was the son of Adam, which was the son of God.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 3:38 · KJV

Context

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 Enos, which was the son of Seth, which was the son of Adam, which was the son of God—The genealogy culminates at Adam (Ἀδάμ), the first human, created directly by God (Genesis 1:26-27; 2:7). The phrase which was the son of God (τοῦ θεοῦ, tou theou) is theologically loaded: Adam bore God's image, held unique relationship with the Creator, and represented all humanity in the covenant of works.

Luke's purpose in tracing Jesus to Adam (rather than stopping at Abraham like Matthew) establishes Jesus as the Second Adam (Romans 5:12-21; 1 Corinthians 15:45-49). Where the first Adam failed, bringing sin and death to all his descendants, the Last Adam succeeded, bringing righteousness and life. The genealogy demonstrates Jesus's representative capacity: as Adam's descendant, He represents all humanity; as God's Son (uniquely declared at Jesus's baptism, Luke 3:22), He perfectly fulfills what Adam failed to do. Seth (Σήθ) replaced Abel, continuing the godly line after Cain's murder. Enos (Ἐνώς) means "mortal" or "frail," during whose time "people began to call upon the name of the LORD" (Genesis 4:26)—initiating organized worship.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Adam lived in Eden, the geographical location identified with Mesopotamia (Genesis 2:10-14). His fall (Genesis 3) explains all human sin, suffering, and death—the problem Jesus came to solve. The phrase 'son of God' applied to Adam establishes the theological foundation for understanding Jesus's unique Sonship: Adam was son by creation, Jesus is Son by eternal generation and incarnation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Luke's tracing Jesus to Adam (not just Abraham) emphasize the universal scope of the gospel for all humanity?
  2. What does Paul's Last Adam theology (Romans 5, 1 Corinthians 15) teach about Jesus's representative work in undoing Adam's curse?
  3. How should understanding Jesus as the Second Adam shape your view of His perfect obedience achieving what we cannot?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 8 words
τοῦ1 of 8
G3588

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

Ἐνὼς2 of 8

“Which was the son of Enos”

G1800

enos (i.e., enosh), a patriarch

τοῦ3 of 8
G3588

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

Σὴθ4 of 8

“which was the son of Seth”

G4589

seth (i.e., sheth), a patriarch

τοῦ5 of 8
G3588

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

Ἀδὰμ6 of 8

“which was the son of Adam”

G76

adam, the first man; typically (of jesus) man (as his representative)

τοῦ7 of 8
G3588

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

θεοῦ8 of 8

“which was the son of God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

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 3:38 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 3:38 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 2:7Isaiah 64:81 Corinthians 15:471 Corinthians 15:45Genesis 4:25-5:3Acts 17:26-29

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