King James Version

What Does Matthew 1:13 Mean?

Matthew 1:13 in the King James Version says “And Zorobabel begat Abiud; and Abiud begat Eliakim; and Eliakim begat Azor; — study this verse from Matthew chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And Zorobabel begat Abiud; and Abiud begat Eliakim; and Eliakim begat Azor;

Matthew 1:13 · KJV


Context

11

And Josias begat Jechonias and his brethren, about the time they were carried away to Babylon: Josias: some read, Josias begat Jakim, and Jakim begat Jechonias

12

And after they were brought to Babylon, Jechonias begat Salathiel; and Salathiel begat Zorobabel;

13

And Zorobabel begat Abiud; and Abiud begat Eliakim; and Eliakim begat Azor;

14

And Azor begat Sadoc; and Sadoc begat Achim; and Achim begat Eliud;

15

And Eliud begat Eleazar; and Eleazar begat Matthan; and Matthan begat Jacob;


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
These names represent the 'silent years' between the testaments when no prophetic word came to Israel. Yet God was still working, preserving the messianic line through obscure, faithful people. This demonstrates that God's significant work often happens in hiddenness, not in public acclaim.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This period represents the post-exilic return to Judah (approximately 539-450 BC) and following centuries. These were times of subjugation under Persian, Greek, and eventually Roman rule.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does God's preservation of the messianic line through centuries of obscurity teach about His hidden providence?
  2. How should this shape our view of faithfulness in seemingly insignificant circumstances?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
Ζοροβάβελ1 of 15

Zorobabel

G2216

zorobabel (i.e., zerubbabel), an israelite

δὲ2 of 15

And

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐγέννησεν3 of 15

begat

G1080

to procreate (properly, of the father, but by extension of the mother); figuratively, to regenerate

τὸν4 of 15
G3588

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

Ἀβιοὺδ5 of 15

Abiud

G10

abihud, an israelite

Ἀβιοὺδ6 of 15

Abiud

G10

abihud, an israelite

δὲ7 of 15

And

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐγέννησεν8 of 15

begat

G1080

to procreate (properly, of the father, but by extension of the mother); figuratively, to regenerate

τὸν9 of 15
G3588

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

Ἐλιακεὶμ10 of 15

Eliakim

G1662

eliakim, an israelite

Ἐλιακεὶμ11 of 15

Eliakim

G1662

eliakim, an israelite

δὲ12 of 15

And

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐγέννησεν13 of 15

begat

G1080

to procreate (properly, of the father, but by extension of the mother); figuratively, to regenerate

τὸν14 of 15
G3588

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

Ἀζώρ15 of 15

Azor

G107

azor, an israelite


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Matthew 1:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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