King James Version
What Does Matthew 1:15 Mean?
“And Eliud begat Eleazar; and Eleazar begat Matthan; and Matthan begat Jacob;”
Context
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;
16
And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.
17
So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations.
Commentary
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary**11. And Josias begat Jechonias and his brethren--**Jeconiah was Josiah's grandson, being the son of Jehoiakim, Josiah's second son (1Ch 3:15); but Jehoiakim might well be sunk in such a catalogue, being a mere puppet in the hands of the king of Egypt (2Ch 36:4). The "brethren" of Jechonias here evidently mean his uncles--the chief of whom, Mattaniah or Zedekiah, who came to the throne (2Ki 24:17), is, in 2Ch 36:10, as well as here, called "his brother."
**about the time they were carried away to Babylon--**literally, "of their migration," for the Jews avoided the word "captivity" as too bitter a recollection, and our Evangelist studiously respects the national feeling.
Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset, David Brown. Public Domain.
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 1:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.