King James Version

What Does Matthew 1:17 Mean?

Matthew 1:17 in the King James Version says “So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babyl... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Matthew 1:17 · KJV


Context

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.

18

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.

19

Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Matthew explicitly draws attention to the genealogy's three-fold structure, emphasizing God's sovereign design in salvation history. Each period represents a distinct phase of covenant administration, all culminating in Christ. This demonstrates that the Old Testament is not random history but purposeful preparation for the gospel.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This summary statement helps Jewish readers see continuity between their entire history and Jesus. The structure moves from promise (Abraham) to kingdom (David) to judgment and exile (Babylon) to fulfillment in Christ.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does seeing salvation history as purposefully structured strengthen faith in God's sovereign plan?
  2. In what ways does your life story demonstrate God's purposeful design and providence?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 29 words
Πᾶσαι1 of 29

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

οὖν2 of 29

So

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

αἱ3 of 29
G3588

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

γενεαὶ4 of 29

generations

G1074

a generation; by implication, an age (the period or the persons)

ἀπὸ5 of 29

from

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

Ἀβραὰμ6 of 29

Abraham

G11

abraham, the hebrew patriarch

ἕως7 of 29

to

G2193

a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)

Δαβὶδ8 of 29

David

G1138

david, the israelite king

γενεαὶ9 of 29

generations

G1074

a generation; by implication, an age (the period or the persons)

δεκατέσσαρες10 of 29

are fourteen

G1180

ten and four, i.e., fourteen

καὶ11 of 29

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἀπὸ12 of 29

from

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

Δαβὶδ13 of 29

David

G1138

david, the israelite king

ἕως14 of 29

to

G2193

a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)

τῆς15 of 29
G3588

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

μετοικεσίας16 of 29

the carrying away

G3350

a change of abode, i.e., (specially), expatriation

Βαβυλῶνος17 of 29

into Babylon

G897

babylon, the capitol of chaldaea (literally or figuratively (as a type of tyranny))

γενεαὶ18 of 29

generations

G1074

a generation; by implication, an age (the period or the persons)

δεκατέσσαρες19 of 29

are fourteen

G1180

ten and four, i.e., fourteen

καὶ20 of 29

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἀπὸ21 of 29

from

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

τῆς22 of 29
G3588

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

μετοικεσίας23 of 29

the carrying away

G3350

a change of abode, i.e., (specially), expatriation

Βαβυλῶνος24 of 29

into Babylon

G897

babylon, the capitol of chaldaea (literally or figuratively (as a type of tyranny))

ἕως25 of 29

to

G2193

a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)

τοῦ26 of 29
G3588

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

Χριστοῦ27 of 29

Christ

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

γενεαὶ28 of 29

generations

G1074

a generation; by implication, an age (the period or the persons)

δεκατέσσαρες29 of 29

are fourteen

G1180

ten and four, i.e., fourteen


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 1:17 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 Matthew 1:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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