King James Version

What Does Matthew 1:6 Mean?

Matthew 1:6 in the King James Version says “And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias; — study this verse from Matthew chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias;

Matthew 1:6 · KJV


Context

4

And Aram begat Aminadab; and Aminadab begat Naasson; and Naasson begat Salmon;

5

And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse;

6

And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias;

7

And Solomon begat Roboam; and Roboam begat Abia; and Abia begat Asa;

8

And Asa begat Josaphat; and Josaphat begat Joram; and Joram begat Ozias;


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The mention of Ruth the Moabitess emphasizes God's sovereign grace extending beyond ethnic Israel to include Gentiles in the messianic line. Ruth's inclusion prefigures the gospel going to all nations. Her account demonstrates the doctrine of adoption—she was grafted into God's covenant people through faith and covenant loyalty (hesed).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ruth lived during the time of the Judges (approximately 1100 BC), a period of spiritual declension in Israel. Despite this dark era, God was sovereignly preparing the lineage of David and ultimately Christ.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Ruth's inclusion in Christ's genealogy teach about God's heart for the nations?
  2. How does her story illustrate the doctrine of grace alone through faith alone?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
Ἰεσσαὶ1 of 18

Jesse

G2421

jessae (i.e., jishai), an israelite

δὲ2 of 18

And

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐγέννησεν3 of 18

begat

G1080

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

τοῦ4 of 18

her

G3588

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

Δαβὶδ5 of 18

David

G1138

david, the israelite king

τοῦ6 of 18

her

G3588

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

βασιλεὺς7 of 18

the king

G935

a sovereign (abstractly, relatively, or figuratively)

Δαβὶδ8 of 18

David

G1138

david, the israelite king

δὲ9 of 18

And

G1161

but, and, etc

τοῦ10 of 18

her

G3588

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

βασιλεὺς11 of 18

the king

G935

a sovereign (abstractly, relatively, or figuratively)

ἐγέννησεν12 of 18

begat

G1080

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

τοῦ13 of 18

her

G3588

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

Σολομῶντα14 of 18

Solomon

G4672

solomon (i.e., shelomoh), the son of david

ἐκ15 of 18

of

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τοῦ16 of 18

her

G3588

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

τοῦ17 of 18

her

G3588

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

Οὐρίου18 of 18

that had been the wife of Urias

G3774

urias (i.e., urijah), a hittite


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 1:6 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 1:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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