King James Version

What Does Matthew 1:8 Mean?

Matthew 1:8 in the King James Version says “And Asa begat Josaphat; and Josaphat begat Joram; and Joram begat Ozias; — study this verse from Matthew chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Matthew 1:8 · KJV


Context

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;

9

And Ozias begat Joatham; and Joatham begat Achaz; and Achaz begat Ezekias;

10

And Ezekias begat Manasses; and Manasses begat Amon; and Amon begat Josias;


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The royal genealogy continues through the divided kingdom period, showing God's preservation of the messianic line despite national apostasy. These kings often failed miserably, yet God's purposes were not thwarted. This demonstrates the distinction between God's decreed will (which always comes to pass) and His preceptive will (which humans violate).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This section covers roughly 930-586 BC, the period of the divided monarchy in Israel and Judah, marked by increasing idolatry and eventual exile.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's preservation of the messianic line through unfaithful kings demonstrate His sovereign control over history?
  2. What comfort does this provide when we observe failure in human leadership today?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
Ἀσὰ1 of 15

Asa

G760

asa, 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)

Ἰωσαφὰτ5 of 15

Josaphat

G2498

josaphat (i.e., jehoshaphat), an israelite

Ἰωσαφὰτ6 of 15

Josaphat

G2498

josaphat (i.e., jehoshaphat), 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)

Ἰωρὰμ10 of 15

Joram

G2496

joram, an israelite

Ἰωρὰμ11 of 15

Joram

G2496

joram, 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)

Ὀζίαν15 of 15

Ozias

G3604

ozias (i.e., uzzijah), 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 1:8 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 1:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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