FocusAbraham, David, and Christ
Connection to the wholeThe genealogy places Jesus within the history of Israel and introduces the promises that frame the Gospel.
interpretation Matthew 1:8
KJVAnd Asa begat Josaphat; and Josaphat begat Joram; and Joram begat Ozias;
Read it in context
The line of descent
Start reading at Matthew 1:1 (Matthew 1:1 to Matthew 1:17).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The genealogy places Jesus within the history of Israel and introduces the promises that frame the Gospel.
- 1:1 The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.
- 1:2 Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren;
- 1:3 And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram;
- 1:4 And Aram begat Aminadab; and Aminadab begat Naasson; and Naasson begat Salmon;
- 1:5 And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse;
- 1:6 And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias;
- 1:7 And Solomon begat Roboam; and Roboam begat Abia; and Abia begat Asa;
- 1:8 And Asa begat Josaphat; and Josaphat begat Joram; and Joram begat Ozias;
- 1:9 And Ozias begat Joatham; and Joatham begat Achaz; and Achaz begat Ezekias;
- 1:10 And Ezekias begat Manasses; and Manasses begat Amon; and Amon begat Josias;
- 1:11 And Josias begat Jechonias and his brethren, about the time they were carried away to Babylon:
- 1:12 And after they were brought to Babylon, Jechonias begat Salathiel; and Salathiel begat Zorobabel;
- 1:13 And Zorobabel begat Abiud; and Abiud begat Eliakim; and Eliakim begat Azor;
- 1:14 And Azor begat Sadoc; and Sadoc begat Achim; and Achim begat Eliud;
- 1:15 And Eliud begat Eleazar; and Eleazar begat Matthan; and Matthan begat Jacob;
- 1:16 And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.
- 1:17 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.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Matthew the apostle and tax collector is the author named by early church tradition. This is the historic attribution, not a personal signature in the Gospel. Biblical references: Matthew 9:9; Matthew 10:3. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, Matthew, Gospel of. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Matthew 1:1–1:25): The genealogy introduces Jesus' ancestry; the birth account concerns Mary, Joseph, and the angel who reassures Joseph. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? A Christian readership deeply familiar with Israel's Scriptures, commonly understood as substantially Jewish in background but also concerned with the Gentile mission. A particular congregation or city is not certain. Biblical references: Matthew 1:1; Matthew 5:17; Matthew 28:19. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Matthew, Gospel of. book background
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? The line of descent. Read Matthew 1:1 through Matthew 1:17 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? The genealogy places Jesus within the history of Israel and introduces the promises that frame the Gospel. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The narrative moves from Jesus' ancestry and birth through His ministry, death, resurrection, and commission. The Gospel does not state a modern calendar date for its composition. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The narrative includes Bethlehem, Egypt, Nazareth, Galilee, journeys, and Jerusalem. A discourse or parable can describe places other than where Jesus is speaking. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in The line of descent (Matthew 1:1 to Matthew 1:17). Start reading at Matthew 1:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Jesus is the central figure. Matthew identifies Him as Emmanuel, explains His saving mission, and concludes with His authority and commission. Read each teaching with its original listeners and its place in the narrative. See Matthew 1:21, Matthew 1:23, Matthew 28:18, Matthew 28:19. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Join hearing Jesus' words with doing them. Distinguish instructions to named disciples on a particular mission from a general application, and keep conditions and warnings alongside promises. interpretation
Cited: Matthew 1:1, Matthew 1:17, Matthew 1:21, Matthew 1:23, Matthew 28:18, Matthew 28:19
Who wrote it, and how we know
Matthew (Levi), the apostle
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe book does not name its author.
Early traditionEarly church testimony names Matthew the apostle, notably Papias in the early second century and Irenaeus later.
What is debatedThe name is not in the text. The titles were attached early but are not part of the original writing.
Related passages
- Josaphat 1 Kgs 15:24 1 Kgs 22:2-50 2 Kgs 3:1 2 Chr 17:1-19
- Jehoshaphat 1 Kgs 22:50 2 Kgs 8:16
- Jehoram 1 Chr 3:11 2 Chr 21:1
- Ozias 2 Kgs 14:21 2 Kgs 15:1-6
- Azariah 2 Chr 26:1-23
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Matthew 1
This Gospel presents Jesus in relation to Israel's Scriptures and follows His teaching, death, resurrection, and commission. It does not name a specific original recipient. Read individual sayings within their narrative and discourse settings.
Matthew 1:1 Matthew 28:18 Matthew 28:19 Matthew 28:20
Jesus' birth announced
Matthew 1:18–25FocusConception and saving mission
Connection to the wholeThe announcement to Joseph identifies the child's name and mission, linking the birth account to Scripture's fulfilment.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Matthew
This Gospel presents Jesus in relation to Israel's Scriptures and follows His teaching, death, resurrection, and commission. It does not name a specific original recipient. Read individual sayings within their narrative and discourse settings.
Matthew 1:1 Matthew 28:18 Matthew 28:19 Matthew 28:20
FocusOrigins and preparation
Connection to the wholeThe genealogy, birth, baptism, and temptation establish Jesus' identity and mission before His public preaching expands.
interpretation The kingdom proclaimed
Matthew 4:17–7:29FocusMinistry and the mountain discourse
Connection to the wholeJesus announces the kingdom, calls disciples, and teaches the righteousness and obedience that characterize His hearers' response.
interpretation Authority and mission
Matthew 8:1–10:42FocusWorks of mercy and sent disciples
Connection to the wholeHealings and other mighty works display Jesus' authority; He then commissions disciples and prepares them for opposition.
interpretation Responses to the kingdom
Matthew 11:1–13:58FocusOpposition, revelation, and parables
Connection to the wholeContrasting responses to Jesus lead into parables that explain hearing, growth, judgment, and the kingdom's value.
interpretation Following the Messiah
Matthew 14:1–18:35FocusIdentity, suffering, and community
Connection to the wholeJesus teaches disciples about His coming suffering and about humility, care for others, correction, and forgiveness.
interpretation Jerusalem and accountability
Matthew 19:1–25:46FocusConflict, judgment, and watchfulness
Connection to the wholeThe journey to Jerusalem and temple disputes lead into warnings about judgment and the need for faithful readiness.
interpretation Death, resurrection, and commission
Matthew 26:1–28:20FocusThe crucified and risen Lord
Connection to the wholeJesus' passion and resurrection bring the narrative to the commission to teach all nations and obey His commands.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.