Both Matthew 1 and Luke 3 contain genealogies of Jesus. But there is one problem—they are different. Luke’s genealogy starts at Adam and goes to David. Matthew’s genealogy starts at Abraham and goes to David. When the genealogies arrive at David, they split with David’s sons: Nathan (Mary’s side?) and Solomon (Joseph’s side). There are differences of opinion with two main options being offered. The first is that one genealogy is for Mary and the other is for Joseph. It was customary to mention the genealogy through the father even though it was clearly known that it was through Mary.
“The second thing is that this genealogy differs in significant ways from the genealogy in Matthew. Why? Most Bible scholars believe that Luke gives the genealogy of Mary (who was also of the royal Davidic line), while Matthew traces the family of Joseph. Thus by both His mother and His earthly father, Jesus had a right to the throne of Israel.”1
“Luke paused from his narrative to give Christ’s genealogy. While Matthew traced Christ’s lineage through Joseph, his legal father (see Matthew 1:1–17), Luke traced it through Mary, beginning with Mary’s father, Heli. (Men in ancient times often regarded their sons-in-law as their own sons.) The lineages of Mary and Joseph converge at King David (compare 3:31 with Matthew 1:6).2
To continue reading this Bible article, click here.
Author: Christian Apologetics & Research
Keywords: Genealogy of Jesus, Christ's genealogy, Jesus' genealogy, Jesus's genealogy, Genealogy of Christ, Mary's genealogy, Joseph's genealogy, Genealogies of Jesus, Son of Joseph
Bible reference(s): Matthew 1:1-16, Luke 3:23-38
Source: Christian Apologetics & Research Ministry.
Page indexed by: inWORD Bible Software.