the son of Jesse, the son of Obed, the son of Boaz, the son of Sala, the son of Nahshon,
English Standard Version (ESV)
What's easy to miss here is that Luke, unlike Matthew, doesn't stop at Abraham, but traces Jesus' lineage all the way back to Adam, and ultimately to God. This highlights that Jesus is not just the promised descendant of Abraham and David for Israel, but the Savior for all of humanity, linking everyone back to our common creation in God.
the son of Jesse, the son of Obed, the son of Boaz, the son of Sala, the son of Nahshon,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage is part of Luke's extended genealogy of Jesus, tracing his lineage all the way back to Adam and God. It follows the account of John the Baptist's ministry and Jesus' baptism, highlighting Jesus' royal ancestry as a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. The list connects Jesus to David, Abraham, and ultimately the first man, Adam, emphasizing his universal significance for all humanity.
We often focus on Jesus' royal lineage, but what does it mean for Him to be the 'son of Adam, the son of God'?
Luke's genealogy, unlike Matthew's focus on Abraham and David, traces Jesus' lineage all the way back to Adam and ultimately to God Himself.
A Universal Savior
While Matthew emphasizes Jesus as the heir to David's throne, fulfilling promises to Israel, Luke broadens the scope. By linking Jesus to Adam, the first man, Luke highlights that Jesus is the Savior for all of humanity, not just one nation. This shows Jesus as the "Second Adam," whose work is to redeem all those who are descendants of the first Adam.
Divine Creation and Redemption
Calling Jesus the "son of God" in creation signifies His unique, divine nature. But in the context of redemption, it points to His role as the one who restores humanity, making us sons and daughters of God through Him. This lineage isn't just a historical record; it's a theological statement about who Jesus is and His mission for the entire world.
Matthew and Luke give different lists of Jesus' ancestors. How can we trust both accounts?
The differences between Matthew's and Luke's genealogies, while puzzling at first, can be understood by considering their different purposes and perspectives.
Different Paths, Same Destination
Matthew's genealogy, primarily for a Jewish audience, emphasizes Jesus' legal right to David's throne, tracing His lineage through Joseph. Luke's genealogy, written for a broader, likely Gentile audience, traces Jesus' lineage through Mary, going all the way back to Adam.
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Legal vs. Natural Descent
Many scholars believe Matthew presents the legal (or royal) line through Joseph, while Luke presents the natural (or biological) line through Mary. This explains the differing names and paths, as Joseph would have been considered the legal father even if not the biological one. Ultimately, both genealogies confirm Jesus' Davidic ancestry and His unique divine-human identity.
Understand the original words
Yishay · Hebrew Proper Noun
The father of David and the grandson of Boaz and Ruth. He is significant as the progenitor of the royal line that culminates in Jesus Christ.
Boaz · Hebrew Proper Noun
A Moabite woman who married into an Israelite family and later married Boaz. She is a key figure in the lineage of David and Jesus, demonstrating God's grace extending to Gentiles.
c. 1050-1010 BC
David Reigns as King
David, a prominent figure in Israel's history, establishes a united kingdom and a dynasty. His lineage becomes crucial for messianic prophecies.
c. 970-931 BC
Solomon Reigns as King
David's son, Solomon, continues the royal line. His reign marks a period of prosperity but also foreshadows future divisions.
c. 732 BC
Assyrian Conquest of Northern Israel
The Assyrian Empire conquers the northern kingdom of Israel, leading to the deportation of many Israelites and significant political upheaval.
c. 597 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
Babylon conquers Jerusalem, exiling King Jehoiachin and a portion of the Judean elite, including prominent figures like Ezekiel.
c. 586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
The Babylonians return to destroy Jerusalem and its Temple, exiling the remaining population and effectively ending the Davidic monarchy.
c. 539 BC
Cyrus the Great Allows Return from Exile
The Persian king Cyrus the Great conquers Babylon and issues a decree allowing the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple.
c. 1st century BC - 1st century AD— this verse
Genealogies Compiled for Jesus
Luke and Matthew record the genealogies of Jesus, tracing his lineage back through David and Abraham, with Luke extending it to Adam. These lists, though differing in their paths, aim to establish Jesus' Davidic and divine heritage.
This passage directly names Obed as the son of Boaz and Ruth, connecting the lineage back to these key figures in salvation history.
1 Samuel 17:12This verse identifies Jesse as the father of David, placing him as a pivotal ancestor in the royal line leading to Jesus.
Matthew 1:3-4Matthew's genealogy also traces Jesus' lineage through Perez, Ram, Amminadab, and Nahshon, highlighting a shared patriarchal heritage.
1 Chronicles 2:11-12This Old Testament passage lists Salmon, Boaz, Obed, and Jesse, confirming their place in the direct ancestral line of King David.
pooleLuke 3:32: "Which was the son of Jesse, which was the son of Obed, which was the son of Booz, which was the son of Salmon, which was the son of Naasson,"
See Poole on "Luke 3:24"
henryLuke 3:23-38: "And Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, which was the son of Heli,"
3:23-38 Matthew's list of the forefathers of Jesus showed that Christ was the son of Abraham, in whom all the families of the earth are blessed, and heir to the throne of David; but Luke shows that Jesus was the Seed of the woman that should break the serpent's head, and traces the line up to Adam, beginning with Eli, or Heli, the father, not of Joseph,…
What's easy to miss here is that Luke, unlike Matthew, doesn't stop at Abraham, but traces Jesus' lineage all the way back to Adam, and ultimately to God. This highlights that Jesus is not just the promised descendant of Abraham and David for Israel, but the Savior for all of humanity, linking everyone back to our common creation in God.
This passage is part of Luke's extended genealogy of Jesus, tracing his lineage all the way back to Adam and God. It follows the account of John the Baptist's ministry and Jesus' baptism, highlighting Jesus' royal ancestry as a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. The list connects Jesus to David, Abraham, and ultimately the first man, Adam, emphasizing his universal significance for all humanity.
This passage is part of Luke's extended genealogy of Jesus, tracing his lineage all the way back to Adam and God. It follows the account of John the Baptist's ministry and Jesus' baptism, highlighting Jesus' royal ancestry as a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. The list connects Jesus to David, Abraham, and ultimately the first man, Adam, emphasizing his universal significance for all humanity.
"the son of Jesse, the son of Obed, the son of Boaz, the son of Sala, the son of Nahshon," — What's easy to miss here is that Luke, unlike Matthew, doesn't stop at Abraham, but traces Jesus' lineage all the way back to Adam, and ultimately to God. This highlights that Jesus is not just the p…
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Last reviewed October 2026