the son of Enos, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God.
English Standard Version (ESV)
While the genealogy traces Jesus' lineage back through Adam, the point isn't just human ancestry. The inclusion of "son of God" for Adam highlights that humanity's origin is directly from God, emphasizing that Jesus, the "second Adam," shares this divine connection as well. This connection is crucial, positioning Jesus not just as a descendant, but as the one who restores humanity to its intended relationship with God.
the son of Enos, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The preceding verses detail Jesus' baptism and the start of his ministry. Luke then presents a genealogy of Jesus, tracing his lineage not just back to Abraham like Matthew, but all the way to the first man, Adam, and ultimately to God Himself. This final, upward reach emphasizes Jesus' connection to all humanity as the promised Savior, not just to the Jewish people.
Why does Luke's genealogy go all the way back to Adam, and then famously end with 'the son of God'? It's not just about tracing ancestry; it's about revealing something profound about humanity's origin.
Luke's genealogy climaxes with the phrase 'the son of Adam, the son of God.' This isn't just listing names; it's making a theological statement. Adam wasn't born of human parents; he was directly created by God. This unique origin means Adam, in a very real sense, was the 'son of God' by divine creation. This highlights humanity's original state: directly connected to and dependent on God. It sets the stage for Jesus, the 'Second Adam,' who would restore this broken connection.
When Luke traces Jesus' lineage back to Adam, he's not just writing a family tree. He's showing us why Jesus is the perfect bridge between a broken humanity and a holy God.
By tracing Jesus' lineage all the way back to Adam, Luke emphasizes Jesus' full humanity. He is connected to every single person who has ever lived, as Adam is the father of all. This means Jesus isn't just a savior for a select few; He is the mediator for all of Adam's descendants. His humanity, derived from Adam, allows Him to represent us. His divine nature, as the 'Son of God,' allows Him to represent God to us. He bridges the gap between the 'son of Adam' and the 'son of God' for all people.
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Adam · Greek Proper Noun
The first human being, created directly by God from the dust of the ground, who represents the entire human race in his fall and standing before God. He is the federal head of humanity, and his relationship with God is the prototype for all human existence.
Theou · Greek Noun
The supreme Creator, Ruler, and Sustainer of the universe, who is eternal, holy, and sovereign. In biblical theology, God is the source of all life and holds a unique relationship with humanity, whom He created in His own image.
By tracing Jesus' lineage back through Adam to God, Luke emphasizes Jesus' humanity and his unique, divine origin as the second Adam, meant to restore what was lost in the first.
c. 4000 BC— this verse
Creation of Adam and Eve
God directly creates Adam and Eve, establishing the first human lineage. Adam is uniquely called the 'son of God' due to his direct creation.
c. 3000 BC
Seth's Lineage Continues
Following the fall and the birth of Cain and Abel, Seth's line continues, maintaining a connection to God through faith.
c. 3000 BC
Birth of Enos
Enos is born into Seth's lineage, a generation where people began to call on the name of the Lord.
c. 1st century AD
Jesus' Ministry Begins
Jesus begins his public ministry, and Luke's genealogy traces his lineage all the way back to Adam and ultimately to God.
This passage describes God creating humanity in His own image, directly linking Adam, and by extension all humanity, to God as their origin. It highlights the unique creation of Adam, setting the stage for him being called the 'son of God'.
Genesis 5:1-3This is the beginning of the lineage traced from Adam, emphasizing his role as the first human and father of a new humanity. It directly parallels Luke's tracing of Jesus' lineage back to Adam as the 'son of God'.
Acts 17:28-29Paul directly addresses the Athenians by stating that 'in him we live and move and have our being,' and that 'we are the offspring of God.' This affirms the concept of humanity as God's offspring, echoing Luke 3:38's designation of Adam as the son of God.
1 Corinthians 15:45Paul contrasts the first Adam, who became a 'life-giving spirit' in his effect on humanity, with Jesus, the last Adam. This verse highlights Adam's foundational role in the human race, setting up the contrast with Christ as the second Adam, also uniquely related to God.
jfbLuke 3:38: "Which was the son of Enos, which was the son of Seth, which was the son of Adam, which was the son of God."
- son of God—Compare Ac 17:28.
pooleLuke 3:38: "Which was the son of Enos, which was the son of Seth, which was the son of Adam, which was the son of God."
See Poole on "Luke 3:24"
While the genealogy traces Jesus' lineage back through Adam, the point isn't just human ancestry. The inclusion of "son of God" for Adam highlights that humanity's origin is directly from God, emphasizing that Jesus, the "second Adam," shares this divine connection as well. This connection is crucial, positioning Jesus not just as a descendant, but as the one who restores humanity to its intended relationship with God.
The preceding verses detail Jesus' baptism and the start of his ministry. Luke then presents a genealogy of Jesus, tracing his lineage not just back to Abraham like Matthew, but all the way to the first man, Adam, and ultimately to God Himself. This final, upward reach emphasizes Jesus' connection to all humanity as the promised Savior, not just to the Jewish people.
The preceding verses detail Jesus' baptism and the start of his ministry. Luke then presents a genealogy of Jesus, tracing his lineage not just back to Abraham like Matthew, but all the way to the first man, Adam, and ultimately to God Himself. This final, upward reach emphasizes Jesus' connection to all humanity as the promised Savior, not just to the Jewish people.
"the son of Enos, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God." — While the genealogy traces Jesus' lineage back through Adam, the point isn't just human ancestry. The inclusion of "son of God" for Adam highlights that humanity's origin is directly from God, emphas…
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Last reviewed October 2026