and Uzziah the father of Jotham, and Jotham the father of Ahaz, and Ahaz the father of Hezekiah,
English Standard Version (ESV)
While this verse lists kings, it’s easy to overlook that Matthew is deliberately highlighting these men as links in a chain, not just individuals. The phrase "begat" here is used inclusively, meaning "was the ancestor of," and Matthew skips generations to maintain a structured narrative, showing God's providential hand in selecting specific ancestors for Jesus.
and Uzziah the father of Jotham, and Jotham the father of Ahaz, and Ahaz the father of Hezekiah,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage continues Matthew's genealogy, tracing Jesus' lineage back through King David and Abraham. It bridges a gap in the recorded royal line, moving from King Uzziah through his son Jotham, then to Ahaz and the significant King Hezekiah, whose reigns were marked by both spiritual and political shifts in Judah. The genealogy's focus on patriarchal succession, even with potential omissions for structure, emphasizes the unbroken line leading to the promised Messiah.
Ever notice how genealogies in the Bible skip names? It's not because of forgetfulness, but a strategic way of showing the unbroken line of succession.
The phrase 'A begat B' in genealogies like this one in Matthew doesn't always mean A was B's direct father.
Strategic Omissions
This isn't just a list of names; it's a carefully woven tapestry of royal lineage, pointing towards a King who would rule forever.
This part of Jesus' genealogy highlights kings of Judah, showing God's faithfulness in preserving a royal line through whom the promised King would come.
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The King's Ancestors
This verse highlights a key lineage within the royal line of Judah, spanning the reigns of several kings leading up to the significant reforms of Hezekiah. The inclusion of these names grounds Jesus's lineage in the history of Israel's monarchy, even as certain kings like Ahaz represent periods of spiritual challenge.
c. 790 BC
King Uzziah's Reign Begins
Uzziah (also called Azariah) began his long and prosperous reign over Judah, marked by military success and agricultural development.
c. 770 BC
King Jotham's Reign Begins
Jotham, son of Uzziah, succeeded his father as king. He was known for his building projects and faithfulness to God.
c. 750 BC— this verse
King Ahaz's Reign Begins
Ahaz, son of Jotham, became king of Judah during a turbulent period, facing invasions and religious decline.
c. 730 BC
King Hezekiah's Reign Begins
Hezekiah, son of Ahaz, ascended the throne and is renowned for his significant religious reforms and trust in God during the Assyrian crisis.
This passage lists Uzziah (Azariah), Jotham, and Hezekiah, confirming their place within the royal lineage of David and Judah, highlighting the continuity of this specific ancestral line leading to the Messiah.
2 Kings 15:7This verse records the death of Uzziah and the succession of Jotham, reinforcing the historical accuracy of the genealogical line presented in Matthew and showing that these kings were real figures in Israel's history.
Isaiah 7:14This prophecy, given during the time of Ahaz, foretells the virgin birth of Immanuel, directly linking the kings of this lineage to the Messianic prophecies that Jesus would fulfill.
Matthew 1:16This verse immediately follows the lineage presented here, identifying Joseph as the husband of Mary, from whom Jesus was born, thus connecting this specific genealogical segment to the birth of Christ.
Luke 3:31Luke's genealogy also includes David and Nathan (a son of David), showing a parallel ancestral line that, while differing in specifics, ultimately converges on Jesus and underscores the importance of Davidic descent.
gillMatthew 1:9: "And Ozias begat Joatham; and Joatham begat Achaz; and Achaz begat Ezekias;"
And Ozias begat Joatham,.... Called Jotham, 2 Kings 15:7 him Ozias begat of Jerushah, the daughter of Zadok, 2 Kings 15:33 . And Joatham begat Achaz, or Ahaz, 2 Kings 15:38 to him the sign was given, and the famous prophecy of the Messiah, Isaiah 7:14. And Achaz begat Ezekias, or Hezekiah, 2 Kings 16:20 him Ahaz begat of Abi, the daughter of Zachariah, 2 Kings 18:2. He was a very religious king, and had th…
calvinMatthew 1:1-17: "The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham."
- The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. 2. And Abraham began Isaac. And Issac begat Jacob. And Jacob begat Judah and his brethren. 3. And Judah begat Pharez and Zarah by Tamar. And Pharez begat Hezron. and Hezron begat Ram. 4. And Ram begat Amminadab. And Amminadab begat Nahshon. And Nahshon begat Salma. 5. And Salma begat Boaz by Rahab. And Boaz begat…
While this verse lists kings, it’s easy to overlook that Matthew is deliberately highlighting these men as links in a chain, not just individuals. The phrase "begat" here is used inclusively, meaning "was the ancestor of," and Matthew skips generations to maintain a structured narrative, showing God's providential hand in selecting specific ancestors for Jesus.
This passage continues Matthew's genealogy, tracing Jesus' lineage back through King David and Abraham. It bridges a gap in the recorded royal line, moving from King Uzziah through his son Jotham, then to Ahaz and the significant King Hezekiah, whose reigns were marked by both spiritual and political shifts in Judah. The genealogy's focus on patriarchal succession, even with potential omissions for structure, emphasizes the unbroken line leading to the promised Messiah.
This passage continues Matthew's genealogy, tracing Jesus' lineage back through King David and Abraham. It bridges a gap in the recorded royal line, moving from King Uzziah through his son Jotham, then to Ahaz and the significant King Hezekiah, whose reigns were marked by both spiritual and political shifts in Judah. The genealogy's focus on patriarchal succession, even with potential omissions for structure, emphasizes the unbroken line leading to the promised Messiah.
"and Uzziah the father of Jotham, and Jotham the father of Ahaz, and Ahaz the father of Hezekiah," — While this verse lists kings, it’s easy to overlook that Matthew is deliberately highlighting these men as links in a chain, not just individuals. The phrase "begat" here is used inclusively, meaning…
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Last reviewed October 2026