Matthew 1:1
What does Matthew 1:1 mean?
A plain-English look at Matthew 1:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Matthew 1:1 means
This verse opens Matthew's Gospel by identifying its subject: Jesus Christ. He is presented not merely as a historical figure, but specifically as the "son of David" and "son of Abraham." These titles immediately connect Jesus to the two most significant covenant promises in Israel's history—the promise to Abraham concerning a great nation and blessing to all families of the earth (Genesis 12:1-3), and the promise to David concerning an eternal kingdom and an eternal heir (2 Samuel 7:12-16). This establishes Jesus' credentials as the promised Messiah, fulfilling God's ancient purposes.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.
KJV
King James Version · 1611The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949The book of the generations of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862A roll of the birth of Jesus Christ, son of David, son of Abraham.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Book of the generation of Jesus Christ, Son of David, Son of Abraham.
Context
This opening verse acts as a foundational statement, immediately orienting the reader to the central figure of the Gospel and His significant heritage. It sets the stage for the detailed genealogy that follows in verses 2-17, providing the thematic framework for why such a lineage is crucial. The titles presented here are explained and substantiated by the subsequent historical record.
v.1This passage
v.2Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judah and his brethren;
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Romans 1:3
concerning his Son, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh,
- Matthew 1:18
Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found with child of the Holy Spirit.
- Matthew 15:22
And behold, a Canaanitish woman came out from those borders, and cried, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a demon.
- Luke 1:31
And behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.
- Matthew 22:42
saying, What think ye of the Christ? whose son is he? They say unto him, The son of David.
- Acts 2:30
Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins he would set one upon his throne;
Related questions readers ask
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Want to dig deeper? Explore Matthew 1
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Matthew 1.
Devotionals
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Small Faith, Real Faith
A mustard seed is enough. Not a mountain of certainty — a seed of trust.
Devotional
The Weight We Were Not Built to Carry
Jesus does not promise the absence of burden. He offers an exchange.
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Consider the Lilies
Worry forgets that the same God who clothes the field clothes you.
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