Matthew 1:12
What does Matthew 1:12 mean?
A plain-English look at Matthew 1:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Matthew 1:12 means
This verse begins the third and final segment of the genealogy, tracing the line from Jechoniah, after the Babylonian exile, through Shealtiel and Zerubbabel. The exile was a period of national humiliation and subjugation, yet God preserved the Davidic line. Zerubbabel, in particular, was a prominent leader in the return from exile and the rebuilding of the Temple. His inclusion demonstrates that even in times of national crisis and foreign domination, God's covenant promises, especially concerning the Messiah, continued to unfold.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And after the carrying away to Babylon, Jechoniah begat Shealtiel; and Shealtiel begat Zerubbabel;
KJV
King James Version · 1611And after they were brought to Babylon, Jechonias begat Salathiel; and Salathiel begat Zorobabel;
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And after the carrying away to Babylon, Jechoniah begat Shealtiel; and Shealtiel begat Zerubbabel;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And after the taking away to Babylon, Jechoniah had a son Shealtiel; and Shealtiel had Zerubbabel;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And after the Babylonian removal, Jeconiah begat Shealtiel, and Shealtiel begat Zerubbabel,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And after the transmigration of Babylon, Jechonias begot Salathiel. And Salathiel begot Zorobabel.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And after the carrying away of Babylon, Jechonias begat Salathiel, and Salathiel begat Zorobabel,
Context
Following the explicit mention of the Babylonian exile in verse 11, this verse inaugurates the third and final section of Matthew's genealogy. It details the generations that lived after the return from exile, continuing the historical thread through a new and challenging period for Israel. This segment will bridge the gap between the end of the Old Testament historical narrative and the appearance of Jesus, showing the unbroken chain.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Chronicles 3:17
And the sons of Jeconiah, the captive: Shealtiel his son,
- Haggai 1:12
Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, with all the remnant of the people, obeyed the voice of Jehovah their God, and the words of Haggai the prophet, as Jehovah their God had sent him; and the people did fear before Jehovah.
- Jeremiah 22:24
As I live, saith Jehovah, though Coniah the son of Jehoiakim king of Judah were the signet upon my right hand, yet would I pluck thee thence;
- Haggai 2:23
In that day, saith Jehovah of hosts, will I take thee, O Zerubbabel, my servant, the son of Shealtiel, saith Jehovah, and will make thee as a signet; for I have chosen thee, saith Jehovah of hosts.
- Haggai 1:1
In the second year of Darius the king, in the sixth month, in the first day of the month, came the word of Jehovah by Haggai the prophet unto Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, saying,
- Ezra 3:2
Then stood up Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and his brethren the priests, and Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and his brethren, and builded the altar of the God of Israel, to offer burnt-offerings thereon, as it is written in the law of Moses the man of God.
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