Devine Scripture

Matthew 1:16

What does Matthew 1:16 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 1:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 1:16 means

This verse brings the lengthy genealogy to its climactic conclusion: "Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ." This phrasing is highly significant, as it breaks the pattern of direct paternal descent. It explicitly states that Jesus was *not* begotten by Joseph, but rather born "of Mary." This prepares the reader for the miraculous, virgin birth account that follows, emphasizing that Jesus' origin is not solely human but also divine, fulfilling the messianic title "Christ."

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

and Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

and Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And the son of Jacob was Joseph the husband of Mary, who gave birth to Jesus, whose name is Christ.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and Jacob begat Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was begotten Jesus, who is named Christ.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And Jacob begot Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and Jacob begat Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.

Context

This verse serves as the culmination and turning point of the entire genealogy (verses 2-16). It directly connects the generations from Abraham to the earthly parents of Jesus. The unusual phrasing regarding Joseph and Mary foreshadows the supernatural birth account that immediately follows, providing a critical transition from the historical lineage to the unique circumstances of Jesus' conception. This sets up the reader for the ensuing narrative.

v.15and Eliud begat Eleazar; and Eleazar begat Matthan; and Matthan begat Jacob;

v.16This passage

v.17So all the generations from Abraham unto David are fourteen generations; and from David unto the carrying away to Babylon fourteen generations; and from the carrying away to Babylon unto the Christ fourteen generations.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 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.

  • Luke 2:48

    And when they saw him, they were astonished; and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I sought thee sorrowing.

  • Luke 2:10

    And the angel said unto them, Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all the people:

  • Matthew 27:22

    Pilate saith unto them, What then shall I do unto Jesus who is called Christ? They all say, Let him be crucified.

  • Luke 3:23

    And Jesus himself, when he beganto teach, was about thirty years of age, being the son (as was supposed) of Joseph, the son of Heli,

  • Luke 2:4

    And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judæa, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David;

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