Matthew 1:17
What does Matthew 1:17 mean?
A plain-English look at Matthew 1:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Matthew 1:17 means
This verse provides a structural summary of the genealogy, dividing the generations into three distinct sets of fourteen: from Abraham to David, from David to the Babylonian captivity, and from the captivity to Christ. This numerical organization, common in ancient Jewish literature, helps to emphasize the deliberate and providential unfolding of God's plan through distinct historical eras. It underscores Matthew's argument for Jesus' rightful place as the culmination of Israel's history and God's covenant promises, confirming His messianic credentials.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000So 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901So 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David to the taking away to Babylon, fourteen generations; and from the taking away to Babylon to the coming of Christ, fourteen generations.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862All the generations, therefore, from Abraham unto David <FI>are<Fi> fourteen generations, and from David unto the Babylonian removal fourteen generations, and from the Babylonian removal unto the Christ, fourteen generations.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752So all the generations from Abraham to David, are fourteen generations. And from David to the transmigration of Babylon, are fourteen generations: and from the transmigration of Babylon to Christ are fourteen generations.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890All the generations, therefore, from Abraham to David [were] fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away of Babylon, fourteen generations; and from the carrying away of Babylon unto the Christ, fourteen generations.
Context
Following the completion of the genealogy in verse 16, this verse functions as a concluding summary and structural analysis of the preceding list. It provides a numerical framework for understanding the historical progression. This concluding statement officially closes the genealogical section, setting the stage for the dramatic shift in narrative to the actual birth account of Jesus Christ in the verses that follow.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 1:11
and Josiah begat Jechoniah and his brethren, at the time of the carrying away to Babylon.
- 2 Kings 24:14
And he carried away all Jerusalem, and all the princes, and all the mighty men of valor, even ten thousand captives, and all the craftsmen and the smiths; none remained, save the poorest sort of the people of the land.
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