Matthew 1:2
What does Matthew 1:2 mean?
A plain-English look at Matthew 1:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Matthew 1:2 means
This verse begins the detailed genealogical record, starting with Abraham, the patriarch of the Jewish nation. It traces the lineage through Isaac, the son of promise, and Jacob, whose twelve sons became the founders of the twelve tribes of Israel. Judah, specifically mentioned with his brethren, is significant because the messianic line, according to Old Testament prophecy (Genesis 49:10), was to come through his tribe. This establishes the early, foundational connections of Jesus to Israel's originating history.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judah and his brethren;
KJV
King James Version · 1611Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren;
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judah and his brethren;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949The son of Abraham was Isaac; and the son of Isaac was Jacob; and the sons of Jacob were Judah and his brothers;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Abraham begat Isaac, and Isaac begat Jacob, and Jacob begat Judah and his brethren,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Abraham begot Isaac. And Isaac begot Jacob. And Jacob begot Judas and his brethren.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob, and Jacob begat Juda and his brethren;
Context
Following the introductory declaration of Jesus' lineage in verse 1, this verse immediately dives into the specifics of that genealogy. It begins the first main section of the chapter, the listing of generations from Abraham to David. It sets the pattern for the subsequent verses by naming a father and his son, connecting Jesus' identity to the historical figures known to every Jewish reader.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Genesis 35:16
And they journeyed from Beth-el; and there was still some distance to come to Ephrath: and Rachel travailed, and she had hard labor.
- Hebrews 11:11
By faith even Sarah herself received power to conceive seed when she was past age, since she counted him faithful who had promised:
- 1 Chronicles 5:1
And the sons of Reuben the first-born of Israel (for he was the first-born; but, forasmuch as he defiled his father’s couch, his birthright was given unto the sons of Joseph the son of Israel; and the genealogy is not to be reckoned after the birthright.
- Acts 7:8
And he gave him the covenant of circumcision: and so Abraham begat Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day; and Isaac begat Jacob, and Jacob the twelve patriarchs.
- Exodus 1:2
Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah,
- Hebrews 7:14
For it is evident that our Lord hath sprung out of Judah; as to which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priests.
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