Devine Scripture

Matthew 1:3

What does Matthew 1:3 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 1:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 1:3 means

Continuing the genealogical record, this verse details the lineage through Judah, specifically mentioning his sons Perez and Zerah by Tamar. The inclusion of Tamar is notable, as she is one of several women mentioned in Matthew's genealogy, and her story involves unconventional circumstances (Genesis 38). This highlights God's sovereignty working through complex human situations to bring about His divine plan, underscoring that His path is not always conventional. Perez then continues the direct line to Hezron and Ram.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

and Judah begat Perez and Zerah of Tamar; and Perez begat Hezron; and Hezron begat Ram;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram;

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

and Judah begat Perez and Zerah of Tamar; and Perez begat Hezron; and Hezron begat Ram;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And the sons of Judah were Perez and Zerah by Tamar; and the son of Perez was Hezron; and the son of Hezron was Ram;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and Judah begat Pharez and Zarah of Tamar, and Pharez begat Hezron, and Hezron begat Ram,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And Judas begot Phares and Zara of Thamar. And Phares begot Esron. And Esron begot Aram.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and Juda begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom, and Esrom begat Aram,

Context

This verse builds directly on the previous one, continuing the enumeration of Abraham's descendants towards King David. It is part of the extensive genealogical list from Abraham to the Babylonian exile. The explicit mention of Tamar introduces a subtle hint within the linear record that God's plan can involve unexpected people and circumstances, preparing the reader for later divine interventions in Jesus' birth narrative.

v.2Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judah and his brethren;

v.3This passage

v.4and Ram begat Amminadab; and Amminadab begat Nahshon; and Nahshon begat Salmon;

Cross references

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

  • 1 Chronicles 2:1

    These are the sons of Israel: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun,

  • Luke 3:33

    the son of Amminadab, the son of Arni, the son of Hezron, the son of Perez, the son of Judah,

  • 1 Chronicles 9:6

    And of the sons of Zerah: Jeuel, and their brethren, six hundred and ninety.

  • Genesis 38:29

    And it came to pass, as he drew back his hand, that, behold, his brother came out: and she said, Wherefore hast thou made a breach for thyself? therefore his name was called Perez.

  • Genesis 38:6

    And Judah took a wife for Er his first-born, and her name was Tamar.

  • Genesis 38:24

    And it came to pass about three months after, that it was told Judah, saying, Tamar thy daughter-in-law hath played the harlot; and moreover, behold, she is with child by whoredom. And Judah said, Bring her forth, and let her be burnt.

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