Matthew 1 (NASB)

The Genealogy of Jesus Christ

¹ The record of the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah, the son of David, the son of Abraham. ² Abraham was the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers. ³ Judah was the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, Perez was the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Ram. ⁴ Ram was the father of Amminadab, Amminadab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon. ⁵ Salmon was the father of Boaz by Rahab, Boaz was the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse. ⁶ Jesse was the father of David the king.

David was the father of Solomon by Bathsheba who had been the wife of Uriah. ⁷ Solomon was the father of Rehoboam, Rehoboam the father of Abijah, and Abijah the father of Asa. ⁸ Asa was the father of Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, and Joram the father of Uzziah. ⁹ Uzziah was the father of Jotham, Jotham the father of Ahaz, and Ahaz the father of Hezekiah. ¹⁰ Hezekiah was the father of Manasseh, Manasseh the father of Amon, and Amon the father of Josiah. ¹¹ Josiah became the father of Jeconiah and his brothers, at the time of the deportation to Babylon.

¹² After the deportation to Babylon: Jeconiah became the father of Shealtiel, and Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel. ¹³ Zerubbabel was the father of Abihud, Abihud the father of Eliakim, and Eliakim the father of Azor. ¹⁴ Azor was the father of Zadok, Zadok the father of Achim, and Achim the father of Eliud. ¹⁵ Eliud was the father of Eleazar, Eleazar the father of Matthan, and Matthan the father of Jacob. ¹⁶ Jacob was the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, by whom Jesus was born, who is called the Messiah.

¹⁷ So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; from David to the deportation to Babylon, fourteen generations; and from the deportation to Babylon to the Messiah, fourteen generations.

The Birth of Jesus Christ

¹⁸ Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: when His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit. ¹⁹ And Joseph her husband, being a righteous man and not wanting to disgrace her, planned to send her away secretly. ²⁰ But when he had considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. ²¹ She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”

²² Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: ²³ “BEHOLD, THE VIRGIN SHALL BE WITH CHILD AND SHALL BEAR A SON, AND THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL,” which translated means, “GOD WITH US.”

²⁴ Joseph awoke from his sleep and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took Mary as his wife, ²⁵ but kept her a virgin until she gave birth to a Son; and he called His name Jesus.

HISTORICAL CONTEXT

Matthew begins his Gospel at a time when Israel stood under Roman occupation, spiritually divided and longing for deliverance. The Jewish world of the first century was shaped by centuries of prophetic silence, foreign rule, and unfulfilled longing. The last prophetic voice–Malachi–had spoken more than 400 years earlier, leaving a nation waiting for the promised Messiah who would restore David’s throne, judge wickedness, and bring God’s kingdom into full expression.

Politically, Judea was under the control of Herod the Great, a Roman-appointed king who ruled with brutality and paranoia. He presented himself as a defender of Jewish tradition, yet his loyalties were ultimately to Rome. Socially, tensions simmered between various Jewish groups–Pharisees, Sadducees, Zealots, Essenes–each offering a different response to Roman oppression and spiritual decline. Many ordinary Jews hoped for a liberator: someone to heal their nation and usher in the long-awaited kingdom of God.

Matthew writes into this atmosphere not merely to tell history, but to firmly situate Jesus as the fulfilment of God’s covenant promises. His audience was primarily Jewish, familiar with the Old Testament, deeply concerned with genealogies, and alert to prophetic fulfilment. A claim that Jesus was the Messiah would need to be grounded in Scripture, covenant lineage, and God’s unfolding plan throughout Israel’s history. That is precisely why Matthew begins with a genealogy.

Ancient Jewish genealogies were more than biological records–they were legal, theological, and communal declarations. They established identity, inheritance rights, land claims, and covenant status. By opening with “The record of the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah, the son of David, the son of Abraham,” Matthew announces that the long-awaited King has arrived. Jesus stands in the royal line of David and the covenant line of Abraham, linking Him to both the kingdom promise (2 Samuel 7:12–16) and the global blessing promise (Genesis 12:1–3). Matthew is not merely presenting data; he is presenting evidence for the greatest claim ever made–that Jesus is the Christ.

Culturally, names carried significance beyond identification. They reflected heritage, character, calling, and divine intervention. “Jesus” (Yeshua) means “Yahweh saves”, signalling His mission from the outset. In a world longing for redemption, Matthew’s opening chapter reveals that salvation is not an idea but a Person.

The inclusion of women–Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and “the wife of Uriah”–is unusually bold for a Jewish genealogy. Their presence hints at a divine pattern: God works through unexpected people and complex stories to bring forth His Messiah. Each of these women had a story marked by loss, scandal, or outsider status, yet each played a key role in God’s redemptive plan. Matthew subtly prepares his readers to embrace a Messiah who reaches the sinful, the broken, the outsider, and the unlikely.

The Women in the Lineage

• Tamar (Genesis 38) risked shame to preserve Judah’s line when he withheld justice. Read the full account in Genesis 38 to see her bold righteousness within a broken culture.
• Rahab (Joshua 2) was a Canaanite prostitute from Jericho who confessed: “YHWH (Yahweh) your Elohim, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath.” (Joshua 2:11)
• Ruth (Ruth 1:16) the Moabite pledged to Naomi, “Your people shall be my people, and your Elohim my Elohim.” Her faith grafted Gentiles into Messiah’s line.
• Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11–12) entered David’s story through sin and sorrow yet became the mother of Solomon, from whom the royal line continued.

Each account testifies that YHWH’s mercy works through human failure to fulfil His promises.

By situating Jesus within Israel’s story while also highlighting the unexpected participants in that story, Matthew prepares the reader for a kingdom unlike any other–one built not on human strength or prestige, but on God’s sovereign grace.

CULTURAL & ARCHAEOLOGICAL NOTES

Understanding Matthew 1 requires stepping into the world of first-century Jewish identity, marriage customs, and communal expectations.

1. Jewish Genealogies and Structure

Genealogies were highly structured and sometimes selective. Matthew’s three sets of fourteen generations (14 + 14 + 14) were not intended as exhaustive lists but as memorable groupings. Ancient Hebrew culture often shaped genealogies numerically for ease of memorisation or thematic emphasis. The number fourteen holds significance because the Hebrew letters of “David” (דוד) add to fourteen, reinforcing Jesus’ identity as the true Son of David.

* See Appendix at the end (before the devotional) for a more indepth explanation of this.

Archaeological discoveries–such as genealogical inscriptions in tombs and family records kept in temple archives–demonstrate that genealogies were carefully preserved. It is historically plausible that Joseph, as a descendant of David, would have been known in Bethlehem, David’s ancestral town.

2. Betrothal and Marriage Practices

Mary and Joseph were “betrothed”, a legally binding relationship stronger than our modern engagement. Betrothal lasted about a year and could only be broken through divorce. During this period, the woman remained in her parents’ home while the man prepared to receive her. If a woman was found pregnant during betrothal, it was considered adultery, a grave offence under Jewish law.

The shame, communal pressure, and potential legal consequences Mary faced help us appreciate Joseph’s situation. His decision to divorce her quietly (before the angel’s appearance) reveals both his righteousness and compassion. He was unwilling to expose her to public disgrace–an extraordinary response in that culture.

3. Angels in Jewish Thought

By the first century, Jewish literature (including texts like 1 Enoch) reflected a strong belief in angelic messengers as mediators of God’s revelations. An angel appearing to Joseph in a dream fits well within Jewish expectations of divine communication.

4. Meaning of “Immanuel”

Matthew’s citation of Isaiah 7:14 would have been recognisable to a Jewish reader. “Immanuel”, meaning “God with us”, was originally given as a sign to King Ahaz but pointed forward to a greater fulfilment in the Messiah. Matthew’s use of the prophecy reflects a deeper, fuller meaning–a hallmark of Jewish interpretation known as “typology”.

THEME & STRUCTURE

Matthew 1 is structured with deliberate theological intent. It presents Jesus as the fulfilment of God’s covenant promises, the climax of Israel’s history, and the embodiment of divine presence.

1. The Genealogy (vv. 1–17)

This section accomplishes several things:

• It ties Jesus to David, emphasising kingship.
• It ties Jesus to Abraham, emphasising blessing to all nations.
• It includes unexpected people to highlight God’s sovereignty over human weakness.
• It compresses history into a symmetrical pattern (three groups of fourteen) to reinforce Jesus as the centre point of God’s plan.

The genealogy is not background information–it is a proclamation: the Messiah has come.

2. The Birth Narrative (vv. 18–25)

Here the focus shifts from public lineage to private obedience.

Joseph learns that Mary’s pregnancy is by the Holy Spirit. The angel’s message reveals Jesus’ identity:

• “He will save His people from their sins” — His mission.
• “They shall call His name Immanuel” — His nature.

Joseph responds with quiet, faithful obedience. While Mary receives greater attention in Luke’s Gospel, Matthew emphasises Joseph as a model of righteousness expressed through compassionate action and humble submission to God’s plan.

The chapter closes with Joseph naming the child “Jesus”, an act signifying legal paternity. Through Joseph’s obedience, Jesus is established legally as a son of David.

REFLECTION

Matthew 1 teaches us about God’s faithfulness, mercy, and surprising ways of fulfilling His promises. The genealogy reminds us that God’s redemptive plan unfolds across generations, even when His people feel forgotten. The inclusion of individuals with broken stories shows that God weaves redemption through human weakness.

The narrative challenges us to consider how easily we judge by appearances or assume God cannot work through particular circumstances or people. Yet here God works through a young virgin, a compassionate carpenter, and a lineage filled with flawed men and women.

Joseph’s response stands out. He does not demand explanations, defend his reputation, or rebel against God’s surprising instructions. He simply obeys. His righteousness is shown in quiet faithfulness, compassion, and trust. Joseph models a discipleship that listens, believes, and acts–even when the world will misunderstand.

The announcement of the name “Jesus” reveals the heart of God. Salvation is not achieved through human effort but through the One who comes to rescue. This salvation is deeply personal: He comes to be with us. “Immanuel” is not a theological concept but a reality–God steps into human history, human pain, and human limitations to bring redemption.

Matthew 1 encourages us to trust God’s unfolding plan even when our circumstances seem confusing. It calls us to see His hand in the long arc of history and in the quiet obedience of everyday faithfulness.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT

There are moments in life when God’s plan feels confusing–when He calls us into situations we did not expect or through trials we would not choose. Joseph’s story shows us that faith is sometimes expressed in silent obedience rather than bold action. He believed God enough to surrender his expectations, his reputation, and his comfort.

You may find yourself in seasons where God’s direction feels unclear or costly. Yet the message of Matthew 1 is that God is present in the midst of uncertainty. Jesus is “Immanuel”–God with us in confusion, in waiting, in disappointment, in joy, and in redemption.

The birth of Jesus also reminds us that God often enters our stories in ways that look small or hidden. The world expected a king in splendour; God came in vulnerability. The world expected a throne; God began with a manger. The world expected human strength; God revealed divine love.

Your life may feel ordinary or overlooked, but God delights in working through humble faithfulness. Joseph’s quiet obedience changed the course of history–not because he was extraordinary, but because he trusted the One who is.

Let Matthew 1 encourage you: God’s promises never fail, His timing is perfect, and His presence is certain. Whatever you face today, He is with you.

ACTION STEPS

1. Reflect on God’s faithfulness across your own life. Write down moments where God has worked in unexpected ways.
2. Surrender a current worry to God in prayer, trusting His plan even if the path isn’t clear yet.
3. Practice quiet obedience in one small area of life today–an act of compassion, integrity, or faithfulness that only God may see.
4. Reaffirm Jesus’ identity by meditating on His names: Jesus–Yahweh saves, and Immanuel–God with us.

FURTHER STUDY

• Isaiah 7:14 — The original prophecy behind “Immanuel”.
• 2 Samuel 7:12–16 — God’s promise to David of an eternal throne.
• Genesis 12:1–3 — The Abrahamic covenant fulfilled in Christ.
• Ruth 4:18–22 — The genealogy leading to David, foreshadowing Matthew.
• Luke 1–2 — The complementary birth narratives offering fuller detail.

📘 Appendix: Understanding Matthew’s Chapter 1’s “Three Sets of Fourteen Generations” (Matthew 1:1–17)

When readers compare the genealogies of Jesus in Matthew 1 and Luke 3–or when they simply count the names inside Matthew 1–they often notice something that feels confusing at first glance. Matthew explicitly says that there are three sets of fourteen generations, but if you count the names straight through without stopping, the numbers don’t seem to match.

The solution is found in understanding how Matthew structures his genealogy. His goal is theological and literary, not modern spreadsheet-style accounting.

Below is a simple explanation to help this make perfect sense.

1. Matthew Divides Israel’s History into Three Eras

Matthew 1:17 summarises three historical movements in Israel’s story:

1. Abraham → David (the rise of God’s covenant people and the establishment of kingship)
2. David → the deportation to Babylon (the decline leading to judgment and exile)
3. The deportation → the Messiah (the era of waiting and final restoration through Christ)

Each of these eras ends with a hinge figure–someone who concludes one era and begins the next.

• David ends Era 1 and begins Era 2.
• Jeconiah ends Era 2 and begins Era 3.

Matthew deliberately uses these hinges to create three balanced, symmetrical groups.

2. Why Some Names Are Counted Twice

Jewish genealogical writing often uses structural patterns to emphasise meaning. Matthew uses “fourteen generations” as a symbolic and memorable arrangement.

Because each era is counted within itself, not as part of one continuous list, the hinge names naturally appear in both groups.

Think of it like counting days:

• “Monday to Friday” is five days.
• “Friday to Sunday” is three days.
  Friday belongs to both sets, even though you didn’t create an extra day.

Matthew uses the same method.

3. Visualising Matthew’s Genealogy as Three Independent Lines

Instead of one long chain, imagine Matthew intended his genealogy to be read as three separate lines:

Line 1: Abraham → David

Abraham (¹) … David (¹⁴)

Line 2: David → Jeconiah (deportation)

David (¹) … Jeconiah (¹⁴)

Line 3: Jeconiah → Jesus

Jeconiah (¹) … Jesus (¹⁴)

Each line contains fourteen “links”–exactly as Matthew claims.

If you collapse all three lines into one continuous list, you will naturally see:

• David listed once
• Jeconiah listed once
  –but counted twice (once in each of their respective lines).

Matthew’s claim is consistent when read as he intended.

4. Why Matthew Uses This Pattern

Matthew’s structure is not random or mathematical trivia. It highlights major turning-points in God’s redemptive plan:

• David represents the height of Israel’s kingdom.
• The exile represents Israel’s lowest moment.
• Jesus represents the fulfilment of Israel’s promises.

Fourteen is twice seven, and seven symbolises completeness in Scripture. So Matthew’s “fourteen–fourteen–fourteen” arrangement underlines that Jesus arrives at the moment of divine completion.

5. So Is There a Contradiction?

No.
There is only a misunderstanding of how ancient genealogies functioned.

Matthew:

• writes in a Jewish literary style, not a modern numerical one
• organises history into three meaningful eras
• intentionally uses hinge names to divide those eras
• counts each era independently

Once these features are understood, the structure becomes beautifully clear and the “three sets of fourteen” are exactly as Matthew describes.

🕊️ Matthew 1 — Prayer-Journal Devotional

(For personal reflection and journaling)

Lord,
As I sit with the words of Matthew 1, I’m struck by how intentionally You weave together the generations. Not one name in this long line of fathers and sons–and not even the broken stories behind them–was outside Your sovereign care. You were working toward Jesus the entire time.
You are reminding me today that nothing in my own story has fallen outside Your hands either. The parts I understand and the parts I don’t… the places that feel victorious and the places that feel unfinished… You are able to redeem them all. The genealogy of Jesus is proof that You work patiently, faithfully, and relentlessly across generations to fulfil Your promises.
I’m also moved by Joseph’s quiet obedience. He didn’t speak much. He simply listened, trusted, and obeyed. Lord, I often want answers before I act, but You call me–like Joseph–to trust Your voice, even when I don’t see the full picture. Help me to walk in that kind of trust.
And, Father, thank You for Immanuel–God with us. Not God far away. Not God watching from a distance. God with me. Today, right now, in this moment, in all the ordinary and uncertain places of my life, You are near. That changes everything.

Speak, Lord; Your servant is listening.
Lead me in the ways You want me to walk today.

Pause & Consider

Where do I see God’s faithfulness woven through the different “generations” and seasons of my own life story?

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

Reframe Your Focus

Is there an area of my life where I’ve been interpreting my circumstances only by what I see, rather than by God’s promises and character?

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

Be Still with God

What aspect of Joseph’s quiet obedience speaks most deeply to me today–and why?

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

Let Truth Take Root

How does the truth that Jesus is Immanuel–God with us reshape the way I look at the situation I’m facing right now?

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

Step Forward in Faith

What is one specific step of obedience or trust that I sense God inviting me to take in light of Matthew 1?

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

Suggested Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You that You are present in every chapter of my story–both the parts that make sense to me and the parts that still feel unresolved. Help me to trust that, just as You guided generations toward Your coming, You are also guiding my life toward Your good purposes. Strengthen my faith, deepen my obedience, and let the truth of Immanuel–God with us sink deeply into my heart today. Amen.