Bible Question: In Mathew 1:16 it's stated that "Jesus son of Joseph son of Jacob". On the other hand in Luke 3:23 it states "Jesus son of Joseph son of Heli". Who's Heli? And why does Jesus have two lineages? Please give me the verses which verify the answers. Thank you. Mist |
Bible Answer: Hi Mist, What I believe we have here is the genealogy of Mary. Jesus being a son of Heli, through Mary. Some say about this: That to explain the statement about Joseph, that he was "the son of Hell," to mean that he was his son-in-law, as the husband of his daughter Mary (as in Rth 1:11, 12 ), and believe that Joseph's name is only introduced instead of Mary's, in conformity with the Jewish custom in such tables. "On comparing the two genealogies, it will be found that Matthew, writing more immediately for Jews, deemed it enough to show that the Saviour was sprung from Abraham and David; whereas Luke, writing more immediately for Gentiles, traces the descent back to Adam, the parent stock of the whole human family, thus showing Him to be the promised "Seed of the woman." JFB Ancient genealogies were almost always traced through the man; this is a problem in the unique situation of a virgin birth. Luke is following Mary's line (Jesus' actual lineage) while Matthew follows Joseph's line (His legal lineage by adoption); being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph is an important phrase. Luke ends with Joseph because he is following proper form and including no women in his genealogy. It’s a legitimate question Mist but one I wouldn’t spend too much time on it as scripture warns us: 1 Timothy 1: 3-4 “As I urged you upon my departure for Macedonia, remain on at Ephesus so that you may instruct certain men not to teach strange doctrines, nor to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which give rise to mere speculation rather than furthering the administration of God which is by faith.” Also, Titus 3:9 “But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.” Hope this helps Love and Peace in Jesus bgg |