Bible Dictionary
Genealogy Of Jesus Christ
The genealogies of Jesus Christ in Matthew and Luke present His human descent, especially His connection with David and Abraham. They testify to His place in the promised Messianic line.
Definition
The genealogy of Jesus Christ is the New Testament record of his human descent. It presents his connection with Abraham and David and serves to identify him within the promised line.
Biblical Usage
The genealogy is given because Jesus’ descent was important to the claim that he fulfilled the prophecies concerning the Messiah. His relation to David, as son and heir, is especially significant in the supplied material.
Historical Background
The New Testament contains genealogical accounts of Jesus in Matthew and Luke. Genealogies could be arranged by selected generations and could reflect broader family or official descent rather than listing every intermediate generation.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Smith's Bible Dictionary
The New Testament gives us the genealogy of but one person, that of our Saviour. This is given because it was important to prove that Jesus fulfilled the prophecies spoken of him. Only as the son and heir of David should he be the Messiah. The following propositions will explain the true construction of these genealogies:—