The lineage tracing from the patriarch Abraham to Jesus Christ is a significant element in both Jewish and Christian theology. The Gospel of Matthew provides a specific enumeration, aiming to establish Jesus’s legal and ancestral right to the throne of David. The count offered is not merely a historical record, but also a structured narrative divided into three sets of fourteen.
This genealogical record serves several important functions. It emphasizes Jesus’s connection to the Abrahamic covenant and the promises made to Abraham’s descendants. Furthermore, it grounds Jesus within the historical narrative of Israel, demonstrating his continuity with the faith and traditions of his ancestors. Understanding this lineage is crucial for interpreting the New Testament’s claims about Jesus’s identity and mission.
