What does Luke 3:28 mean?

Which was the son of Melchi, which was the son of Addi, which was the son of Cosam, which was the son of Elmodam, which was the son of Er, Luke 3:28

Explanation

Luke 3:28 is a verse from the genealogy of Jesus as recorded by Luke in the New Testament. This genealogy is traced through Jesus’ legal father, Joseph. The verse lists a sequence of ancestors, showing Jesus’ lineage stretching back into Jewish history. Each ‘which was the son of’ emphasizes the biological descent. In this specific verse, the writer moves backward from Melchi to Addi, to Cosam, to Elmodam, to Er. Unlike Matthew’s Gospel, which traces Jesus’ lineage through King David to Abraham, Luke’s genealogy goes back to Adam, suggesting a more universal message. Although the names are not all recognizable from the Old Testament, the intention is to demonstrate Jesus’ rightful place within Israelite heritage and to showcase the fulfillment of God’s promise of a savior.

Historical Context

The Gospel of Luke was written circa 80–90 AD, a time when establishing someone’s lineage was important to the Jewish identity and heritage. Jews at this time maintained detailed genealogical records. By placing Jesus within this lineage, the author aims to establish Jesus’ Jewish credentials and messianic legitimacy. The listed names that are not found in the Hebrew Bible highlight Luke’s use of records or traditions not preserved elsewhere in the Biblical text and potentially trace Jesus’ lineage through the tribe of Levi, which was the tribe of priests.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, Luke’s genealogy may serve several purposes. It emphasizes Jesus’ human ancestry, affirming the Christian doctrine that Jesus was both fully human and divine. It also highlights the belief that Jesus is the savior not only of the Jews but of all humanity, reflecting Luke’s theme of universal salvation. Depending on Christian denomination, interpretations might focus on different aspects, such as Jesus’ Davidic lineage (an important messianic qualification for some), or the inclusivity of non-Jewish characters, foreshadowing the mission to the Gentiles.

Practical Applications

The gleaming practical application from Luke 3:28 lies in understanding one’s heritage and identity within a broader historic and spiritual context. It suggests the importance of recognizing and honoring the chain of generations and relationships that precede an individual. Additionally, Christians might see this verse as a call to acknowledge the unity of all humanity under God, as Jesus’ genealogy ends with Adam, who is considered the father of all.

Cross-References

Cross-referencing to this verse helps outline the relevance of genealogies within the Bible:

• Luke 3:23-38: Provides the entire genealogy of Jesus according to Luke.
• Matthew 1:1-17: Provides the genealogy of Jesus as recorded by Matthew, which shows a different perspective emphasizing the royal Davidic line.
• Genesis 5:1-32: The book of Genesis provides the first genealogy in the Bible, tracing from Adam to Noah.
• Genesis 11:10-32: This genealogy traces from Noah to Abraham.
• 1 Chronicles 1-9: Chronicler’s genealogies, stretching from Adam to the returned exiles.

Language Study

In the original Greek text of Luke 3:28, the phrase translated as ‘which was the son of’ comes from the Greek word “ὢν,” a form of the verb “to be” (εἶναι). Repeated use of “ὢν” signifies ongoing existence or being through the ancestry line. Names like “Melchi,” “Addi,” “Cosam,” “Elmodam,” and “Er” don’t have widely known meanings in Greek as they are transliterations from Hebrew or Aramaic names.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the ancient Near East, genealogies were not only important in Judaism but in many cultures, with kings and priests often tracing their lineage to gods or legendary heroes, establishing status and authority. Comparatively, the Book of Genesis features genealogies reflecting the theological perspective on humanity and creation. In many ancient myths, demigods would have distinguished lineages that served as a basis for their extraordinary claims, similar to how Jesus’ lineage is presented in the Gospels.

Scientific Perspectives

Genealogical records in the biblical texts are not typically examined from a scientific standpoint, as they serve theological and symbolic purposes rather than historical accuracy. Today, genetic testing and genealogical DNA databases are tools that can be used to trace lineage and heritage which offer a stark contrast to the ancient practice of record-keeping and oral traditions.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and commentaries offer different perspectives. For instance, the Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges regards the unique names in Luke’s genealogy as evidence of its authenticity. The Pulpit Commentary suggests that the genealogy’s role is to show the fulfillment of God’s promise. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary emphasizes the legal descent presented in Luke, recognizing Joseph as the son-in-law of Heli. Contemporary perspectives would dive into the theological implications of Luke’s genealogy and how it contrasts with Matthew’s, reflecting on what this tells us about the early Christian understanding of Jesus’ mission and identity.