What does Luke 3:31 mean?

Which was the son of Melea, which was the son of Menan, which was the son of Mattatha, which was the son of Nathan, which was the son of David, Luke 3:31

Explanation

The verse in question, Luke 3:31, is a part of the genealogical record presented in the Gospel of Luke, tracing the lineage of Jesus Christ. This particular verse notes the ancestral line from Jesus to King David through Nathan, one of David’s sons. It provides the names of several generations, all connected by fatherhood: Melea, Menan, Mattatha, Nathan, and David.

Luke’s presentation of Jesus’ genealogy is notable for several reasons. First, it diverges from the genealogy presented in the Gospel of Matthew, which traces Jesus’ lineage through Solomon, another son of David. Second, it lists names that are not found in the Old Testament, suggesting a thorough and possibly independent lineage source that Luke may have had access to. Third, by tracing through Nathan rather than Solomon, Luke emphasizes the prophetic and priestly aspects of Jesus’ Messiahship, rather than the purely royal line highlighted in Matthew’s account.

Historical Context

The Gospel of Luke was written in a Greco-Roman context and was likely composed between AD 80 and 110. Luke, the author, was a Greek-speaking Christian with a background that allowed him to write a sophisticated narrative aimed at a non-Jewish audience.

The genealogy in Luke 3 is presented in reverse order, starting with Jesus and moving backward to Adam, which is in contrast to Matthew’s genealogy that moves forward from Abraham to Jesus. Luke’s account addresses a broader audience by reaching back to the first human, Adam, rather than focusing solely on Jewish ancestors.

The lineage through Nathan suggests the possibility of a line of Davidic descent that was distinct from the line of kings ruling from Jerusalem. It reflects an understanding of the Messianic role that is inclusive of the prophetic tradition, linking Jesus not only to the political realm of Jewish history but also to its spiritual leadership.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse and the larger genealogical account of Luke 3 reinforce several key points:

• Inclusivity: By tracing Jesus’ lineage back to Adam, Luke emphasizes Jesus’ connection to all humanity, not just the Jewish people.
• Prophetic Lineage: Nathan, rather than Solomon, being in the genealogy, may signify a messianic role that includes speaking truth to power, as prophets did, and not just a political kingship.
• Virgin Birth: In the larger context of the genealogy, some theologians see the listing of Mary’s genealogy, rather than Joseph’s (as in Matthew), supporting the doctrine of the virgin birth, as Joseph would not be the biological father of Jesus.
• Divine Plan: The detailed lineage showcases the notion that Jesus’ coming was part of a divine plan, foretold through generations.

Practical Applications

The verse reinforces the concept that everyone has a place within God’s plan. Regardless of background, ancestry, or previous life, individuals are part of a greater story, and their lives are woven into a larger, divine tapestry.

Additionally, it can encourage believers to consider their heritage and how past experiences and family history have shaped their faith and identity. This reflection can foster a sense of purpose and a reminder of God’s sovereignty throughout generations.

Cross-References

• Matthew 1:1-16: “The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.” (Matthew’s account of Jesus’ genealogy, emphasizing a different lineage through Solomon.)
• 2 Samuel 5:14: “And these be the names of those that were born unto him in Jerusalem; Shammua, and Shobab, and Nathan, and Solomon.” (Mention of Nathan and Solomon as sons of David.)

Language Study

In the original Greek text, names have specific forms, which provide evidence for understanding the structure and flow of the lineage:

• Melea (Μελεᾶ): The Greek form of the name, potentially related to the Hebrew word for “fullness.”
• Menan: Also spelled “Menna,” this may be the Greek variant of an otherwise unknown Hebrew name.
• Mattatha (Ματταθᾶ): A shortened form of “Mattathias,” which is Greek for “Gift of Yahweh.”
• Nathan (Ναθάν): A familiar name in the Hebrew Bible, it means “He has given” or “Giver.”

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the context of other ancient cultures and myths, genealogies often served to establish a divine or heroic origin for key figures, emphasizing their right to rule or highlighting their unique role in the world’s story.

Comparatively, other ancient Near Eastern societies also utilized royal genealogies to legitimize political authority and connect their rulers to divine lineage. However, Luke’s genealogy, by including both historically significant and obscure individuals, democratizes the concept of divinity-linked heritage, opening it to all who are part of the Christian story.

Scientific Perspectives

From a modern scientific standpoint, the historical accuracy of such genealogical records is often scrutinized. Genetics and genomics do not currently have the capacity to verify such detailed ancestral lines extending back millennia. While the exact historical lineage may be debated, the genealogy serves a larger theological and literary purpose within the text.

Commentaries

Scholars and theologians offer various interpretations of this verse and its place in Luke’s Gospel:

• Some commentaries suggest that Luke’s intent was to show the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, demonstrating Jesus as the promised Messiah through his lineage.
• Others note the difference between Matthew and Luke’s genealogies, debating whether Luke’s account is Mary’s lineage and thus indicating Jesus’ human ancestry through his mother.

Commentators often reflect on the significance of including lesser-known figures in Jesus’ genealogy, suggesting that it may highlight how God’s plan unfolds through both the remarkable and the ordinary, and how every individual, regardless of prominence, has a place in God’s story.