What does Luke 3:37 mean?

Which was the son of Mathusala, which was the son of Enoch, which was the son of Jared, which was the son of Maleleel, which was the son of Cainan, Luke 3:37

Explanation

Luke 3:37 is a verse within the genealogy of Jesus Christ according to the Gospel of Luke. This verse lists a part of the lineage leading up to Jesus. It traces Jesus’ ancestry back through the patriarchs Methuselah, Enoch, Jared, Mahalaleel, and Cainan. This genealogy is important as it establishes Jesus’ human heritage and connects him to key figures of the Old Testament. Unlike Matthew, who traces the lineage through Joseph, Luke traces Jesus’ genealogy through Mary, reflecting his focus on the universality of the Gospel and the idea that Jesus is for all people.

Historical Context

The Gospel of Luke was written by Luke the Evangelist, who is believed to have been a companion of the Apostle Paul. The Gospel was likely written between AD 80 and 110 and is one of the three Synoptic Gospels, along with Matthew and Mark. Luke often emphasizes the humanity of Jesus and his ministry to the downtrodden. In the Jewish tradition, genealogies were highly significant and were often used to establish identity, inheritance rights, and social status. Luke’s presentation of Jesus’ genealogy served to reinforce Jesus’ human heritage and Messianic claims within the context of Jewish history.

Theological Insights

Different theological viewpoints interpret Luke’s genealogy of Jesus in various ways. For traditional Christian theology, this genealogy serves to affirm the belief in Jesus as the Christ, the human descendant of Adam, and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. Some theologians may also view this genealogy as emphasizing the idea that Jesus is relevant to all humans, not just to the Jewish people, since Luke traces the lineage back to Adam, the father of all humanity. Others may note theological significance in the inclusion of Enoch, who is noted in Genesis to have “walked with God” and was taken up without dying, a narrative some connect to Christ’s resurrection and ascension.

Practical Applications

In modern-day application, the genealogy in Luke can be seen as a reminder of the importance of one’s heritage and roots. It can teach the value of knowing one’s history and the impact of past generations on present identity. Additionally, as the genealogy ties Jesus to figures who walked faithfully with God, individuals can be inspired to live righteous lives in light of their heritage of faith. It may also serve as a source of reflection on God’s plan and timing, which unfolds over many generations.

Cross-References

• Genesis 5:21-27: This is where you can find the accounts of Methuselah, Enoch, Jared, Mahalaleel, and Cainan in the Old Testament.
• Hebrews 11:5: “By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.”
• Jude 1:14: “And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints,”

Language Study

In the original Greek New Testament, the phrase “which was the son of” translates to “τοῦ,” a genitive pronoun that denotes possession or connection. This connection indicates a father-son relationship that is linear and typically indicates direct descent in genealogical records. Important names in this verse include:

• “Mathusala” (Methuselah) – meaning “man of the dart” or “his death shall bring.”
• “Enoch” – meaning “dedicated” or “initiated.”
• “Jared” – from the Hebrew “yered,” meaning “descent.”
• “Maleleel” (Mahalaleel) – meaning “praise of God.”
• “Cainan” – meaning “their smith” or “their possession.”

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The practice of recording genealogies was common in many ancient cultures as a way to establish a person’s lineage, heritage, and right to inherit titles or property. The recording of genealogies was not unique to the Hebrew people, as seen in various cultures like the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. In the context of religious tradition, some cultures had myths of divine ancestry, such as the kings of Rome claiming descent from the gods. By contrast, the genealogy of Jesus in Luke serves to humanize him and tie his identity to known historical and religious figures.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, a detailed genealogy like the one listed in Luke 3:37 may be viewed as an attempt to document historical lineage in the absence of modern genetic testing. Unfortunately, scientific validation of these genealogies is not possible. However, the study of genealogies can provide insight into cultural and societal structures of the time. Additionally, some scientific critique might arise around Methuselah’s reported age in Genesis, which far exceeds known human lifespans.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and commentaries have provided insights into Luke 3:37. For example, the Pulpit Commentary notes the thoroughness of the genealogy and how it serves to connect Jesus with the human race as a whole. Matthew Henry’s Commentary highlights the faith and godliness of the individuals listed and how this reflects on Jesus’ divine mission. The Expositor’s Greek Testament discusses the purpose and extent of Luke’s genealogy in its early Christian context and expounds on its significance in affirming Jesus’ role as the Savior of all, not just the Jews.