What does Luke 3:38 mean?

Which was the son of Enos, which was the son of Seth, which was the son of Adam, which was the son of God. Luke 3:38

Explanation

Luke 3:38 concludes the genealogy of Jesus as recorded by Luke, tracing Jesus’ lineage through his earthly father Joseph, all the way back to God. This verse specifically identifies Enos, Seth, and Adam in Jesus’ family tree and makes a theological claim by calling Adam “the son of God.” This insinuates that Adam is directly created by God, setting up a unique relationship between humanity and divinity. The verse brings a sense of full circle from Creation to the coming of the Messiah, emphasizing both Jesus’ connection to all of humanity and his divine origin.

Historical Context

Luke’s Gospel was written in a Greco-Roman context, likely around 80-110 AD. Luke, a companion of Paul, writes for a predominantly Gentile-Christian audience. The genealogy provided in chapter 3 places Jesus within the history of Israel, connecting him to prominent figures like Abraham and David, and ultimately back to Adam. This connection to Adam serves to underline the universal scope of Jesus’ mission and his role as the savior for all of humanity, not just the Jewish people.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological perspective, referring to Adam as “the son of God” in this context highlights the belief that Adam was made in God’s image and likeness. By tracing Jesus’ lineage to Adam, Luke underscores the belief in Jesus as the new Adam, who comes to restore what the first Adam had lost due to sin. Theological interpretations often see this as an indication of the universal salvation offered through Christ, breaking the barriers of Israel’s covenant to include Gentiles.

Practical Applications

In daily life, this passage can inspire believers to consider their own connection to the original creation and their relationship with God. It also invites reflection on Jesus’ role as a figure who comes to renew and restore that connection, suggesting that individuals have a place within God’s broader plan. The genealogy can serve as a reminder of shared human ancestry, encouraging unity and compassion among people of diverse backgrounds.

Cross-References

• Genesis 5:1-3 – “This is the book of the generations of Adam. In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God made he him;”
• 1 Corinthians 15:22 – “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.”
• 1 Corinthians 15:45 – “And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.”

Language Study

In the original Greek, the phrase “the son of God” uses the Greek word “theou,” which means “of God” or “belonging to God.” When referring to Adam as “son,” the term “huios” denotes not just a familial relationship but can also imply the character or nature of a person. The phrase demonstrates a significant connection between Adam and God, different from the other genealogical links which imply natural descent.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, genealogies served to establish a person’s identity, importance, and relationships. Comparatively, in religious texts, Luke’s genealogy is unique as it connects a human directly to God without intermediaries, whereas other mythologies might show gods creating or interacting with humans without establishing a direct parentage. In Mesopotamian myths, for instance, the gods create humans, but there is a distinct separation between divine and mortal beings.

Scientific Perspectives

From a modern scientific perspective, the genealogy presented in Luke is a theological construct rather than a historical account, as it conflicts with evolutionary biology’s understanding of human origins. Scientific evidence suggests that humans are the product of a long evolutionary process rather than the direct creation of a single first man or pair. While the verse may not align with scientific evidence, it still holds symbolic and spiritual significance for believers.

Commentaries

Commentators have long discussed the theological significance of the Lucan genealogy. Some focus on the differences between Luke’s version and that of Matthew, noting that Luke’s extends all the way to Adam, while Matthew starts with Abraham, reflecting their respective audiences. Others might emphasize the role of genealogy in establishing Jesus’ credentials as the promised Messiah, highlighting the universality of his mission as relevant to the entire human race. Some modern scholars may also explore the genealogy’s structuring and symmetry, examining how Luke’s portrayal of Jordan as the second Adam informs the narrative of Jesus and provides theological depth to the Gospel’s themes of redemption and new creation.