What does Matthew 1:6 mean?
And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias; Matthew 1:6
Explanation
Matthew 1:6 is a verse in the genealogy of Jesus Christ, tracing his lineage through a royal line back to King David and further to Abraham. This verse specifically mentions David as being the son of Jesse, and the father of Solomon by the wife of Uriah, whom most readers associate with Bathsheba. The verse does not name Bathsheba directly but references her indirectly by mentioning her first husband, Uriah.
The lineage of Jesus is being established here in a way that is consistent with Old Testament prophecies, which state that the Messiah would come from the house of David. However, this verse also subtly touches upon human fallibility and God’s redemptive work. It alludes to the story of David and Bathsheba, which includes themes of adultery and murder. By including this story, the Gospel of Matthew indicates God’s grace in redeeming even the most problematic aspects of human history and incorporating it into His divine plan.
Historical Context
The Gospel of Matthew was written in a period of early Christianity when establishing Jesus’ Jewish lineage was crucial to convincing a Jewish audience of his role as the Messiah. Genealogies in Jewish culture were extremely important, serving to establish one’s identity, inheritance rights, tribal affiliation, and purity of lineage.
The verse dates back to the 1st century, likely between 70 and 110 AD. It was written against the backdrop of a Jewish society living under Roman rule, with strong expectations of a coming Messiah who would restore the kingdom of Israel.
Theological Insights
From a theological perspective, this verse has been scrutinized by Christian scholars for its implications regarding Jesus’ royal lineage and its relation to prophecy. It reflects the messianic expectation that the Anointed One would come from the line of David, thus solidifying Jesus’ claim to the Messiahship per Jewish tradition.
It summarizes the Davidic covenant found in 2 Samuel 7, where God promises David that his throne will be established forever, having subtle messianic undertones. This theological reasoning is significant in deepening the understanding of how Jesus fulfills Old Testament prophecies.
Practical Applications
Matthew 1:6 can inspire personal reflection on the way God can take imperfect people and situations and weave them into His plans. It serves as a reminder that no one is disqualified from being used for good purposes, no matter their past. This application teaches about grace, forgiveness, and the inclusive nature of God’s work in the world.
Cross-References
- 2 Samuel 7:12-16 (The Davidic Covenant)
- 2 Samuel 11 (Story of David, Bathsheba, and Uriah)
- Romans 1:3 (Jesus belonging to the line of David according to the flesh)
- Revelation 22:16 (Jesus as the Root and Offspring of David)
- Psalm 51 (David’s Psalm of repentance after his sin with Bathsheba)
Language Study
In the original Greek text, the phrase “David the king” uses the Greek “Δαυίδ τὸν βασιλέα” (David ton basilea), emphasizing David’s kingship. “Begot” comes from “ἐγέννησεν” (egennēsen), a term regularly used in genealogies to denote fathering a child. The phrase “of her who had been the wife of Uriah” in Greek is “ἐκ τῆς τοῦ Οὐρίου,” which delicately communicates Bathsheba’s relationship without naming her, hinting at the painful history.
Cultural and Religious Comparisons
In many ancient cultures, genealogies were treated with immense importance similarly to Jewish custom. They often linked prominent figures to gods or legendary heroes to establish authority or divine favor. For example, rulers in ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia frequently traced their lineages back to deities.
Scientific Perspectives
Scientific perspectives would primarily acknowledge this verse as part of a religious text that conveys genealogical information. While modern genetics confirms the complexity of tracing lineage due to the vast number of ancestors one has, the biblical genealogy tends to follow a linear patriarchal descent which serves a theological rather than a precise genetic purpose.
commentaries
Commentators like William Barclay have noted the genealogy in Matthew as showcasing both God’s judgment and mercy. David’s sin with Bathsheba is part of the Messiah’s history, illustrating the working of God’s purpose despite human sin. John Calvin focuses on God’s sovereignty and the fulfillment of promise, highlighting David and Solomon as chosen instruments in the line of Christ.
Other commentators have remarked on the social and theological implications of entering Bathsheba into the genealogy, given the circumstances of her union with David, thus offering a nuanced reflection on the complexities of history and divine providence represented in Matthew’s Gospel.
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