📖 Biblical Definition
The Genealogy of Christ is the recorded line of descent traced for Jesus in Matthew 1 (Abraham to Christ, 42 generations) and Luke 3 (Christ back to Adam, son of God). Matthew traces the legal line through Joseph (Davidic kingship); Luke likely traces the biological line through Mary. Four women appear in Matthew's list: Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba (the wife of Uriah) — each with surprising story, each woven into the messianic line.
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
Christ's recorded line of descent; Matthew (Abraham to Christ), Luke (Christ to Adam).
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Matthew arranges in three sets of fourteen (1:17): Abraham to David, David to exile, exile to Christ. Luke runs in reverse from Joseph back through David, Abraham, Adam, to God Himself.
📖 Key Scripture
Matthew 1:1 — "The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham."
Matthew 1:17 — "So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations."
Luke 3:38 — "Which was the son of Adam, which was the son of God."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Modern readers often skim genealogies; Matthew's and Luke's are theologically loaded openings to their Gospels.
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The four women in Matthew's genealogy — Tamar (with Judah), Rahab (the harlot), Ruth (the Moabite), the wife of Uriah (Bathsheba) — are striking. Christ's line includes scandal, foreigners, and outsiders. The gospel's reach is encoded in His genealogy.
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
Greek genealogia; Hebrew toledot (generations).
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Greek genealogia — from genea (generation) plus logos (account).
Hebrew toledot — generations; the Genesis structuring word.
Usage
"Christ's line includes scandal, foreigners, and outsiders."
"The gospel's reach is encoded in His genealogy."
"Three sets of fourteen; Adam back to God."