←
Explanation for:
Matthew
1
:
2
Abraham begot Isaac. And Isaac begot Jacob. And Jacob begot Judas and his brethren.
10
more explanations
& daily audio-books
spoken by
– enjoy in Theosis App –
Start your
Bible-journey
with explanations
& daily audio-books
only 4$* per month
{"arr":[{"author-name":"Anonymous Commentary (Opus Imperfectum)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":4,"exegesis-text":"Abraham, the patriarch of the faithful, serves as a model for the saints. God instructed him, \\"Go from your country, your people, and your father's house to the land I will show you\\" (Gen. 12:1), which signifies that all who aspire to be descendants of Abraham and inherit the promised land, of which it is proclaimed, \\"I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living\\" (Ps. 26:13), may fully understand. Those who choose not to emulate Abraham cannot claim to be his children. Abraham’s son Isaac, whose name means 'laughter,' embodies this divine joy—distinct from mere frivolity, it represents the profound rejoicing of the heart, revealing the mystery of Christ. Just as Isaac was born to parents who had given up hope in their old age, demonstrating that he was a child of grace rather than of nature, our Isaac in these latter times was born to a Jewish virgin, bringing joy to all, as the angel proclaimed to the shepherds: \\"I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people\\" (Luke 2:10). The Apostle proclaims, \\"But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law\\" (Gal. 4:4). Isaac was born of an elderly woman, whereas Christ was born of a pure virgin, both births defying natural expectation. Isaac's birth came after his mother was past childbearing age, and Christ’s was prior to His mother having the ability to conceive. Isaac was born of a weak and aged mother, while Christ was born of a virgin, for Isaac would beget sons in the law, destined for decay, and Christ would bring forth grace, which is everlasting.\\n\\nIsaac fathered Esau and Jacob, representing the two ages. Esau was covered entirely in hair, symbolizing the first age characterized by wickedness from beginning to end. In contrast, Jacob was fair to look upon and had smooth skin, symbolizing a future age radiant with godliness, free from the blemish of sin. Upon Esau’s birth, Jacob grasped his heel, hence the name Jacob, which means 'he takes by the heel'—foretelling that at the conclusion of this age, the beginnings of the age to come would also emerge. As Esau pursued Jacob, the sons of this current age pursue the children of the coming age; similar to Jacob, they conquer the wicked not by opposition but by avoidance. Just as Jacob’s mother implored him, \\"Son, obey my voice and flee to Mesopotamia until your brother’s anger subsides\\" (Gen. 27:43-44), so the Church daily encourages her children enduring persecution with, \\"When they persecute you in this city, flee to another\\" (Matt. 10:23); and \\"do not avenge yourselves\\" (Rom. 12:19). Jacob fathered Judah and his brothers, and our James beget the twelve apostles, spiritually rather than physically, through words rather than lineage. As Jacob, with his twelve sons, uniquely multiplied in Egypt, so too did Christ with His twelve apostles expand in the world, as evidenced by the very mission itself."},{"author-name":"Jerome of Stridon","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88dcd3432c6dd41375498_Jerome%20of%20Stridon.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"In this genealogy, the sequence places the ancestors after the descendant; however, the evangelist needed to make a modification. If he had placed Abraham first and then David, it would necessitate mentioning Abraham again to further clarify the lineage. Therefore, he chose to focus exclusively on these two, referring to the Savior solely as their son, since the promise of Christ is bestowed specifically upon them. To Abraham, it is stated, \\"And in thy seed shall all nations be blessed\\" (Gen. 22:18), and to David, it affirms, \\"From the fruit of thy womb will I set upon thy throne\\" (Ps. 131:11)."},{"author-name":"John Chrysostom","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88ea76859f9f8e2ffd3ee_John%20Chrysostom.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"What is the current inquiry? Why does the Evangelist include the lineage of Joseph, who played no role in the birth of our Savior? We've already identified one rationale; now we must seek another, which is more profound and opaque than the first. What is this explanation? The Evangelist aimed to prevent the Jews from recognizing at the time of Christ's birth that He was born of a virgin. Do not be alarmed if my assertion unsettles you; I am not expressing my own views but rather conveying the insights of our forefathers, esteemed and renowned figures. If the Lord concealed many truths in obscurity, referring to Himself as the Son of Man; if He did not fully disclose His equality with the Father, why should we find it surprising that He kept the miraculous nature of His virgin birth hidden until the appointed time? What is so astonishing about this, you might ask? It is that the Virgin is safeguarded from wrongful suspicion. If the truth were known to the Jews from the outset, they would have likely stoned her and branded her as unchaste. Given their previous behavior, where they shamelessly accused Christ of being demon-possessed when He cast out demons and viewed Him as an adversary of God when He healed on the Sabbath – a day that had seen numerous violations – what might they have claimed upon hearing this revelation? Additionally, it was advantageous for them that this had never occurred before. If they referred to Jesus as the son of Joseph even after witnessing His many miracles, what ground would they have had to believe in His virgin birth before any miraculous signs? Thus, the genealogy of Joseph is documented, along with the betrothal of the Virgin to him. When even Joseph, a just and remarkable man, required substantial evidence to accept such a miraculous event – an angelic visitation, a dream, the affirmations of the prophets – how could the crude and corrupted Jews, who were hostile towards Christ, have entertained such an idea? They would certainly have reacted with outrage at such an unprecedented occurrence, particularly since they had never known of similar events in their history. Anyone who had once recognized Jesus as the Son of God would not have wavered in belief; however, who would not have been tempted to view Him as a deceiver, a foe of God? This explains why the apostles refrained from discussing the virgin birth at the outset. Instead, they frequently addressed the resurrection of Christ, as there were precedents for resurrection in earlier times, though not in the same manner; yet they seldom mentioned His virgin birth. Even Mary did not feel free to proclaim it. Observe her words to Christ, “Behold, I and your father have sought you” (Luke 2:48)! If He were regarded as born of a virgin, He could no longer be viewed as a descendant of David, leading to numerous detrimental consequences. Thus, the angels communicated this truth only to Mary and Joseph, and when they proclaimed His birth to the shepherds, they did not elaborate further. But why, after referencing Abraham and stating he begot Isaac and Isaac begot Jacob, does the Evangelist omit Jacob's brother, while mentioning Judah and his siblings afterward? This stems from the malice of Esau, and some attribute this to various other forebears. However, I shall refrain from asserting this: if that were the case, why does the Evangelist subsequently mention the immoral wives? It is clear that the splendor of Jesus Christ is illuminated by contrast, not through grandiosity, but through the humble origins of His lineage. It is a significant honor for an exalted person to humbly lower themselves. So, why did the Evangelist choose not to mention Esau and others? Because the Saracens, Ishmaelites, Arabs, and all who trace their lineage back to these ancestors shared no connection with the people of Israel. For this reason, he omits them and focuses solely on the ancestors of Jesus and the Jewish people, stating, “But Jacob begat Judah and his brethren.” This directly pertains to the lineage of the Jews."},{"author-name":"Euthymios Zigabenos","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":11,"exegesis-text":"In biblical tradition, genealogies were typically traced through male lineage. The father contributes the seed, serving as the source and foundation of the child, while also being the leader of the family; the mother, who nurtures and cultivates the seed, is designated to assist the father. The evangelist prioritized Judas among the sons of Jacob, reflecting Christ's descent from his lineage. In genealogical records, each individual generally represents a singular successor; therefore, when multiple figures are included, there is always a significant purpose behind the addition. In this instance, the evangelist notes the brothers of Judah, emphasizing that there was one nation of Israel emerging from twelve foundational tribes, each represented by the twelve sons of Jacob. These figures are also acknowledged as ancestry to Christ, considering they were the leaders of the Israelite tribes from which the Messiah arose (with Abraham signifying the father of nations and Isaac representing joy and laughter)."},{"author-name":"Theophylact of Bulgaria","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8989296bafed9104677d7_Theophylact%20of%20Bulgaria.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":11,"exegesis-text":"The genealogy begins with Abraham, as he is recognized as the patriarch of the Jewish people and the first to receive the promise that through his lineage all nations would find blessing. Thus, it is appropriate to trace Christ's lineage back to him, for Christ is the fulfillment of Abraham's lineage, bringing blessing to all Gentiles who once stood apart. The name Abraham is rendered as “father of many nations,” while Isaac signifies “laughter” and “joy.” The evangelist intentionally omits the mention of Abraham's sons outside of his covenant relationship, such as Ishmael, since the Jewish heritage is rooted solely in Isaac. It is noteworthy that Matthew includes Judah and his siblings, as they are the ancestors of the twelve tribes of Israel."},{"author-name":"Nicephoros (Theotokis)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8958407451968d9c204fb_Nicephoros%20(Theotokis).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":18,"exegesis-text":"The lineage of Jesus Christ traces back to Abraham, the patriarch of the Jewish people from whom the Savior was born. It was Abraham to whom faith was first credited as righteousness (Rom. 4:9), and he was the recipient of God's initial promises. Through him, specifically through Christ, who came from his lineage, all nations would find blessing: “And I will bless,” God declared to him, “those who bless you, and those who curse you shall be cursed; and all the families of the earth shall be blessed in you” (Gen. 12:3). God specifically named only Judah, excluding his brothers, as Christ came into the world through his tribe. As the Apostle James prophesied, “Judah is a lion’s cub; from the prey, my son, you have gone up. He stooped down; he crouched as a lion, and as a lioness; who dares rouse him?” (Gen. 49:9). The Apostle Paul affirmed this truth, noting that “it is clear that our Lord arose from Judah” (Heb. 7:14). The Evangelist then follows the lineage of those descended from Judah, stating:"},{"author-name":"Michail (Lusin)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c89550c567e172d15b3055_Michail%20(Lusin).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The lineage of Christ traces back to Abraham, as detailed in the book of Genesis: Abraham fathered Isaac (Gen. 21:2). The evangelist’s genealogy presents only the key patriarchs from whom the Messiah descends, omitting other family members. Consequently, only the birth of Isaac is highlighted, excluding Abraham's other offspring; similarly, only Isaac’s lineage is noted, with Jacob specifically mentioned. Jacob is recorded as the father of Judah and his brothers (Gen. 29-30; cf. Gen. 49:8ff). The question arises as to why, after referencing Abraham, who fathered Isaac, and then Isaac fathering Jacob, no mention is made of Jacob's brother, though Judah and his siblings are later identified. This omission relates to the unrighteousness of Esau, which is similarly noted for other ancestors. However, that claim could invite questions, for it raises issues regarding the mention of sinful wives shortly thereafter. The true reason lies in the fact that the descendants of the Saracens, Ishmaelites, and Arabs—originating from those ancestors—hold no direct ties to the Israelite people. Thus, the evangelist focuses solely on the lineage pertinent to Jesus and the tribe of Judah."},{"author-name":"Abbot Panteleimon about the Trinity","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"We now turn our attention to the lineage of Jesus Christ in a sequential manner. The evangelist, addressing a Hebrew audience, chooses not to initiate the genealogy with Adam but starts instead with Abraham: ABRAHAM BEGAT ISAAC. Abraham was the first individual to receive from God the declaration of righteousness through faith; he was the initial recipient of the divine promise that all nations would be blessed through his descendant (Gen. 22:18). This descendant is Christ, the seed of Abraham, through whom we, who were once Gentiles, have received blessings. The evangelist refrains from mentioning Abraham's other children, as not all Hebrews trace their lineage from them but are instead descended from Isaac. Hence, he focuses solely on Jacob, omitting mention of Esau: ISAAC BEGAT JACOB; JACOB BEGAT JUDAH AND HIS BROTHERS. Among Jacob's twelve sons, the evangelist highlights Judah, for it is from the tribe of Judah that Christ arises. He also refers to Judah's brothers, recognizing them as part of the heritage of the chosen Hebrew nation. Before his passing, the patriarch Jacob blessed his children, declaring to Judah: \\"The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the lawgiver from his loins, until Shiloh comes, and to Him shall the gathering of the people be\\" (Genesis 49:10). This indicates that the royal line of Judah would endure until the arrival of the awaited Reconciler, the one whom all nations look for—the Savior, Christ. This prophecy was realized at the time of Christ's nativity: the Jews were without a king of their own, for King Herod was a foreign ruler, and their realm was under Roman governance."},{"author-name":"Ivanov A.V.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88db13197efab881aa332_Ivanov%20A.V..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The Evangelist commences with Abraham as the spiritual progenitor of the faithful, since Abraham fathered Isaac by faith, not by mere physical means, but by the Spirit, or in accordance with the divine promise (Gal. 4:23, 29). Through Isaac, the promised offspring was designated to Abraham (Rom. 9:7), and Isaac in turn fathered Jacob, according to the divine purpose of the One who called (Rom. 9:11, 12). Jacob, who fathered twelve sons, prophetically focused his vision on Judah, through whom he named the promised offspring (Gen. 49:10). From Judah came David, a significant ancestor of Jesus Christ, and from David came Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus Christ, who was deemed to have a human lineage through the flesh yet was legitimate through Mary’s husband and the adoption of her Son. Matthew traces the genealogy of Jesus Christ, descending from Abraham, to demonstrate that Jesus is a direct heir of the chosen lineage. His account is directed toward the Jewish audience, who especially needed reassurance that Jesus Christ was indeed a genuine descendant of Abraham and David, from whom they anticipated the Messiah and whose lineage was well-known to them. Cf. Lk. 3:23"},{"author-name":"Bogoslovski M.I.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c889e63432c6dd413681d2_Bogoslovski%20M.I..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Why did St. Matthew focus solely on the siblings of Judas in his genealogy and not mention Ishmael, the brother of Isaac, or Esau, the brother of Jacob? As Chrysostom points out, there is a significant reason for this choice. He aimed to demonstrate that Ishmael and Esau, along with their descendants—the Ishmaelites, Saracens, Arabs, and others—were not related to the Jewish people, emphasizing that Christ did not come from them. In contrast, the descendants of Jacob, particularly Judah and his brothers, are recognized as the forebears of the twelve tribes of Israel, the chosen lineage of Abraham as designated by God. By naming Judah among Jacob's offspring, the Evangelist encompasses all of Jacob's descendants, positioning Judah as their representative (Genesis 49:3-8). The genealogy lists only the patriarchs of the families from which the Messiah would arise."}]}
Support this project and get full access for only 4$/month
Commentarie text can’t be scrolled on PC at the moment. Please use your phone. We’re working on a fix.
