Genealogy plays a significant role in the Bible, connecting generations and telling the story of faith through family lines. It’s more than just a list of names—it reflects God’s promises and the continuity of His plan.
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What Does The Bible Say About Genealogy
Matthew 1:1
“This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David, the son of Abraham:”
This verse introduces the genealogy of Jesus, tracing his lineage back to King David and Abraham. It emphasizes Jesus’ royal and prophetic heritage and establishes his rightful place as the long-awaited Messiah.
1 Chronicles 1:1
“Adam, Seth, Enosh,”
This verse begins the detailed genealogical record found in 1 Chronicles, listing the descendants of Adam. It highlights the importance of preserving lineage and family history, showing the continuity from the first man to subsequent generations.
Ruth 4:18
“This, then, is the family line of Perez: Perez was the father of Hezron,”
Ruth’s genealogy is traced back to Perez, who was a descendant of Judah. This verse demonstrates how genealogies were used to establish lineage and legal rights, tying Ruth’s story to a specific family heritage.
Genesis 5:1
“This is the written account of Adam’s family line.”
This verse introduces the genealogy of Adam, documenting the succession of his descendants. It reflects the importance of keeping records and preserving family heritage throughout history.
1 Chronicles 2:1
“These were the sons of Israel: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah,”
This verse begins the genealogy of the twelve tribes of Israel, tracing their origins back to the sons of Jacob (Israel). It underscores the historical and ancestral significance of each tribe within the larger context of God’s covenant people.
Matthew 1:2
“Abraham was the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob,”
This verse continues the genealogy of Jesus, highlighting the lineage from Abraham to Isaac and Jacob. It further solidifies Jesus’ connection to the covenant promises made to Abraham and his descendants.
1 Chronicles 2:2
“Dan, Joseph, Benjamin, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher.”
This verse lists additional names in the genealogical record of Israel’s tribes, providing a comprehensive account of the twelve sons of Jacob and their respective descendants.
Genesis 10:1
“This is the account of Shem, Ham, and Japheth, Noah’s sons, who themselves had sons after the flood.”
This verse introduces the genealogy of Noah’s sons, detailing the lineages that emerged after the flood. It emphasizes the continuation of humanity through these three patriarchs.
Luke 3:36
“the son of Cainan, the son of Arphaxad, the son of Shem, the son of Noah,”
This verse traces Jesus’ genealogy all the way back to Noah, highlighting the connection between Jesus and the broader history of humanity. It reinforces the continuity of God’s plan of salvation throughout generations.
1 Chronicles 5:1
“The sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel (he was the firstborn, but when he defiled his father’s marriage bed, his rights as firstborn were given to the sons of Joseph son of Israel; so he could not be listed in the genealogical record in accordance with his birthright,”
This verse explains the exclusion of Reuben, the firstborn of Jacob (Israel), from the genealogical record due to his violation of his father’s marriage. It demonstrates the consequences of disobedience and the importance of righteousness in preserving one’s place in the genealogy.
Esther 2:5
“Now there was in the citadel of Susa a Jew of the tribe of Benjamin, named Mordecai son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish,”
This verse provides the genealogy of Mordecai, a key figure in the book of Esther. It connects him to the tribe of Benjamin, emphasizing his Jewish heritage and underscoring his role in God’s providential plan for the preservation of the Jewish people.
1 Chronicles 9:1
“All Israel was listed in the genealogies recorded in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah.”
This verse highlights the extensive genealogical record kept in the kingdom of Israel and Judah, showing the importance placed on preserving the historical lineage of the entire nation. It reflects a commitment to honoring and maintaining the heritage of God’s chosen people.
Matthew 1:3
“Judah the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar,”
This verse continues the genealogy of Jesus, mentioning Judah’s sons, Perez and Zerah. It includes the detail of their mother, Tamar, highlighting the significance of these individuals in the Messianic line despite unusual circumstances.
Ruth 4:21
“Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab,
This verse reveals Boaz’s lineage through his father Salmon and his mother Rahab. It showcases the inclusion of foreigners and individuals with varying backgrounds in the Messianic genealogy, emphasizing the universal scope of God’s redemptive plan.
1 Chronicles 7:1
“The sons of Issachar: Tola, Puah, Jashub, and Shimron—four in all.”
This verse enumerates the sons of Issachar, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. It highlights the meticulousness of genealogical documentation and the collective identity of each tribe within God’s chosen people.
1 Chronicles 8:28
“These were heads of families, chiefs as listed in their genealogy and registered by their clans and fathers’ households. The number of Jeiel, the father of Gibeon, was 2,180.”
This verse demonstrates the meticulous record-keeping of genealogies, specifically noting the number of descendants attributed to a particular individual. It underscores the organization and importance of family heritage within the community.
Luke 3:34
“the son of Jacob, the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham, the son of Terah, the son of Nahor,”
This verse traces Jesus’ genealogy back to Terah and Nahor, connecting him to the broader history of the Hebrew people. It highlights the continuity of God’s plan from Abraham through subsequent generations.
1 Chronicles 2:3
“Judah, Onan, and Shelah. These three were born to him by a Canaanite woman, the daughter of Shua.”
This verse mentions the sons of Judah and highlights their mother, who was a Canaanite. It emphasizes the diverse backgrounds and ancestral heritage within the lineages of the Israelite tribes.
Genesis 11:10
“This is the account of Shem’s family line.”
This verse introduces the genealogy of Shem, one of Noah’s sons. It establishes the historical lineage that follows Shem’s descendants, tracing the origins of various nations and peoples.
1 Chronicles 7:5
“The descendants of Gilead: through Iezer, the Iezerite clan; through Helek, the Helekite clan;
This verse enumerates the descendants of Gilead, showing the division of his lineage into distinct clans. It highlights the intricate details of familial connections within the broader genealogical records.
1 Chronicles 9:22
“All those chosen as gatekeepers were two hundred and twelve. They were registered by their genealogy in their villages.”
This verse documents the genealogical records of those chosen as gatekeepers in the service of the tabernacle. It underscores the importance of authenticity and rightful lineage in fulfilling various roles and responsibilities within the religious community.
Luke 3:27
“the son of Joanan, the son of Rhesa, the son of Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel,”
This verse traces Jesus’ genealogy back to Zerubbabel and Shealtiel, highlighting their roles in the restoration of Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. It emphasizes Jesus’ connection to the historical and redemptive narrative of Israel.
1 Chronicles 2:21
“Afterward Hezron slept with the daughter of Makir the father of Gilead. He had married her when he was sixty years old, and she bore him Segub.”
This verse provides additional details about the intermingling of family lines, noting Hezron’s marriage to the daughter of Makir. It demonstrates the fluidity of genealogical connections and the complexity of tracing ancestral roots.
1 Chronicles 9:3
“Some of the people of Judah, Benjamin, Ephraim, and Manasseh lived in Jerusalem:”
This verse mentions the residence of specific tribes within Jerusalem, reinforcing the communal nature of genealogical ties and the importance of dwelling together as a cohesive unit.
Ezra 2:59
“The following were those who came up from Tel-melah, Tel-harsha, Cherub, Addan, and Immer, though they could not prove their father’s houses or their descent, whether they belonged to Israel:”
This verse acknowledges individuals who were unable to prove their lineage and descent, raising questions about their inclusion among the returning exiles. It underscores the significance placed on genealogical evidence for retaining social and religious status.