The New Testament provides two genealogies of Jesus, one in Matthew and one in Luke. Matthew’s genealogy begins with Abraham and moves forward in time: “A was the father of B, B the father of C,” and so on. Luke’s genealogy begins with Jesus and moves backwards in time all the way to Adam: “C the son of B, the son of A.”
Let’s compare only the portions from Abraham forward.
From Matthew 1
Abraham Isaac Jacob Judah Perez Hezron Aram
Aminadab Nahshon Salmon Boaz Obed Jesse David Solomon Rehoboam Abijah Asaph Jehoshaphat Joram Uzziah Jotham Ahaz Hezekiah Manasseh Amos Josiah Jechoniah Salathiel Zerubbabel Abiud Eliakim Azor Zadok Achim Eliud Eleazar Matthan Jacob Joseph Jesus
From Luke 3
Abraham Isaac Jacob Judah Perez Hezron Arni Admin Amminadab Nahshon Sala Boaz Obed Jesse David Nathan Mattatha Menna Melea Eliakim Jonam Joseph Judah Simeon Levi Matthat Jorim Eliezer Joshua Er Elmadam Cosam Addi Melchi Neri Shealtiel Zerubbabel Rhesa Joanan Joda Josech Semein Mattathias Maath Naggai Esli Nahum Amos Mattathias Joseph Jannai Melchi Levi Matthat Heli Joseph Jesus
The differences begin with Matthew’s saying Joseph, Mary’s husband, was descended from David’s son Solomon, and Luke’s saying Joseph, Mary’s husband, was descended from David’s other son Nathan. There is a widespread notion that one genealogy is actually that of Mary’s husband and the other that of Mary herself. Problem: The text doesn’t say that.
Another issue is that Matthew’s list does not comport with the Old Testament. See Matthew’s Omission of 81 Years of Jewish Kings.
Reblogged 2022-07-14.
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