Matthew 1:16-18
1:16 a This genealogy is traced through Joseph, who stands in David’s line (see also study note on Luke 3:23-38).1:17 b Matthew states that each period has fourteen generations, but the first and third periods list only thirteen. A legitimate Jewish and Old Testament approach would count David in both the first and second groupings and include Jesus in the third grouping. This suggests that Matthew is probably stressing the gematria (letters representing numbers): The letters in the Hebrew word dawid (“David”) also add up to fourteen. Matthew is highlighting Jesus’ credentials as the Messiah (1:1 c).
1:18 d Jesus the Messiah (literally Jesus the Christ): Using Messiah in the translation accurately communicates that it is a title rather than a personal name (“Jesus Christ”).
• engaged to be married: In Judaism, engagement (or betrothal) meant a permanent relationship (Mal 2:14 e) that could be broken only by legal process; thus, Mary was considered Joseph’s wife and he her husband (see Matt 1:20 f; Deut 22:23-24 g), even though they had not had sexual relations. Mary’s status as a virgin at the time of Jesus’ conception through the power of the Holy Spirit helps authenticate Jesus’ divinity.
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