Luke 3:28

Which was the son of Melchi, which was the son of Addi, which was the son of Cosam, which was the son of Elmodam, which was the son of Er,

Luke 3:28 (KJV)

Context

Luke 3:28 appears within the genealogy that Luke records from Jesus back to Adam (Luke 3:23-38). This list differs from Matthew’s genealogy, which is traditionally linked to Joseph’s legal line. Many scholars understand Luke’s account to trace Mary’s ancestry, though the text itself does not state this explicitly.

Genealogies held deep importance in Jewish culture because they established a person’s lineage and connection to key figures and promises. Luke’s placement of this record emphasizes that Jesus belongs to the whole human family, not only to one nation or tribe.

Meaning

The names in this verse—Melchi, Addi, Cosam, Elmodam, and Er—are otherwise unknown in the Old Testament. According to John Gill’s Exposition, these individuals lived before the captivity and belonged to the house of David through Nathan’s line, as the genealogy continues in Luke 3:31. The Old Testament names Nathan’s sons as Azariah, Zabud, and Ahishar (1 Kings 4:5-6), and some think Ahishar may be the same as Mattatha, who appears later in Luke’s list (Luke 3:31).

This verse is a simple genealogical record, yet it affirms the historical reality of Jesus’ human ancestry and His connection to the Davidic line through Nathan. The broader passage continues beyond Er with ancestors such as Joshua, Eliezer, Jorim, Matthat, Levi, Simeon, Judah, Joseph, and Jonam, showing the depth and continuity of the lineage.

Biblical connections

The genealogy establishes Jesus’ human ancestry and His connection to the Davidic line that the Old Testament prophets identified as the source of the promised King (2 Samuel 7:12-16). By tracing the lineage back to Adam, Luke underscores that the Messiah is not only the Son of God but also a descendant of the first human, fulfilling the promise that a Savior would arise from humanity.

Application

Luke’s careful record of ordinary, otherwise unknown names reminds readers that God works through real people in specific times and places. Just as Melchi, Addi, Cosam, Elmodam, and Er each played a part in the line leading to the Savior, every believer occupies a place in God’s ongoing purposes, even when their role is not publicly recognized.

Reflection

The verse, together with the surrounding genealogy, underscores the significance of Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah and the Son of God who bridges the divide between God and humanity. His human ancestry confirms that He can sympathize with human weakness, while His divine sonship assures believers of His power to save.