Luke 3:29

Which was the son of Jose, which was the son of Eliezer, which was the son of Jorim, which was the son of Matthat, which was the son of Levi,

Luke 3:29 (KJV)

Context

This verse appears within Luke’s genealogy of Jesus Christ, a record that traces the Lord’s lineage backward from Joseph to Adam. The names in this specific verse—Jose, Eliezer, Jorim, Matthat, and Levi—belong to the branch of Jesus’ ancestry that runs through Nathan, a son of King David. Luke’s account here differs from Matthew’s genealogy, which follows the royal line through Solomon. The variations in names and order between the two Gospels reflect the different purposes and sources each writer used.

Meaning

The Greek name rendered “Jose” in the King James Version is the same name translated as “Joshua” in most modern versions. This is because the Greek word Iēsous represents the Hebrew name Joshua, and “Jose” is an alternative form of that name. The other names in this verse—Eliezer, Jorim, Matthat, and Levi—are not prominent figures in the Old Testament narrative, which suggests Luke drew from genealogical records beyond those preserved in Scripture.

Biblical connections

Luke’s genealogy establishes Jesus’ legal lineage through Joseph (Luke 3:23) and traces the line back to David and then to Adam (Luke 3:38). By connecting Jesus to David, Luke demonstrates His rightful claim to the messianic throne and His connection to the promises and prophecies of the Old Testament concerning the coming Messiah. The genealogy also emphasizes Jesus’ full humanity, showing that He belongs to the human family as the second Adam.

Application

Although these names may seem unfamiliar and difficult to pronounce, each one represents a real person through whom God worked to bring about His redemptive plan. The inclusion of ordinary, otherwise unknown individuals in the Messiah’s lineage reminds believers that every generation matters in God’s purposes. God works through faithful people across centuries, often in ways they never see, to accomplish His salvation.

Reflection

Luke’s careful documentation of Jesus’ ancestry affirms the historical reality of His human lineage and the reliability of the Gospel records. The genealogy shows that God’s plan unfolded through specific families and generations, not in abstract principles. This verse encourages confidence that the details of our own lives, however small they may appear, are woven into God’s larger purposes.