Luke 3:30

Which was the sonne of Simeon, which was the sonne of Iuda, which was the sonne of Ioseph, which was the sonne of Ionan, which was the sonne of Eliakim, Luke 3:30 (KJV)

Luke’s Gospel offers a detailed account of Jesus’ life, ministry, and teachings. In the specific section covering Luke 3:23‑38, the author presents the genealogy of Jesus, beginning with Jesus Himself and moving backward through many generations. Luke 3:30 is one verse within this extensive list, and it forms part of a longer chain that ultimately reaches back to Adam, underscoring Jesus’ connection to all humanity.

The genealogical record in Luke differs from the genealogy recorded in Matthew. While Matthew emphasizes the legal and royal line through Joseph, Luke follows a different ancestral line that also culminates in Adam. This approach highlights the universal significance of Jesus as the Savior of the whole human family, not merely a figure limited to a specific legal lineage.

The verse mentions Simeon as the son of Judah. Judah was one of the twelve sons of Jacob (Israel) and the founder of the tribe of Judah, a tribe central to Israel’s history. The inclusion of Simeon therefore links the lineage to the prominent tribe from which the messianic promise was expected (Genesis 49:10). By tracing through Judah, the genealogy affirms that Jesus is descended from the tribe that God designated for the Messiah.

Joseph appears next in the list. Although the New Testament does not present Joseph as Jesus’ biological father, he is the legal father and a descendant of King David. This connection provides Jesus with a legitimate claim to the Davidic throne, reinforcing his royal credentials.

After Joseph the genealogy continues with Jonam (also rendered as Jonan) and then Eliakim. Both names appear only in this genealogical record, and little else is known about them. Their presence, however, maintains the uninterrupted succession of ancestors that Luke intends to demonstrate, showing a continuous line from Adam to the Messiah.

Overall, Luke 3:30, though brief, is a meaningful link in the chain that highlights Jesus’ tribal affiliation with Judah, his universal humanity, and his legal right to the Davidic heritage through Joseph. These elements together support the understanding of Jesus as the long‑awaited Messiah and the Savior of the world.