Luke 3:36

Which was the son of Cainan, which was the son of Arphaxad, which was the son of Sem, which was the son of Noe, which was the son of Lamech,

Luke 3:36 (KJV)

Context

Luke 3:36 stands within the genealogy of Jesus, tracing His lineage from Joseph back to Adam and ultimately to God (Luke 3:23-38). This verse lists five generations: Cainan, Arphaxad, Shem, Noah, and Lamech, connecting Jesus to the post-flood patriarchal line found in Genesis 10-11 and 1 Chronicles 1.

Meaning

The verse preserves names and relationships, establishing continuity across generations. It should be read for the precise people it names; the text does not supply motives or character judgments beyond those details. The wording sets the subject and the limits of interpretation.

A notable textual issue is the inclusion of Cainan between Arphaxad and Shelah. This Cainan is not mentioned in the Hebrew Old Testament (Genesis 11:12), the Samaritan Pentateuch, the Targums, Josephus, or 1 Chronicles 1:24. It appears in the Septuagint (LXX) and in Luke’s genealogy. Some ancient Greek manuscripts of Luke omit Cainan, and it is absent from Beza’s most ancient Greek copy. The presence of Cainan in Luke likely follows the Septuagint’s textual tradition.

Biblical connections

The other names are well-attested: Arphaxad was the son of Shem (Genesis 11:10), Shem was the son of Noah (Genesis 5:32), and Lamech was the father of Noah (Genesis 5:28-29). Luke’s genealogy emphasizes Jesus’ genuine humanity and His connection to the covenant people of Israel, showing that God’s redemptive plan unfolds through real history and specific families.

Application

A faithful response is careful attention. Readers should receive the record as written, avoid inventing details beyond it, and allow the surrounding genealogy to explain each person’s place. The genealogy also underscores the faithfulness of God across generations, preserving a line through which the promised Savior would come.

Reflection

Taken within its immediate setting, Luke 3:36 has a clear place in the passage. Careful attention to its actual words provides a sound foundation for interpretation.