Bible Commentaries

The book of the generation; the account of the pedigree or ancestry. This genealogy differs in several respects from that of Luke. Matthew, it has been supposed, traces the lineal descent of Joseph; Luke, that of Mary. The son of David and, the son of Abraham; that is, descended from Abraham through the royal line of David. A certain degree of importance seems to be attached in the sacred Scriptures to the distinguished birth of the Savior.

Jesus, who is called Christ. Christ is the Greek translation of the Hebrew word Messiah, meaning the anointed King. It was a title of dignity, often applied, in the early part of the Old Testament, to other monarchs. In Daniel 9:25 , it is used to designate the coming Redeemer; and, subsequently, it seems to have been reserved exclusively for this use. It must be kept in mind, therefore, that the proper, personal name, by which the Savior was known during his life, was simply Jesus, (Matthew 1:21 ;) and that whether he was or was not the Messiah or Christ, was a question of fact for those who knew him to consider. On this distinction depend the point and meaning of such passages as John 1:41; and many similar expressions.

Fourteen generations; that is, about fourteen generations; as enumerated above. Many of the actual generations are omitted in the catalogue.

This wise; this manner.

By the prophet. (Isaiah 7:14.) This prediction was recorded more than seven centuries before its fulfilment.