Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryMatthew 1

The Genealogy of ChristThis section introduces the genealogy of Jesus Christ. The genealogy is not just a list of names but a record that proves Jesus' rightful place as the Messiah promised in the Old Testament. It shows that Jesus is a descendant of David and Abraham, fulfilling God's promises made long ago. This genealogy also highlights God's faithfulness, even when the fulfillment of promises seems delayed or unlikely. It includes both good and bad ancestors, and even some women with difficult pasts, showing God's grace and the true human lineage of Christ.v. 1: The title of this genealogy is "the book of the generation of Jesus Christ." This means it is a record of Jesus' ancestors according to the flesh, or a narrative of His birth. While the Old Testament began with the creation of the world, the New Testament begins with the generation of the one who made the world. Jesus, as God, has existed forever, but as man, He was born at the right time (Micah 5:2 ).The main purpose of this genealogy is not to list every ancestor but to prove that Jesus is the son of David and the son of Abraham. These two figures were key in the promises about the Messiah. Abraham was promised that all nations would be blessed through his seed, and David was promised an eternal kingdom through his descendants (Genesis 12:3, 22:18; 2 Samuel 7:12; Psalms 89:3, 132:11 ). Thus, Jesus' lineage proves His right to be the Messiah.The Jews carefully kept genealogies, which helps us confirm Jesus' lineage. Jesus is first called "the son of David" because that was the common way the Jews spoke of the Messiah. Those who accepted Jesus as the Christ called Him the son of David (Matthew 15:22; 20:31; 21:15 ). Jesus is not only a son of David but the one on whose shoulders the government would rest. He is also the son of Abraham, the father of many nations.By calling Jesus both son of David and son of Abraham, the Gospel shows that God is faithful to His promises. Even though the fulfillment took many generations and about 2000 years, God's promises are sure. The Messiah was born when the people of Abraham and David were in low circumstances, showing God’s timing and power in fulfilling His promises despite difficulties.The genealogy follows the direct line from Abraham downward, based on the genealogies recorded in Chronicles, demonstrating the historical foundation of the record.Several interesting details appear in the genealogy. Many ancestors were younger brothers, showing God chooses not by birth order but by His will. The genealogy includes all the sons of Jacob, not just Judah, to encourage all twelve tribes, including those scattered abroad (Acts 7:8 ).The twin sons of Judah, Phares and Zara, are both mentioned though only Phares is an ancestor of Christ. This may symbolize how the Gentiles gained the birthright through Israel’s unbelief, as explained in Romans 11:25-26 (Romans 11:25-26 ).Four women are named in this genealogy, emphasizing that Jesus' ancestry includes outsiders and sinners. Rahab was a Canaanite and a harlot, Ruth was a Moabitess, and Tamar and Bathsheba were involved in adultery. This shows God's grace and that Jesus took the likeness of sinful flesh (Romans 8:3 ). We should not judge people by their ancestors' sins, as even Jesus had such ancestors.

v. 6: Though many kings are named, only David is explicitly called "king" because the royal covenant was made with him. Jesus inherits David’s throne (Luke 1:32 ).

v. 7-8: The genealogy shows a mixture of good and bad kings, proving that grace is not inherited but given by God as He wills.

v. 8: Between Joram and Ozias, three kings are omitted, likely because Matthew wanted to make the genealogy easier to remember by having three sets of fourteen generations. The omitted kings were related to cursed Athaliah and were apostates, marking a period of divine judgment.

v. 11-12: The Babylonian captivity was a major event in this lineage. It was amazing that the Jewish people survived this exile since many other nations disappeared. This survival was important because the Messiah was to come through them. The restoration of the people after captivity was seen as part of God’s plan (Isaiah 65:8-9; Daniel 9:17 ).Jechonias (Jehoiakim) was said to be childless in Jeremiah 22:30 (Jeremiah 22:30 ), yet the genealogy shows his descendants. This is explained by the practice of calling grandchildren sons. Salathiel begat Zorobabel through this line, showing the continuation of the royal line.

v. 16: The genealogy ends with Joseph, the husband of Mary, not Mary herself, because Jewish genealogies followed the male line. However, Mary was also from David’s family, so Jesus was truly of David’s house both legally and biologically. This also shows that the kingdom of the Messiah is not founded on natural descent alone.Jesus is called Christ, meaning "the Anointed" or "Messiah." He was expected as the anointed king, priest, and prophet. His followers are called Christians because they have received His anointing (Daniel 9:25; Psalms 2:2; 1 Samuel 16:13; Leviticus 8:12; 1 Kings 19:16; Isaiah 61:1; Matthew 12:50 ).

v. 17: The genealogy is summarized in three groups of fourteen generations. The first fourteen represent the rise of David’s family, the second their flourishing, and the third their decline into obscurity until Jesus, the glory of Israel, shines forth.

The Birth of Jesus Christ This section describes the circumstances surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ. It outlines the miraculous conception by the Holy Spirit, Joseph’s response, and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. The account emphasizes both the divine and human aspects of the event and highlights the faith and obedience of those involved. v. 18: The story begins with Mary, who was pledged to be married to Joseph. Before they lived together as husband and wife, Mary was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. This was a unique event, different from any other birth, because it was by the special operation of God, not through any natural means. This shows that Jesus is both truly God and truly man—he was born of a human mother, but conceived by God's power. This event fulfills God’s promise that the Messiah would be born in a miraculous way (Isaiah 7:14 ).

v. 19: Joseph, described as a righteous man, did not want to disgrace Mary publicly. He was considerate and merciful, even though he believed she had been unfaithful. Instead of exposing her to shame or punishment, he planned to quietly end their engagement. This shows Joseph’s kindness and integrity—he wanted to do what was right, but also what was compassionate.

v. 20: As Joseph was thinking about these things, an angel appeared to him in a dream. The angel told him not to be afraid to take Mary as his wife, because the child conceived in her was from the Holy Spirit. This message reassured Joseph and explained the true cause of Mary’s pregnancy. God often uses his messengers to guide and comfort his people when they face difficult decisions.

v. 21: The angel told Joseph that Mary would give birth to a son, and that he should name him Jesus, because he would save his people from their sins. The name Jesus means “The Lord

v. 22–23: All this happened to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel,” which means “God with us” (Isaiah 7:14 ). This shows that Jesus’ birth was foretold long before, and that he is truly God in human form, coming to live among people.

v. 24–25: When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel commanded. He took Mary as his wife, but did not have marital relations with her until after Jesus was born. Joseph named the child Jesus, as the angel had said. Joseph’s obedience and faith are examples for us—he trusted God’s message and acted on it, even when it was hard or unexpected.