Which was the son of Jacob, which was the son of Isaac, which was the son of Abraham, which was the son of Thara, which was the son of Nachor,

LUKE 3:34KJV
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Luke 3:34 (KJV)

What does Luke 3:34 mean?

Luke 3:34 lists part of Jesus’ genealogy, naming Jacob, Isaac, Abraham, Thara, and Nachor as ancestors. This verse is part of a longer section tracing Jesus’ family line, showing his connection to key figures in Israel’s history.

In this passage, Luke is presenting Jesus’ ancestry to his readers, connecting him to well-known patriarchs from the Old Testament. The names listed—Jacob, Isaac, and Abraham—are especially significant because they are foundational figures in Jewish tradition, and their mention highlights Jesus’ place within God’s promises to Israel. Thara (also known as Terah) and Nachor (Nahor) are earlier ancestors, further rooting Jesus in the story of God’s people.

The Greek behind Luke 3:34

  • Ἰακώβ (Iakōb): This is the Greek form of "Jacob," a central patriarch whose twelve sons became the tribes of Israel. Naming Jacob links Jesus to the entire nation of Israel.
  • Ἰσαάκ (Isaak): The Greek for "Isaac," son of Abraham and father of Jacob, represents the continuation of God’s promise to Abraham’s descendants.
  • Ἀβραάμ (Abraam): The Greek for "Abraham," the original recipient of God’s covenant, whose faith and obedience are foundational for Jewish identity.
  • Θάρα (Thara): The Greek for "Terah," Abraham’s father, showing the genealogy reaches back before Abraham to earlier generations.
  • Ναχώρ (Nachōr): The Greek for "Nahor," Terah’s father, further extending the family line and emphasizing deep historical roots.

Why Luke 3:34 matters

  • Luke 3:34 helps clarify that Jesus is not just a figure in isolation but is deeply connected to the story of Israel, fulfilling expectations rooted in the Old Testament.
  • By naming these ancestors, Luke emphasizes Jesus’ legitimate place in the line of God’s promises, which would be important for both Jewish and Gentile readers.
  • This verse is part of Luke’s broader effort to show that Jesus’ life and mission are a continuation and fulfillment of God’s long-standing relationship with humanity, especially through the family of Abraham.