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 3:36KJV
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Luke 3:36 (KJV)

What does Luke 3:36 mean?

Luke 3:36 lists part of Jesus’ genealogy, naming Cainan, Arphaxad, Sem (Shem), Noe (Noah), and Lamech as ancestors. This verse is one link in a longer family line, showing Jesus’ human ancestry through notable figures from the early chapters of Genesis.

In Luke chapter 3, Luke is recording the genealogy of Jesus, tracing his lineage backward from Joseph. The verse is part of a formal list, not a story or teaching, and it situates Jesus within the broader history of Israel and humanity. The names mentioned here are well-known from the Old Testament, especially from the stories of the flood and the generations after.

The Greek behind Luke 3:36

  • Καινάν (Kainan, G2536): This name appears in some Greek manuscripts of Luke but is not found in the genealogies of Genesis in the Hebrew Bible. Its inclusion here has been discussed by scholars, but in Luke’s genealogy, it simply marks a generational link.
  • Ἀρφαξάδ (Arphaxad, G742): Arphaxad is a son of Shem, known from Genesis as an ancestor of Abraham. His name here connects Jesus to the post-flood generations.
  • Σήμ (Sem, G4590): Sem is the Greek form of Shem, one of Noah’s sons. Shem’s line is important because it leads to Abraham and the Israelites.
  • Νῶε (Noe, G3575): Noe is the Greek form of Noah, the man who survived the flood. Naming Noah highlights Jesus’ connection to all humanity, since everyone after the flood descends from him.
  • Λάμεχ (Lamech, G2984): Lamech is Noah’s father. Including him shows the careful step-by-step tracing of Jesus’ ancestry.

Why Luke 3:36 matters

  • Luke 3:36 helps readers see that Jesus’ family line includes key figures from the earliest biblical history, tying him to both Jewish and all human ancestry.
  • The verse shows Luke’s careful effort to connect Jesus to promises and people from the Old Testament, emphasizing continuity between the old and new.
  • This genealogy, unlike Matthew’s, goes all the way back to Adam, underlining that Jesus’ story is meant for all people, not just one nation.