The book of Matthew begins with a long, arduous list of names, Christ’s genealogy. A few years ago I would usually skip past the names or simply skim them. I didn’t understand their purpose other than to document a genealogy. I don’t remember where I learned this but it was brought to mind the other day as I opened my Bible to Matthew. In biblical times every name had a specific meaning, thus each name in the genealogy of Christ has meaning. The amazing thing is that the meanings of his ancestors names prophesize his birth!
God- The God
Adam- Man
Seth- Is Appointed
Enoch- A Mortal Man Of
Kenan- Sorrow Is Born
Mahalalel- The Glory of God
Jared- Shall Come Down
Enoch- Instructing that
Methuselah- His Death Shall Bring
Lamech- Those In Despair
Noah- Comfort and Rest
Shem- The Fame Of
Arphaxad- Babylon’s Fortress (but I will make Babylon fade away)
Cainan- And Sorrow
Shelah- Extend Like A Plant
Eber- Beyond The Place Of
Peleg- Division (at the Tower of Babel)
Reu- A Friend
Serug- (also) Branches Out
Nahor- Enraged
Terah- With Fury
Abram- A Glorious Father (Abraham- The Father Of Multitude)
Isaac- Laughs
Jacob- As He Outwits (his enemy) (Israel- A Mighty Prince Sees God)
Levi- (then) Joins Himself To
Kohath- An Assembly
Amram- A Glorious People
Moses- (whom) He Rescued
Gershom- Stranger(s) In A Strange land
Shebuel- Captives Delivered By God
(The 6 above branch off of Moses’ line but still join the others in theme)
Judah- One Who Praises The Lord
Perez- Breaks Open A Way (into)
Hezron- An Area Surrounded By A Wall
Ram- Of Great Height
Amminadab- O’ My People Who Belong To The Prince
Nahshon- A Prophet
Salmon- Clothed
Boaz- With Strength
Obed- Who Serves (the Lord)
Jesse- Is Here
David- One Well-Loved
Solomon- Peaceful
Rehoboam- And Who Sets The People Free
Abijah- My Father Is The Lord
Asa- The Healer Of
Jehoshaphat- Him Whom The Lord Judged
Jehoram- And Whom The Lord Raised Up
Ahaziah- The Lord Took Hold (of me)
Joash- And The Lord Is Strong
Amaziah- Mighty Is The Lord
Uzziah/Azariah- My Strength And Help Are In The Lord
Jotham- The Lord Is Perfect
Ahaz- I Took Hold Of
Hezekiah- The Strength Of The Lord
Manasseh- It Made (me) Forget (my misery)
Amon- Truly, (I am) The Master Builder
Josiah- Whom The Lord Healed
Jehoiakim/Eliakim- Whom The Lord God Raised Up
Jeconiah- Whom The Lord Upholds
Shealtiel- I Have Asked God About
Pedaiah- The Ransom Of The Lord
Zerubbabel- The Exiles Who Are In Babylon
Abiud- My Father Is Glorious
Eliakim- My God Will Raise Up
Azor- A Helper
Zadok- The Just (one)
Akim- Will The Lord Raise Up
Eliud- My God Is My Praise
Eleazar- God Will Help
Matthan- May The Gift Of
Jacob- Jacob
Joseph- Increase (in greatness)
Emmanuel- For God Is With us
Jesus Christ- The Messiah And Savior Of
Church- Those Called Out Of (Babylon)
Amazing, right?! Who knew something we see as so trivial holds such great importance.
