Matthew 1:16

Berean Standard Bible
and Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.
 
King James Bible
And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.
 
NET Bible
and Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, by whom Jesus was born, who is called Christ.
 
Greek Text:
Ἰακὼβ δὲ ἐγέννησεν τὸν Ἰωσὴφ τὸν ἄνδρα Μαρίας, ἐξ ἧς ἐγεννήθη Ἰησοῦς ὁ λεγόμενος Χριστός.
 
Transliteration:
Iakōb de egennēsen ton Iōsēph ton andra Marias, ex hēs egennēthē Iēsous ho legomenos Christos.
 
****************
 
Study Bible:
 
and Jacob the father of Joseph
This phrase situates Joseph within the genealogical line of David, fulfilling the Old Testament prophecies that the Messiah would come from David's lineage (2 Samuel 7:12-16). The name "Jacob" is significant, as it connects Joseph to the patriarch Jacob, also known as Israel, emphasizing the continuity of God's covenant with His people. The Greek word for "father" here is "γεννήσας" (gennēsas), which means "to beget" or "to become the father of," indicating a direct paternal lineage.
 
the husband of Mary
This phrase highlights Joseph's role as the legal guardian and protector of Mary, who was chosen by God to bear His Son. The Greek word for "husband" is "ἄνδρα" (andra), which underscores the marital relationship and Joseph's righteous character, as he accepted Mary despite the unusual circumstances of her pregnancy. This reflects Joseph's obedience and faithfulness to God's plan.
 
of whom was born Jesus
The phrase "of whom" is translated from the Greek "ἐξ ἧς" (ex hēs), which is feminine singular, indicating that Jesus was born of Mary alone, emphasizing the virgin birth. This miraculous event fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah 7:14, which foretold that a virgin would conceive and bear a son. The name "Jesus" is derived from the Hebrew "Yeshua," meaning "Yahweh is salvation," signifying His mission to save humanity from sin.
 
who is called Christ
The title "Christ" comes from the Greek "Χριστός" (Christos), meaning "Anointed One," equivalent to the Hebrew "Messiah." This designation affirms Jesus' divine mission and His fulfillment of the messianic prophecies throughout the Old Testament. By being "called Christ," Jesus is recognized as the long-awaited Savior and King, anointed by God to bring redemption and establish His eternal kingdom.
 
*****************
 
Commentary:
 
Genealogy Context: This verse concludes the genealogy of Jesus Christ that Matthew presents at the beginning of his Gospel. The genealogy traces the lineage from Abraham (the father of the Jewish nation) through David (Israel's greatest king) to Jesus, thereby establishing Jesus' royal and messianic credentials.
 
Joseph's Role: The verse specifically mentions "Jacob begat Joseph," indicating that Joseph, the husband of Mary, was the son of Jacob. This is different from the genealogy in Luke, where Joseph's father is named as Heli, which scholars often reconcile by suggesting different genealogical purposes (Matthew tracing Joseph's legal descent, Luke possibly tracing Mary's lineage through Heli, her father or another relative).
 
Mary's Role: It's noteworthy that the verse says "Joseph the husband of Mary," rather than simply stating Joseph as the father of Jesus. This phrasing underscores that Jesus was born of Mary but not begotten by Joseph in the biological sense. This reflects the Christian doctrine of the virgin birth, where Mary conceives Jesus through the Holy Spirit (as described in Matthew 1:18-25).
 
Jesus Christ: The verse concludes by identifying Jesus as "who is called Christ." "Christ" comes from the Greek "Christos," meaning "Anointed One," which is the translation of the Hebrew "Messiah." This title signifies Jesus' role as the promised deliverer and king in Jewish eschatology.
 
This verse thus serves both to connect Jesus to the Davidic line, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah coming from David's lineage, and to distinguish the miraculous nature of Jesus' birth, setting the stage for the narrative of his life, death, and resurrection as described in the rest of the Gospel.