Matthew 1:17

Berean Standard Bible
In all, then, there were fourteen generations from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the exile to Babylon, and fourteen from the exile to the Christ.

King James Bible
So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations.
 
New English Translation
So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations, and from David to the deportation to Babylon, fourteen generations, and from the deportation to Babylon to Christ, fourteen generations.
 
Greek:
πᾶσαι οὖν αἱ γενεαὶ ἀπὸ Ἀβραὰμ ἕως Δαυὶδ γενεαὶ δεκατέσσαρες, καὶ ἀπὸ Δαυὶδ ἕως τῆς μετοικεσίας Βαβυλῶνος γενεαὶ δεκατέσσαρες, καὶ ἀπὸ τῆς μετοικεσίας Βαβυλῶνος ἕως τοῦ Χριστοῦ γενεαὶ δεκατέσσαρες.
 
Transliteration:
Pasai oun hai geneai apo Abraam heos Dauid geneai dekatessares, kai apo Dauid heos tes metoikesias Babylonos geneai dekatessares, kai apo tes metoikesias Babylonos heos tou Christou geneai dekatessares.
 
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Study Bible:
 
In all, then, there were fourteen generations
The phrase "fourteen generations" is significant in the Jewish tradition, as numbers often hold symbolic meaning. The number fourteen is twice seven, and seven is a number of completeness and perfection in the Bible, often associated with God's creation and covenant. The repetition of "fourteen generations" emphasizes the divine orchestration and fulfillment of God's promises through history. The Greek word for "generations" (γενεαί, geneai) can also imply a lineage or a period, underscoring the continuity and faithfulness of God's plan from Abraham to Christ.
 
from Abraham to David
Abraham and David are pivotal figures in Jewish history. Abraham is the patriarch with whom God made a covenant, promising that all nations would be blessed through his descendants (Genesis 12:3). David, the shepherd-king, represents the establishment of a royal lineage and the promise of an eternal kingdom (2 Samuel 7:16). The phrase highlights the fulfillment of God's covenantal promises through these key figures, bridging the patriarchal and monarchical eras of Israel's history.
 
fourteen from David to the exile in Babylon
This period marks the transition from the height of Israel's monarchy to its lowest point, the Babylonian exile. The exile was a time of judgment and reflection for Israel, as they faced the consequences of their disobedience to God. The phrase "exile in Babylon" (ἐξορία Βαβυλῶνος, exoria Babylōnos) serves as a reminder of God's justice but also His mercy, as He promised restoration and return. The fourteen generations here signify a complete cycle of judgment and hope, leading to the anticipation of redemption.
 
fourteen from the exile to the Christ
The final set of fourteen generations culminates in the arrival of "the Christ" (ὁ Χριστός, ho Christos), the Anointed One, fulfilling the messianic prophecies and expectations of the Old Testament. This phrase encapsulates the hope and fulfillment of God's redemptive plan through Jesus, the Messiah. The use of "Christ" rather than "Jesus" emphasizes His divine mission and role as the Savior, the ultimate fulfillment of the promises made to Abraham and David.
 
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Structure of the Genealogy:
 
Matthew organizes the genealogy into three distinct sections with each containing fourteen generations:
 
From Abraham to David
From David to the Babylonian exile
From the Babylonian exile to Jesus Christ
 
Symbolism of the Number 14:
The number 14 might have been chosen for its symbolic or mnemonic value. In Hebrew numerology (Gematria), the name "David" (דוד) has a numerical value of 4+6+4 = 14. This could be a way to emphasize David's importance in Jewish history and prophecy.
 
Historical Context:
Abraham to David: This period covers the establishment of the Jewish people from the patriarch Abraham through to King David, who is considered the greatest king of Israel in terms of military might and spiritual legacy.
 
David to Exile: This section reflects the decline from the high point of David's reign through to the Babylonian captivity, which was a time of national disaster for Israel, leading to the loss of the kingdom and the temple.
 
Exile to Jesus: This segment shows the restoration and hope through the return from exile and the eventual coming of the Messiah, Jesus, according to Christian belief.
 
Theological Implications:
The genealogy serves to establish Jesus as the rightful heir to David's throne, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah coming from David's line.
 
It also underscores the continuity of God's covenant with Israel from Abraham through to the time of Jesus, bridging the Old and New Testaments.
 
Literary Style:
Matthew's use of symmetrical numbers (three sets of fourteen) might also be stylistic, aiding memorization in an oral culture or emphasizing the divine order and completeness of the history leading to Christ.
 
This verse, therefore, not only provides a historical context for Jesus but also sets the stage for theological themes that Matthew will explore further in his Gospel, such as Jesus fulfilling Jewish messianic expectations.