Genealogy
“Account of descent or family lineage”
Summary
The record of family descent and lineage, which held exceptional importance among the Israelites due to inheritance laws, tribal organization, and messianic expectations.
☩Biblical Terminology
In Hebrew, genealogy is called 'the book of the generations' (sepher toledoth). Because ancient histories were drawn up on a genealogical basis, the expression often extends to whole histories, as in Matthew where 'the book of the generation of Jesus Christ' introduces His entire Gospel. Similarly in Genesis, 'these are the generations of' serves as headings for major sections.
☩Importance in Israel
Several factors gave genealogy unique importance among the Jews: the promise of Canaan to Abraham's seed, the exclusively hereditary priesthood of Aaron, the succession of kings in David's line, and the division of land among tribes, families, and houses. The expectation of Messiah as springing from Judah's tribe intensified interest in maintaining accurate records. When Zerubbabel returned from Babylon, one of his first acts was to settle the people according to their genealogies.
☩Principles of Interpretation
Biblical genealogies sometimes list only prominent names, skipping generations without altering the technical language of 'begat.' The term 'son' can mean descendant at any remove, and 'father' can mean ancestor. Names may represent tribes or families rather than individuals, and lists may be arranged by important numbers rather than strict completeness.
Related Verses46 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Genealogy," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. III (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Genealogy," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).
- 3.James Orr (ed.), "Genealogy," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. II (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).