Heather Blake asks: ​Hi guys, I was wondering if you could explain why the genealogies in Luke and Matthew contradict each other? I thought that the Bible was not supposed to contain any contradictions. Am I missing something? How can the genealogy be through David's son Solomon and also through David's son Nathan, and both end in Joseph? Thanks.

​God bless you Heather,

Thanks for your question. While at a first glance the genealogies might look contradicting, in actuality these genealogies were constructed quite skillfully. What we have is, Matthew, writing mainly to a Jewish audience. In knowing this, Matthew traces the linage of Jesus all the way to Abraham, who the Jewish audience identified themselves with (Abraham, "the father of many nations"). Luke on the other hand, was writing mainly to a Gentile audience. Therefore, Luke, traces the Linage of Jesus passed Abraham, to the first Adam, as he points the Gentiles to Christ, the second Adam (Savior of all humanity).

Furthermore, the Bible writers understood that Jesus would arise from the bloodline of David (Romans 1:3), and thus, Matthew, traces the lineage of Jesus from David's son Solomon to Joseph (the legal father of Jesus). Luke on the other hand, traces the lineage of Jesus from David's son Nathan to Joseph "son of Heli" (At that time, Jewish law traced inheritance and decedents through male lines, not through female lines. Therefore, most scholars believe that "Jacob son of Heli" is in reference to "son in law" and thus, the linage of Mary). So rather than a contradiction, Matthew uses the paternal (legal) linage of Jesus, while Luke uses the maternal (​natural) linage of Jesus, as they both point to the fact that Jesus arose directly from the bloodline of King David. Hope this helps shed light to your question. Peace be with you.

Comments:

Heather Blake: Thanks, makes a big difference.

BRC Hosts Joey and Chris: You're welcome, glad to help. Be blessed.

Genesis 17:4

“As for me, this is my covenant with you: You will be the father of many nations".