This verse starts the lineage (the ancestors)of Joseph, the step-father of Jesus. THIS Joseph, the HUSBAND of Mary, was the son of Heli, the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, and so on. Jesus, in Matthew 1, is the son of Mary, the daughter of Joseph (same name as her husband - different person), the son of Jacob, son of Matthan, son of Eleazar, and so on.
Compare the genesis (origin) of Jesus in Matthew. His genealogy begins with Abraham - to whom the promises were given - Galatians 3:16. Jesus, the Christ (Messiah) is the promised seed first mentioned in Genesis3:15.
- Barb S (3/25/2011 8:51:50 AM) [qBible.com]

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