Definition: Which was [the son] of Matthat, which was [the son] of Levi, which was [the son] of Melchi, which was [the son] of Janna, which was [the son] of Joseph,
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Luke 3:24. It’s a really important and fascinating part of the story of Jesus’ birth! Here’s what it means in simple terms: “Which was [the son] of Matthat, which was [the son] of Levi, which was [the son] of Melchi, which was [the son] of Janna, which was [the son] of Joseph” Basically, this verse tells us about the birth of Jesus. It’s a list of names that trace back to his ancestors – specifically, the first three men in his line. Let's unpack each name: Matthat: This is one of Jesus’s great-great-grandfathers. Levi: This was Jesus’s father. Levi was a very important figure in the Jewish tradition and was known for his service to God. Melchi: This was another ancestor of Jesus, and it's associated with royalty and leadership. Janna: This was another ancestor of Jesus, and it relates to the concept of "benevolence" or kindness. Joseph: This is the last name of Jesus’s father, and it's significant because Joseph was a man of great importance in the Old Testament. So, what does this list tell us? It tells us that Jesus was born to a lineage with deep roots in Jewish tradition. It highlights that he descended from figures who were important in the past – men like Levi and Joseph – and that this lineage played a role in his birth. Why is it significant? This list is key because it's the foundation of the story of Jesus’s birth as described in Luke 3. It shows that Jesus is part of a long line of kings, priests, and leaders who were connected to God. It also sets up the narrative of how Jesus would fulfill a prophecy about a Messiah – a king who would come from this lineage! --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the significance of this specific phrase?