Matthew 1
Matthew 1 is part of “Birth and Preparation of the King” (1–4) in the outline of Matthew.
Matthew 1 summary
This evangelist begins with the account of Christ's parentage and birth, the ancestors from whom he descended, and the manner of his entry into the world, to make it appear that he was indeed the Messiah promised, for it was foretold that he should be the son of David, and should be born of a virgin; and that he was so is here plainly shown; for here is, I. His pedigree from Abraham in forty-two generations, three fourteens (v. 1-17). II. An account of the circumstances of his birth, so far as was requisite to show that he was born of a virgin (Mat 1:18-25).
Read the full introduction
This evangelist begins with the account of Christ's parentage and birth, the ancestors from whom he descended, and the manner of his entry into the world, to make it appear that he was indeed the Messiah promised, for it was foretold that he should be the son of David, and should be born of a virgin; and that he was so is here plainly shown; for here is, I. His pedigree from Abraham in forty-two generations, three fourteens (v. 1-17). II. An account of the circumstances of his birth, so far as was requisite to show that he was born of a virgin (Mat 1:18-25). Thus methodically is the life of our blessed Saviour written, as lives should be written, for the clearer proposing of the example of them.
Source: Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Key verses in Matthew 1
Matthew 1 (GNV)
Geneva Bible 1599 (public domain)
The Genealogy of Jesus Christ
1The booke of the generation of Jesus Christ the sonne of Dauid, the sonne of Abraham. 2Abraham begate Isaac. And Isaac begate Iacob. And Iacob begat Iudas and his brethren. 3And Iudas begate Phares, and Zara of Thamar. And Phares begate Esrom. And Esrom begate Aram. 4And Aram begate Aminadab. And Aminadab begate Naasson. And Naasson begat Salmon. 5And Salmon begate Booz of Rachab. And Booz begat Obed of Ruth. and Obed begat Iesse. 6And Iesse begate Dauid the King. And Dauid the King begate Salomon of her that was the wife of Vrias. 7And Salomon begate Roboam. And Roboam begate Abia. And Abia begate Asa. 8And Asa begate Iosaphat. And Iosaphat begate Ioram. And Ioram begate Hozias. 9And Hozias begat Ioatham. And Ioatham begate Achaz. And Achaz begate Ezekias. 10And Ezekias begate Manasses. And Manasses begate Amon. And Amon begate Iosias. 11And Iosias begate Iakim. And Iakim begate Iechonias and his brethren about the time they were caried away to Babylon. 12And after they were caried away into Babylon, Iechonias begate Salathiel. And Salathiel begate Zorobabel. 13And Zorobabel begate Abiud. And Abiud begate Eliacim. And Eliacim begate Azor. 14And Azor begate Sadoc. And Sadoc begate Achim. And Achim begate Eliud. 15And Eliud begate Eleazar. And Eleazar begate Matthan. And Matthan begate Iacob. 16And Iacob begat Ioseph ye husband of Mary, of whom was borne Jesus, that is called Christ. 17So all the generations from Abraham to Dauid, are fourtene generations. And from Dauid vntil they were caried away into Babylon, fourtene generations: and after they were caried away into Babylon vntill Christ, fourteene generations.
The Birth of Jesus
18Nowe the birth of Jesus Christ was thus, When as his mother Mary was betrothed to Ioseph, before they came together, shee was found with childe of the holy Ghost. 19Then Ioseph her husband being a iust man, and not willing to make her a publike example, was minded to put her away secretly. 20But whiles he thought these things, behold, the Angel of the Lord appeared vnto him in a dreame, saying, Ioseph, the sonne of Dauid, feare not to take Mary thy wife: for that which is conceiued in her, is of the holy Ghost. 21And she shall bring foorth a sonne, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for hee shall saue his people from their sinnes. 22And al this was done that it might be fulfilled, which is spoken of the Lord by ye Prophet, saying, 23Behold, a virgine shalbe with childe, and shall beare a sonne, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which is by interpretation, God with vs. 24Then Ioseph, being raised from sleepe, did as the Angel of the Lord had inioyned him, and tooke his wife. 25But he knew her not, til she had broght forth her first borne sonne, and he called his name JESUS.