1. Genealogy of Jesus
    1. The Post-Exilic Generations
Zerubbabel (7/6/04)
(Zerubbabel [OT:2216]): from zarab [OT:2215]: to flow away, and Babel [OT:894]: from balal [OT:1101]: to overflow with oil, to mix; confusion. "Born in Babylon." Son of Pedaiah, father of Meshullam, Hananiah, and Dhelomith, as well as Hashubah, Ohel, Berechiah, Hasadiah, and Jushab-hesed (1Ch 3:19-20). He returned to Jerusalem with Ezra and Nehemiah (Ezr 2:2). Ezra identifies him as Shealtiel's son (Ezr 3:2). He partook in rebuilding the altar. After two years back in Jerusalem, they began the restoration of the Temple (Ezr 3:8). Some of Israel's enemies came to Zerubbabel seeking permission to help in the Temple construction, but he would not have them (Ezr 4:1-3). Haggai and Zechariah were prophets in that time, and they supported Zerubbabel's work (Ezr 5:1-2). Under Zerubbabel's leadership, the Levites and the priests were properly supported by the people (Ne 12:47). Haggai urged Zerubbabel to get moving on the Temple reconstruction (Hag 1:1-4), which he did (Hag 1:12), and the LORD was with them, so that all came to work on the house of the LORD (Hag 1:14). God declared that He would topple nations and destroy powers, turning armies against each other. In that day, He declared, Zerubbabel would be like a signet ring, chosen of God (Hag 2:21-23). Zechariah delivered the prophetic "not by might, not by power, but by My Spirit" to Zerubbabel (Zech 4:6). He also declared that Zerubbabel would see both the start and the finish of the Temple's reconstruction (Zec 4:9).
 
Rhesa (7/6/04)
Unknown beyond Luke's account. One suggestion is that this is Rephayah [OT:7509]: from rapha' [OT:7495]: to mend or cure, and Yahh [OT:3050]: God. "God has healed." This one shows up as a grandson, born to Hananiah (1Ch 3:22). There are others in David's time, but one other shows up in Nehemiah's day, which would be around the correct timeframe. This one was son of Hur, who had charge of half of Jerusalem (Ne 3:9).
Abihud (7/6/04)
('Abiyhuwd [OT:31]): from 'ab [OT:1]: father, and howd [OT:1935]: grandeur. "Father of renown." Abihud only shows up as one of the grandsons of Benjamin (1Ch 8:3).
Joanan (7/6/04)
Interestingly, there are some texts which put this name in the feminine, which might explain some of the obscurity of Luke's listing. However, the underlying Hebrew would be Yowchanan [OT:3110]: "God has graced." In the Hebrew form, several references show up, some in the right period. There is one listed as son of Hakkatan, who came out of Babylon when Artaxerxes was king (Ezr 8:1-12). Another is found amongst the Levites (Ne 12:22). Another figures prominently in Jerusalem during exile. He refused Jeremiah's message and went to Egypt, thinking to be safe from Babylon there, but it didn't work. (Jer 40-44).
Eliakim (7/6/04)
('Elyaqiym' [OT:471]): from 'el [OT:410]: God Almighty, and quwm [OT:6965]: to rise. "God raises." Son of Hilkiah. Head of the royal household when Rabshakeh came threatening Hezekiah (2Ki 18:18). There is also reference to this having been Jehoiakim's real name (2Ki 23:34). Another is found amongst the priests when Nehemiah took to the walls of the Temple (Ne 40:41).
Joda (7/6/04)
Another form of Judah, or Judas. Two are to be found amongst those with Nehemiah (Neh 12:34-36).
Azor (7/6/04)
Among the Levites with Nehemiah (Ne 10:17).
Josech (7/6/04)
Another form of Joseph. Nehemiah lists one amongst the priests, from Jehoiakim's days (Ne 12:14), and Ezra lists one amongst those who had to put away foreign wives (Ezr 10:42). These are the only two references in the proper period.
Zadok (7/7/04)
(Tsadowq [OT:6659]): from tsadaq [OT:6663]: to be morally, legally right. "righteous." A priest under David's rule (2Sa 8:17). He led the Levites who thought to take the ark with them as David evacuated before Absalom, but David said no. He also had Zadok return to Jerusalem so as to provide information (2Sa 15:24-29). Hushai passed on to Zadok and Abiathar what he learned at Absalom's counsels, and they passed it to David (2Sa 17:15-18). These two also spoke to the men of Judah when Absalom had been defeated, inspiring them to welcome David back to his throne (2Sa 19:11-14). Much more is said of this Zadok the priest. There is a further Zadok loosely related to Uzziah, father of his mother's mother (2Ki 15:32-33). Jotham, Uzziah's son, was also son of a daughter of a Zadok (2Chr 27:1). Ezra was a descendant of Zadok who served in David's time (Ezr 7:1-2). Another came with Nehemiah, and worked on repairing Jerusalem's walls (Ne 3:4). Two more (Ne 3:29). A possible third is noted as being appointed to take charge of the storehouses (Ne 13:13).
Semein (7/7/04)
For Shimeah {Shimhi, Shimei, Shimi} (Shim`iy [OT:8096]): from shema` [OT:8088]: from shama` [OT:8085]: to hear with understanding; something heard, as an announcement; famous. "renowned." Lots of folks by this name. In the appropriate period, there is one noted amongst the Levites (Ezr 10:23), and another two, who may or may not have been Levites (Ezr 10:33, 38). Mordecai was also grandson of one Shimei of Benjamin (Est 2:5).
Achim (7/7/04)
(Yowqiym [OT:3137]): form of Jehoiakim. Jokim. "God raises up." Only one shows up, he among the sons of Judah's son Shelah (1Ch 4:23).
Mattathias (7/7/04)
(Mattithyah [OT:4993]): from mattath [OT:4991]: a present (feminine), and Yahh [OT:3050]: God. "Gift of God." One shows up amongst the sons of Nebo (Ezr 10:43). Another(?) shows up standing next to Ezra at the reading of the Law (Ne 8:4). [It should be noted that by this point the list has probably passed the end of the OT historical accounts.]
Eliud (7/7/04)
('el [OT:410]): God Almighty, and howd [OT:1935]): grandeur. "God of majesty."
Maath (7/7/04)
No derivation provided.
Eleazar (7/7/04)
('El`azar [OT:499]): from 'el [OT:410]: God Almighty, and `azar [OT:5826]: to surround and protect. "God has helped."
Naggai (7/7/04)
(Nogahh [OT:5052]): from nagahh [OT:5050]: to glitter or illuminate. "Brightness." One of David's sons was by this name.
 
Matthan (7/7/04)
(Mattan [OT:4976]): from Nathan [OT:5414]: to give. "a gift."
Hesli (7/7/04)
Suggested derivation seems highly suspect.
Jacob (7/7/04)
(Ya` aqob [OT:3290]): from aqab [OT:6117]: to circumvent. To seize by the heel so as to trip up or restrain. "heel-catcher." "Supplanter."
Nahum (7/7/04)
(Nachuwm [OT:5151]): from nacham [OT:5162]: to sigh, to pity or console, to avenge. "comfortable." One of the prophets.
Amos (7/7/04)
('Amowts [OT:531]): from 'amats [OT:553]: to be physically and mentally alert. "strong." One of the prophets, also Isaiah's father.
Mattathias (7/7/04)
Gift of God.
Joseph (7/7/04)
(Yowceph [OT:3130]): "Let Him add."
Jannai (7/7/04)
(yanah [OT:3238]): to rage, be violent.
Melchi (7/7/04)
(melek [OT:4428]): "my king."
Levi (7/7/04)
(Leviy [OT:3878]): from lavah [OT:3867]: to twine, unite. "attached."
Matthat (7/7/04)
Yet another variation on Mattathias.
Eli (7/7/04)
(`Eliy [OT:5941]): from `alah [OT:5927]: to ascend, mount. "lofty" or "ascension."
Joseph (7/8/04)
(Yowceph [OT:3130]): "let him add." He was a righteous man, betrothed to Mary. Finding her pregnant, he sought a way to break betrothal without disgracing her, but God spoke to him, and told him to hold to her, which he did (Mt 1:18-24). A few years later, he had another message of God, telling him to hide his family in Egypt for a time, until Herod's madness had passed. Again, he was quick to obey. A third time, he heard from God, being instructed to return to Israel after Herod's death (Mt 2:13-21). After their marriage, Joseph took Mary to Bethlehem because this was the proper place for him to register in the census, as he was of David's house. It was while they were there that Jesus was born (Lk 2:4-7). He was there with Mary when the shepherds came to visit (Lk 2:16). Philip knew of Jesus as Joseph's son (Jn 1:45). Others were also aware of this relationship (Jn 6:42). Many other Josephs play a part in the record, both before and after his father. Of note amongst those who came later are a brother of Jesus, Joseph of Arimathea, who provided for Jesus' burial, and Joseph Barsabbas who was a candidate for apostle, but Matthias was chosen instead.
Mary (7/7/04)
(Miryam [OT:4813]): from meriy [OT:4805]: from marah [OT:4784]: to be bitter, unpleasant, to rebel; bitterness, rebellion. Rebelliously. "Rebellion." Mother of Jesus by the Holy Spirit while betrothed to Joseph (Mt 1:18-20). When the magi came, they came to a house, where Jesus was with Mary (Mt 2:9-11). Mary was watching events from a distance when Jesus was crucified (Mt 27:56). She was also present when they sealed his body in the tomb (Mt 27:61). Mark makes clear that she was the 'other Mary' who returned to properly prepare His body (Mt 28:1, Mk 16:1). Between the visit of the Holy Spirit and her marriage to Joseph, she spent several months with her relative Elizabeth (Lk 1:56). The shepherds, having heard of Jesus' birth, came quickly and found Mary and Joseph still in the stable, Jesus in the manger. They told of what the angels had said, and Mary drank it in, thinking long upon the things that were said (Lk 2:15-19). Through Simeon's blessing, she had some warning of what was in store for her Son (Lk 2:34-35). It would seem that Mary had a sister named Mary, who was married to Clopas (Jn 19:25), and who was also present at the cross. John does not mention her as having been present at the tomb when the stone was rolled away (Jn 20:1). She was among those in the upper room when the Holy Spirit was poured out (Ac 1:14). Another Mary is noted as being mother of John Mark. It was at her house that the apostles were staying when Peter had been imprisoned (Ac 12:12-14). [Clopas' wife?]
Jesus (7/7/04)
(Yehowshuwa` [OT:3091]): from Yehovah [OT:3068]: God self-Existent and Eternal, and yasha` [OT:3467]: to be open, wide, or free, to be safe. "Jehovah saved," or "Jehovah is salvation." Son of Joseph according to the flesh, son of God as shown powerfully by the Spirit (Ro 1:3-4). The anointed, Messiah, seed of Abraham, son of David, born in Bethlehem, died on a cross. Rose again the third day. Now and forevermore in heaven with His Father on the throne.