Introduction: A Lineage Without Verbs
In Luke 3:23–38, the evangelist presents the genealogy of Jesus in reverse, going from Jesus all the way back to Adam. Each generation is presented in a minimalist formula:
τοῦ [Name] — “of [Name]”
Our focus here is on this segment:
τοῦ Ἰωανάν, τοῦ Ῥησά, τοῦ Ζοροβάβελ, τοῦ Σαλαθιήλ, τοῦ Νηρί
All five names are in the genitive singular masculine and preceded by the article τοῦ. The grammar functions anaphorically and patronymically—meaning each τοῦ + name refers to the father of the previous individual in the list.
τοῦ Ἰωανάν, τοῦ Ῥησά, τοῦ Ζοροβάβελ, τοῦ Σαλαθιήλ, τοῦ Νηρί
Luke 3:27 is part of the Lukan genealogy of Jesus. This phrase uses repeated genitive singular forms with the article τοῦ, forming a chain of possessive/ancestral links—each indicating “son of…” though the verb “begat” or “was of” is implied, not repeated. This list illustrates the Greek genitive of relationship (specifically, patronymic genitives) and relies on parallel structure and ellipsis for stylistic brevity.
Morphological and Syntactical Breakdown
- τοῦ {tou} –
Form: genitive masculine singular definite article;
Function: precedes proper names in genealogies; used anaphorically or to signal possession/relationship. - Ἰωανάν {Ioanán} – proper name; genitive singular
- Ῥησά {Rēsá} – proper name; genitive singular
- Ζοροβάβελ {Zorovável} – proper name; genitive singular
- Σαλαθιήλ {Salathiḗl} – proper name; genitive singular
- Νηρί {Nērí} – proper name; genitive singular
All five are:
– Genitive case – indicating “son of”
– Singular – one individual at each level
– Masculine – referring to male ancestors
Syntactical Structure: Genitive of Relationship (Patronymic Genitive)
Each τοῦ [Name] is a patronymic genitive, meaning:
– “of [Name]” = “son of [Name]”
Although no verb appears, the implicit verb (e.g., ἐστίν “was [of]” or υἱός ἐστιν “is son [of]”) is understood. This structure is sustained by ellipsis—the omission of repeated verbs to maintain rhythm and emphasis on names.
So the full reading implies:
– Jesus … (was son) of Ἰωανάν,
– (son) of Ῥησά,
– (son) of Ζοροβάβελ, etc.
Literary and Stylistic Significance
This style:
– Matches Semitic genealogical conventions, where names are listed with minimal grammar.
– Reflects oral tradition rhythms—easy to memorize and recite.
– Avoids repetition of verbs, allowing for a name-focused cadence.
Luke adapts Hebrew-style lineage into elevated Greek prose, maintaining clarity while using Koine simplicity.
Theological Implications
This passage connects Jesus to:
– Zorobabel (builder of the Second Temple),
– Salathiēl (exile lineage),
– And ultimately, as the genealogy continues, to David and Abraham.
The grammar bridges Testaments:
– It follows a Hebraic model,
– Uses Greek idiom,
– And establishes Jesus as the legal heir of covenantal promises.
Of Whom He Was Son
These simple phrases—τοῦ Ζοροβάβελ, τοῦ Σαλαθιήλ, etc.—are not filler.
They are grammar in service of salvation history:
Each name, genitive and singular, whispers:
“He came from somewhere.
He came from them.
He came… for us.”
