Matthew 1:1 Βίβλος γενέσεως Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ· υἱοῦ Δαυὶδ· υἱοῦ Ἀβραάμ·
Introduction
Matthew 1:1 serves as the introduction to the Gospel according to Matthew, framing the genealogy of Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ and establishing His Davidic and Abrahamic lineage. The syntax, vocabulary, and morphology of this verse reveal important aspects of Koine Greek, particularly in its genitive constructions, noun phrase structures, and theological implications.
Syntactical Analysis
This verse contains a series of genitive constructions, each performing different syntactical functions.
1. Βίβλος γενέσεως
– Βίβλος (biblos) is a nominative singular feminine noun meaning “book” or “record.”
– γενέσεως (geneseōs) is a genitive singular feminine noun derived from γένεσις (genesis), meaning “origin,” “generation,” or “genealogy.”
– This phrase follows a common Greek construction where a noun governing another noun in the genitive expresses a defining or descriptive relationship: “The Book of the Genesis” or “The Record of the Genealogy.”
– The use of γενέσεως instead of γενεαλογίας (genealogias) suggests a broader meaning beyond mere ancestry, possibly indicating the beginning or origins of Jesus in a theological sense.
2. Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ
– Both Ἰησοῦ (Iēsou) and Χριστοῦ (Christou) are in the genitive singular, modifying γενέσεως.
– The genitive here is possessive, indicating that this genealogy belongs to Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ.
– The placement of Χριστοῦ immediately after Ἰησοῦ highlights the messianic identity of Jesus.
3. υἱοῦ Δαυὶδ, υἱοῦ Ἀβραάμ
– υἱοῦ (huiou), meaning “son,” appears twice, governing both Δαυὶδ (Dauid) and Ἀβραάμ (Abraam).
– The genitive case in these constructions denotes familial descent.
– The repetition of υἱοῦ emphasizes Jesus’ dual lineage—Davidic (royal) and Abrahamic (covenantal).
Lexical Analysis
Each word in this verse carries significant lexical weight:
– Βίβλος
– This word appears infrequently in the New Testament. Its use here suggests a formal, authoritative document rather than a casual narrative.
– The absence of the article before Βίβλος suggests its use as a title rather than a specific reference.
– γενέσεως
– Related to γίνομαι (ginomai), meaning “to become” or “to come into existence.”
– In Septuagintal usage, γένεσις can refer to both creation (Genesis 2:4) and genealogy (Genesis 5:1).
– The genitive form γενέσεως aligns with Hebrew תּוֹלְדוֹת (toledot), indicating a historical or genealogical record.
– Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ
– Ἰησοῦ is the Greek form of Hebrew יֵשׁוּעַ (Yeshua), meaning “YHWH is salvation.”
– Χριστοῦ derives from χρίω (chriō), meaning “to anoint,” signifying Jesus as the Anointed One (Messiah).
Semantics of the Genitive Case
The genitive constructions in this verse function in different ways:
1. Βίβλος γενέσεως – Genitive of Description (defining what kind of book it is).
2. γενέσεως Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ – Possessive Genitive (denoting that the genealogy belongs to Jesus).
3. υἱοῦ Δαυὶδ, υἱοῦ Ἀβραάμ – Genitive of Relationship (identifying ancestry).
Stylistic Considerations
Matthew’s stylistic choices reflect both Semitic and Hellenistic influences:
– The absence of definite articles before Βίβλος and γενέσεως follows a Semitic tendency to omit the article in titles.
– The phrase υἱοῦ Δαυὶδ, υἱοῦ Ἀβραάμ follows a Hebraic pattern of genealogy, reminiscent of the Hebrew בן (ben, “son of”).
Theological Implications
This verse serves as a theological framework for Matthew’s Gospel:
– Davidic Lineage: Establishes Jesus as the rightful heir to the throne of David (2 Samuel 7:12-16).
– Abrahamic Lineage: Links Jesus to the covenant promises made to Abraham (Genesis 12:3).
– Messianic Expectation: The combination of Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ emphasizes Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy.
Comparative Analysis with Septuagint Usage
The phrase Βίβλος γενέσεως closely parallels Genesis 2:4 LXX (βίβλος γενέσεως τοῦ οὐρανοῦ καὶ τῆς γῆς), indicating a theological link between Jesus’ genealogy and the origins of creation.
Conclusion
Matthew 1:1 is a compact but theologically rich verse that demonstrates key features of New Testament Greek grammar. The syntactical structure, genitive constructions, and lexical choices reflect both Jewish and Hellenistic influences, reinforcing Jesus’ identity as the Son of David and the Son of Abraham. This verse not only serves as a genealogical introduction but also as a Christological declaration, framing the Gospel narrative within the broader context of salvation history.
