Matthew 1:6

Berean Standard Bible

and Jesse the father of David the king. Next: David was the father of Solomon by Uriah’s wife,

King James Bible

And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias;

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Matthew 1:6, in the New International Version, states: “and Jesse the father of King David. David was the father of Solomon, whose mother had been Uriah’s wife.” This verse is part of the genealogy of Jesus Christ presented in Matthew 1:1–17, a passage that traces the lineage from Abraham to Jesus, establishing His messianic credentials. To provide a full and in-depth commentary on this verse, we must explore its literary and historical context, its linguistic and theological nuances, its cultural significance, and its relevance for both its original audience and contemporary readers.

The genealogy in Matthew 1 serves as the opening of the Gospel, grounding Jesus’ identity as the Messiah in the history of Israel. Structured in three sets of fourteen generations (1:17), it highlights key figures—Abraham, David, and the exile—as anchors of God’s covenantal promises. Matthew 1:6 is situated in the first section (1:2–6a), which spans from Abraham to David, and marks a pivotal transition to David, the great king whose dynasty was promised an everlasting throne (2 Sam. 7:12–16). The verse then moves to Solomon, introducing a notable detail: Solomon’s mother is identified not by name (Bathsheba) but as “Uriah’s wife,” a reference that carries significant theological and narrative weight. This genealogy is not merely a list of names but a theological statement, affirming Jesus’ legal right to the Davidic throne while subtly foreshadowing themes of grace, sin, and redemption.

Linguistically, the Greek text of Matthew 1:6 is concise yet deliberate. The phrase “Jesse the father of King David” (Iessai de egennēsen ton Dauid ton basilea) emphasizes David’s royal status, with “ton basilea” (the king) explicitly highlighting his significance as Israel’s ideal monarch and the recipient of God’s covenant (2 Sam. 7). The subsequent clause, “David was the father of Solomon, whose mother had been Uriah’s wife” (Dauid de egennēsen ton Solomōna ek tēs tou Ouriou), uses the preposition “ek” to indicate Solomon’s mother, described as “tēs tou Ouriou” (literally, “the one of Uriah”). This unusual designation avoids naming Bathsheba directly, instead referencing her through her first husband, Uriah the Hittite, whose story is central to the scandal of David’s sin (2 Sam. 11–12). The choice of wording is striking, as genealogies typically omit or simply name the mother, if mentioned at all. Here, Matthew’s phrasing evokes the narrative of David’s adultery and murder, embedding a reminder of human failure within the messianic lineage.

Theologically, Matthew 1:6 underscores both the fulfillment of God’s promises and the complexity of His redemptive plan. David’s inclusion as the linchpin of the genealogy fulfills the prophetic expectation that the Messiah would come from his line (Isa. 11:1; Jer. 23:5). The mention of Solomon, David’s heir, continues this royal trajectory, as Solomon’s reign represents the height of Israel’s glory and the builder of the temple, a symbol of God’s presence. However, the reference to “Uriah’s wife” introduces a note of moral ambiguity. The story of David and Bathsheba (2 Sam. 11) involves adultery, deception, and murder, yet God’s grace is evident in the restoration of David (2 Sam. 12:13) and the inclusion of Bathsheba’s son, Solomon, in the messianic line. This detail reflects Matthew’s broader theme that God’s purposes unfold through flawed human vessels, pointing to Jesus as the one who redeems humanity’s failures. The inclusion of Bathsheba, alongside other women in the genealogy (Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, 1:3, 5), highlights God’s grace in incorporating unexpected figures—often women with complex or scandalous stories—into His redemptive plan.

Historically, Matthew 1:6 reflects the context of first-century Judaism, where genealogies were crucial for establishing identity, inheritance, and legitimacy, particularly for messianic claims. Matthew’s audience, likely Jewish Christians, would have recognized David as the ideal king and the standard for messianic expectation. The reference to “Uriah’s wife” would have evoked the well-known story of David’s sin, preserved in Jewish tradition and scripture (2 Sam. 11–12). By including this detail, Matthew acknowledges the historical reality of David’s failure while affirming God’s faithfulness to His covenant. The genealogy also situates Jesus within Israel’s history, countering any accusations that His messianic claims were baseless. For Jewish readers, this connection to David was critical, as the Messiah was expected to restore the Davidic kingdom (e.g., Ezek. 37:24–25).

Culturally, the mention of “Uriah’s wife” is significant in the context of ancient Near Eastern and Jewish practices, where genealogies typically emphasized male lineage and rarely included women. Matthew’s inclusion of four women (Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba) breaks with convention, suggesting a deliberate theological point. Bathsheba’s designation as “Uriah’s wife” may reflect her status as a figure caught in a scandal, yet it also acknowledges her role as the mother of Solomon, whose wisdom and reign were celebrated in Jewish tradition (1 Kings 4:29–34). The reference to Uriah, a Hittite and thus a Gentile, may also hint at the inclusion of non-Israelites in God’s plan, a theme Matthew develops in the Gospel through Jesus’ outreach to Gentiles (e.g., 8:5–13, 28:19). This resonates with the cultural context of Matthew’s audience, who lived in a diverse, Greco-Roman world where Jewish identity was both preserved and challenged by surrounding cultures.

For the original audience, Matthew 1:6 would have served multiple purposes. It affirmed Jesus’ legitimate claim to the Davidic throne, addressing Jewish expectations of a royal Messiah. The reference to “Uriah’s wife” would have reminded readers of God’s ability to work through human sin, offering hope to a community that may have felt marginalized or morally compromised under Roman rule. The verse also set the tone for Matthew’s Gospel, which frequently portrays Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament promises (e.g., 1:22–23, 2:15) while emphasizing God’s grace toward sinners (e.g., 9:10–13). For Jewish Christians, this genealogy provided a bridge between their heritage and their faith in Jesus, reinforcing His identity as the promised Savior.

For contemporary readers, Matthew 1:6 offers profound insights into the nature of God’s redemptive work. The emphasis on David connects Jesus to the hope of a restored kingdom, inviting reflection on what it means to live under Christ’s reign today. The mention of “Uriah’s wife” serves as a reminder that God’s grace operates in the midst of human failure. In a world where personal and societal brokenness is evident, this verse reassures believers that God can redeem even the most scandalous stories for His purposes. It challenges modern readers to embrace humility, recognizing their own flaws while trusting in God’s transformative grace, as seen in the lineage that leads to Jesus.

Practically, Matthew 1:6 encourages believers to see their lives as part of God’s larger story. Just as David and Bathsheba’s story was woven into the messianic narrative, contemporary readers are invited to trust that their lives—marked by successes and failures—can be used by God. The verse also underscores the importance of identity, as the genealogy roots Jesus in a specific history and people. For modern Christians, this can inspire a sense of connection to the broader community of faith, past and present, and a commitment to live out their calling as part of God’s redemptive plan. The inclusion of Bathsheba, a woman associated with scandal, also speaks to the inclusion of marginalized or overlooked individuals, challenging churches to embrace diversity and extend grace to all.

Theologically, Matthew 1:6 points to the sovereignty and mercy of God. The promise to David (2 Sam. 7) is fulfilled in Jesus, demonstrating God’s faithfulness across generations. The reference to “Uriah’s wife” highlights the paradox of divine grace: God chooses to work through imperfect people to accomplish His perfect will. This foreshadows the Gospel’s portrayal of Jesus as the one who bears humanity’s sins (26:28), offering forgiveness and restoration. The verse also connects to Matthew’s emphasis on Jesus as the “Son of David” (1:1, 9:27, 21:9), a title that encapsulates His role as the messianic king who brings God’s kingdom to earth.

In conclusion, Matthew 1:6 is a concise yet richly layered verse that anchors Jesus’ messianic identity in the Davidic line while subtly weaving in themes of sin and grace. By naming David and Solomon, and identifying Bathsheba as “Uriah’s wife,” Matthew highlights the royal lineage of the Messiah and God’s ability to redeem human failure. Rooted in the historical and cultural context of first-century Judaism, the verse speaks to the universal human experience of brokenness and the hope of divine restoration. For ancient and modern readers, it offers a call to trust in God’s faithfulness, embrace His grace, and live as part of His redemptive story, confident that He works through all things to fulfill His promises in Christ.

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Grace and peace be unto you, beloved, from the boundless love of our Heavenly Father, whose mercy endures forever, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, the fulfillment of all promise and the hope of every heart. I write to you, scattered across the nations yet united in the Spirit, to stir your souls with the wonder of God’s eternal purpose, revealed through the generations and woven into the tapestry of His divine plan. As we ponder the lineage of our Savior, we are drawn to the marvelous truth that God’s grace works through the frail and fallen threads of humanity to bring forth His kingdom, a kingdom not of this world but of righteousness, peace, and everlasting glory.

Consider, dear ones, the lineage of David, that shepherd-king whose heart was tuned to the song of God’s own heart. From Jesse, a man of humble estate, sprang David, anointed by the Spirit to rule as king over Israel. Yet the story does not end with David’s crown, for from his line came Solomon, born of a union marked by human frailty and divine redemption. Herein lies a mystery that should cause our hearts to tremble with awe: God does not choose the perfect or the unblemished to fulfill His purposes. He takes what is broken, what is stained by the sorrows of this world, and transforms it by His sovereign hand into a vessel of His glory. David, a man after God’s own heart, was not without sin, nor was the path to Solomon’s birth without shadow. Yet from this lineage, fraught with human weakness, God brought forth the promise of a greater King, one whose reign would know no end.

Let this truth anchor your souls, beloved. You who labor under the weight of your own imperfections, you who feel the sting of past failures or the burden of present struggles, hear this: the God who chose David’s line chooses you. He is not deterred by your shortcomings, nor does He recoil from your wounds. Just as He wove the story of redemption through a family marked by both triumph and tragedy, so too does He weave His purpose through your lives. The same Spirit that anointed David, the same grace that redeemed his errors, is at work in you, calling you to be partakers of a kingdom that cannot be shaken. You are not cast aside because of your frailties; rather, you are called to be vessels of His mercy, channels through which His love flows to a world in desperate need.

Reflect, then, on the steadfast love of God, who binds the generations together in His eternal plan. From Jesse to David, from David to Solomon, and onward through the ages, God’s promise has never faltered. His covenant, sealed in mercy, points ever forward to the coming of the Messiah, the Son of David, who is both the root and the offspring of this sacred line. In Him, all the promises of God find their yes and amen. He is the King whose throne is established forever, not by the might of human hands but by the power of divine love. This is your inheritance, dear ones, not merely a story of old but a living reality that shapes your present and secures your future. You are grafted into this lineage, not by blood but by faith, adopted into the family of God through the blood of the Lamb.

Therefore, I urge you, walk worthy of this high calling. Let your lives be a testimony to the God who redeems the broken and exalts the humble. As David sang praises in the fields and led Israel with a heart of devotion, so too let your words and deeds proclaim the goodness of the Lord. As Solomon sought wisdom to govern justly, seek the wisdom that comes from above, which is pure, peaceable, and full of mercy. And as the line of David pointed to the coming of the Savior, let your lives point others to Christ, the hope of glory. Be not ashamed of your weaknesses, for in them God’s strength is made perfect. Be not discouraged by the trials of this age, for the One who began a good work in you will carry it to completion until the day of His return.

Beloved, the world around you groans under the weight of sin and despair, but you are bearers of a greater light. The story of David’s line is not merely a tale of kings and kingdoms; it is a testament to the God who keeps His promises, who turns mourning into dancing, and who brings life from death. Share this hope with those who dwell in darkness. Speak of the King who came not to be served but to serve, who laid down His life that we might live. Let your love for one another be a reflection of His love, your forgiveness a mirror of His grace, and your unity a foretaste of the kingdom to come.

Now, as I draw this letter to a close, I commend you to the care of our faithful God. May His Spirit guide you into all truth, His peace guard your hearts, and His love overflow through you to a world in need. Hold fast to the hope set before you, knowing that the God who chose a humble shepherd to be king, and a flawed family to bear His promise, has chosen you to be His own. Rejoice in this, and let your lives be a living doxology to His name. Grace be with you all, now and forevermore. Amen.

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O Eternal and Most Merciful Father, Sovereign of all creation, whose love spans the ages and whose faithfulness endures beyond the stars, we bow before Your throne of grace with hearts uplifted in awe and adoration. You are the God who weaves the tapestry of time, threading Your divine purpose through the generations, turning the frail and fleeting moments of humanity into an anthem of Your redeeming glory. To You alone we offer our praise, and in Your holy presence we pour out our prayer for Your people, scattered across the earth yet bound together as one family in Your everlasting covenant.

We lift our voices in gratitude for Your unfailing promise, O Lord, revealed through the line of David, that humble shepherd raised to kingship by Your mighty hand. From Jesse’s root You brought forth a king whose heart echoed Your own, and from his line, marked by human weakness yet covered by divine mercy, You ushered forth Solomon and, in the fullness of time, the promised Messiah, the Son of David, our Savior and King. We marvel, O God, at Your wisdom, that You choose the broken, the imperfect, and the lowly to bear Your eternal plan. Your grace transforms our shame into glory, our failures into testimonies of Your power, and our wanderings into pathways of Your purpose. For this, we worship You, for You are the God who redeems, who restores, and who reigns forever.

Hear us now, O Father, as we intercede for Your people, the church universal, and for all who dwell in this world You so love. We pray for those who feel unworthy, burdened by the weight of their sins or the scars of their past. May they know, O Lord, that Your grace is sufficient, that You delight to work through vessels of clay to display the surpassing greatness of Your power. As You chose David, flawed yet faithful, to be a father of kings, choose Your people afresh this day to be bearers of Your light, ambassadors of Your kingdom, and heralds of Your hope. Let them see their place in Your great story, grafted into the lineage of Your promise through the blood of Your Son.

We beseech You, O Holy One, for those who lead among Your people—pastors, elders, and servants of Your church. Grant them the heart of David, to seek You with passion and to shepherd Your flock with tenderness. Bestow upon them the wisdom of Solomon, to discern Your truth in a world clouded by deception, and to guide Your people in paths of righteousness. May they walk humbly, knowing that their strength lies not in themselves but in Your Spirit, who empowers and sustains. For every believer, young and old, we pray for courage to live as heirs of Your promise, reflecting Your love in their homes, their labors, and their communities. Knit Your church together, O God, that our unity may be a beacon to a divided world, proclaiming the reconciling power of Your gospel.

We cry out, O Lord, for those who know You not, who wander in darkness or stumble under the burdens of this age. Just as You brought forth a Savior from a lineage touched by sorrow and redeemed by grace, bring forth Your salvation in the lives of the lost. Open their eyes to see the King whose throne is eternal, whose scepter is justice, and whose heart is mercy. Use Your people, we pray, as instruments of Your peace, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and to offer the cup of Your living water to those who thirst. Let the story of Your faithfulness, etched in the generations from David to Christ, be told anew through the lives of Your saints, drawing all nations to the foot of the cross.

O God of all comfort, we lift before You those who suffer—those afflicted in body, mind, or spirit, those oppressed by injustice, and those weary from the trials of this life. As You turned the mourning of David’s house into a legacy of hope, turn their weeping into joy by the touch of Your healing hand. Surround them with Your presence, sustain them with Your promises, and fill them with the assurance that You are working all things for their good and Your glory. For the nations of the earth, we pray for peace where there is strife, for justice where there is corruption, and for Your truth to prevail where lies abound. May Your kingdom come, O Lord, on earth as it is in heaven.

Now, O Faithful One, we commend ourselves to You, trusting in Your unchanging love. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit, that we may walk worthy of the calling You have placed upon us. Let our lives be a living sacrifice, a song of praise to the God who keeps His promises, who exalts the humble, and who brings life from death. Guard us from the snares of this world, guide us by Your truth, and lead us ever closer to the heart of Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. To You, O Father, be all glory, honor, and power, now and forevermore. Amen.