If you’ve ever started reading the New Testament, you’ve likely come face-to-face with a long list of names in Matthew 1:1-17.
It’s tempting to skip over it, but hang tight — there’s gold hidden in those names.
Every person listed in Jesus’ family tree tells a story about God’s faithfulness, grace, and power to redeem even the messiest of lives.
Let’s take a walk through Jesus’ genealogy, name by name, and see what each one reveals about God’s grand plan of salvation.
(You can download a printable version without ads at the very end.)
1. Abraham
Abraham is known as the “father of faith.” God promised Abraham that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars (Genesis 15:5) and that through his family, all nations would be blessed (Genesis 12:3).
Jesus is the fulfillment of that promise. Abraham’s story reminds us that God’s promises may take time, but they always come to pass.
2. Isaac
Isaac was the son of promise, born to Abraham and Sarah in their old age. His birth was a miracle, showing that nothing is impossible for God.
Isaac’s inclusion in the genealogy points to the miraculous nature of Jesus’ birth to the virgin Mary.
3. Jacob
Jacob’s story is one of transformation. He went from being a deceiver to being renamed Israel, the father of the twelve tribes.
His inclusion in Jesus’ lineage highlights that God can use broken people with messy pasts.
4. Judah and Tamar
Here’s where things get interesting. Judah’s story involves a scandal with his daughter-in-law, Tamar (Genesis 38).
Despite this messy story, God’s plan for redemption continued through their son Perez.
This reminds us that God’s grace can work through even the most complicated situations.
5. Perez and Hezron
Perez’s birth came from a story of family dysfunction, but God’s plan was still on track.
Hezron’s story isn’t as detailed, but his inclusion shows that every generation matters in God’s redemptive plan.
6. Ram, Amminadab, and Nahshon
These men’s stories are not as widely known, but their presence shows that every link in the chain matters.
Nahshon was a leader in Israel’s journey through the wilderness (Numbers 1:7), showing that leadership and faithfulness play a role in God’s plan.
7. Salmon and Rahab
Here’s a big moment — Rahab was a Canaanite prostitute who hid Israel’s spies (Joshua 2). Her story highlights God’s radical grace.
She’s not just included in Jesus’ family line; she’s celebrated in the “hall of faith” in Hebrews 11.
Her story shows that faith, not perfection, is what matters most.
8. Boaz and Ruth
Boaz married Ruth, a Moabite woman, in one of the most beautiful love stories in the Bible.
Ruth’s inclusion shows that God’s plan is not limited to one nation or people group. God’s love and grace are for everyone.
9. Obed, Jesse, and David
Obed was the son of Boaz and Ruth, and he became the father of Jesse, who was the father of David. David, “a man after God’s own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14), was Israel’s greatest king.
God promised David that one of his descendants would reign forever (2 Samuel 7:16).
Jesus is that King.
10. Solomon (by Uriah’s Wife)
This part of the genealogy doesn’t shy away from hard truths.
Bathsheba’s name isn’t mentioned, but she’s referenced as “Uriah’s wife,” calling attention to David’s sin of adultery and murder (2 Samuel 11).
Yet from this broken situation, Solomon — known for his wisdom — was born. God’s grace can bring beauty from ashes.
11. Rehoboam, Abijah, and Asa
These were kings of Judah. Some followed God’s ways, and some didn’t.
Their stories show that even in times of rebellion, God’s purposes can’t be thwarted.
12. Jehoshaphat, Joram, Uzziah
Jehoshaphat was a godly king, but Joram was not. Uzziah had a long reign and did right in God’s eyes for much of his life.
These kings’ stories remind us that our faithfulness to God matters, but His plan doesn’t depend on our perfection.
13. Jotham, Ahaz, Hezekiah
Jotham followed God’s ways, but Ahaz did not.
Hezekiah, however, is known for trusting God during a crisis and seeing a miraculous deliverance (2 Kings 19).
Hezekiah’s story teaches us to trust God in difficult times.
14. Manasseh, Amon, Josiah
Manasseh was one of the most evil kings, yet he repented, and God restored him (2 Chronicles 33:12-13).
Josiah, on the other hand, was a reformer who brought the people back to God’s Word.
This shows that no one is too far gone for God’s grace.
15. Jeconiah and the Babylonian Exile
Jeconiah’s story is one of exile. The people of Judah were taken into Babylon as captives.
But God’s plan wasn’t over.
Jesus’ lineage continued, proving that God’s promises remain intact, even in the darkest times.
16. Shealtiel, Zerubbabel
Zerubbabel was a leader who helped rebuild the temple in Jerusalem after the exile (Ezra 3).
His story points to the restoration that comes after loss. Jesus’ arrival was the ultimate restoration.
17. Abiud, Eliakim, Azor, Zadok, Achim, Eliud, Eleazar, Matthan
These lesser-known names bridge the gap to Jesus.
This part of the genealogy reminds us that even when we feel unknown or unseen, we have a role to play in God’s story.
18. Jacob and Joseph
Joseph, though not a direct blood-descendant of Jesus, played a vital role in the story.
He married Mary (mother of Jesus) and played what equates to the role of “step-father” to Jesus.
This highlights the fact that we all have an important part to play in God’s bigger plan.
19. Jesus (The Messiah!)
Finally, we arrive at Jesus, the Messiah — the fulfillment of every promise God made to Abraham, David, and beyond.
Jesus’ birth, life, death, and resurrection accomplished what no one else could.
He’s the King of kings, and through Him, we’re invited into God’s family.
Why This Genealogy Matters
This list of names isn’t just history — it’s a reminder of how God’s grace works through every generation.
It’s filled with heroes, villains, outcasts, and ordinary people.
God’s plan is bigger than human mistakes. It’s a story of redemption, grace, and the unstoppable love of God.
Next time you’re tempted to skip over a genealogy, pause and reflect.
Every name has a story, and every story points to Jesus.
One really great way to dive deeper into Jesus’ family tree is by doing a character study of each person.
Download a printable version of this page to keep in your study journal.
Looking for some additional resources for studying the Bible? Here is an extensive library of (free) monthly topical Bible reading plans.
