Lineage
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Lineage in the Bible?
Lineage refers to a direct line of descent from an ancestor, a concept central to ancient social structures for determining inheritance, tribal affiliation, and legal standing. In the context of the New Testament, it appears in Luke 2:4, which identifies Joseph as belonging to the house and lineage of David, thereby linking him to the royal dynasty of Judah.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the importance of lineage clarifies why the Gospel of Luke traces Jesus' ancestry back to David, as this connection was essential for validating messianic claims within the cultural and legal framework of first-century Judaism.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Lineage in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Lineage clarify?
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Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.