How to Learn Something Meaningful from Genealogy in the Bible
Today, we’re exploring and growing in our understanding of genealogy in the Bible.
We’ll be discussing:
- What to make of genealogy in the Bible – including what these passages are, and what they are not.
- The ways in which Genealogy in the Bible is both purposeful in its inclusion and meaningful for our study.
How to Apply What You Learn
At the end, we’ll talk about practical techniques and approaches you can use when studying a passage of genealogy in the Bible. You’ll also learn how to make sure you don’t miss the significance in genealogy passages you come across as you read.
The Big Ideas About Genealogy in the Bible
Types of Genealogies
You’ll find genealogy in the Bible that follows a direct line of (usually male) descendants. These are “linear” genealogies. “Segmented” genealogies contain more than one line of descendants.
Key Differences Between Modern and Biblical Genealogies
In order to properly identify, understand, and learn from genealogy in the Bible, we must know what it is and what it is not. Biblical genealogy passages accomplish something very different than our aims in modern genealogy. Here are some features of Biblical genealogy that set it apart from modern:
- Generations were routinely removed or skipped (known as telescoping).
- Clan members could enter the family ancestry through many avenues. Some are marriage, adoption, substitution (because of the extinction of one line or another), This means that a “father” of another can be separate not only from biological lineage, but also from actual familial connection (as we conceive of it today).
- For a variety of purposes, Biblical genealogies were often rearranged. (More detail in the full teaching.)
What Is True of Genealogy in the Bible
Passages of Genealogy in the Bible matter. Authors include them to convey a specific concept, purpose, or understanding. The full teaching explains and explores more examples.
How to Study Biblical Genealogy
One seemingly obvious step is identifying genealogy! Long passages are hard to miss. On the other hand, it’s easy to overlook shorter or more poetic passages.
Once identified, an incredibly useful tool is a family tree. Draw one! I promise you it’ll get messy, but embrace the 80/20 rule, and try to draw one out as you read about different families, clans, and people groups. You’ll notice new things, and, as a result, learn a lot!
Get curious about purpose. Sometimes we need to zoom out a little. Slow down and consider why the author would include this ancestry at all. Then, why would they include it in this part of the book? What is the author communicating? What is the point of its inclusion? Remember, most of the time, the purpose isn’t historical accuracy or recording for posterity. The writer is conveying something specific. Ask yourself what it could be.
How This Helps You Read the Bible Better
It is so easy to zone out while reading through a list of begats; I’ve done it many times! When we pause, zoom out, and really engage our thinking minds, we get to remember that this isn’t a LIST. It’s a passage of scripture, intentionally noted, intentionally crafted, intentionally placed.
When we consider the things that these passages of genealogy in the Bible are and are NOT, we start looking at them differently. We start opening ourselves up to understanding what they were intended to be in the first place. That’s where the fun and the magic happen!
Watch for my upcoming teaching on the Genealogy of Jesus that starts the book of Matthew. Let’s put this learning into use! Make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss it.
Also, learn more about Genealogy in the Bible by following my Instagram page. I’ll be sharing Bible fun-facts throughout the surrounding weeks that connect with genealogy.