The fourteen generations in matthew’s genealogy (matt. 1:1-17)

Abstract

Matthew’s genealogy has unique features not common to other biblical genealogies. It is built around a numerical structuring greatly influenced by the number fourteen, and broken into three sets, each made up of fourteen generations. But the counting of Matthew does not agree with his clear assertion in verse 17. Overtime scholars have struggled in search for a solution to this problem. Using the historical critical method of research, the paper seeks to show that dividing history into patterns was a reflection of an apocalyptic numerical scheme common in Jewish culture. By dividing the genealogy into three sets, with each having fourteen generations, the evangelist wanted to attribute perfection to his genealogy, he sought to emphasise the idea that the time was right, and Messiah long awaited who is son of Abraham and David has come.