Luke 3:35 – the son of Serug, the son of Reu, the son of Peleg, the son of Eber, the son of Shelah,

Extended Explanation of the Verse

This verse continues Luke’s genealogy of Jesus, taking us deeper into the history of early humanity after the flood. These names—Serug, Reu, Peleg, Eber, and Shelah—come from the generations listed in Genesis as the descendants of Noah through his son Shem (Genesis 10 and 11). Eber is an important figure because his name is associated with the origin of the term “Hebrew,” which later identified the descendants of Abraham as the chosen people of God.

Peleg is another significant name in this genealogy. Genesis 10:25 mentions that during his lifetime, “the earth was divided,” which could refer to a major event like the division of nations following the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11). This verse underscores the historical and spiritual journey from early humanity, through the formation of nations, to the eventual arrival of the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

Historical Context

This portion of the genealogy traces the generations after the flood when Noah’s descendants began to repopulate the earth. The names listed here come from the line of Shem, the son of Noah, who was blessed by God and chosen to carry forward the lineage that would lead to Abraham and, ultimately, to Jesus. Eber’s significance as the potential origin of the term “Hebrew” shows the connection between the early patriarchs and the formation of Israel as God’s chosen people.

Peleg’s mention, specifically tied to the division of the earth, is a historical marker that likely connects to the scattering of nations at Babel. The genealogical record in Genesis 10 and 11 serves as a bridge between the early post-flood world and the time when God would call Abraham to form a covenant people.

Theological Implications

1. God’s Sovereignty Over Nations: The names in this verse remind us that God is in control of the rise and fall of nations and that His plan is not limited to a single time or place. Even the division of the nations after Babel was part of God’s plan to bring about salvation through the chosen line of Abraham and, eventually, Jesus.
2. God’s Plan for Redemption: From the earliest days of humanity, God was working to fulfill His promise of redemption. The fact that this genealogy includes key figures associated with the formation of nations and the scattering of people shows that God’s plan has always been global in scope.
3. The Preservation of the Covenant Line: Despite events like the flood and the scattering at Babel, God preserved the lineage that would lead to Abraham and Jesus. This demonstrates His faithfulness to His promises, even when human history seems chaotic.

Literary Analysis

Luke’s genealogy, written in reverse chronological order, highlights the continuity of God’s work across generations. The inclusion of names like Eber and Peleg is significant because they serve as markers of major biblical events, such as the scattering at Babel and the formation of the Hebrew people. The repetition of “the son of” creates a sense of rhythm and connection, emphasizing that each generation played a role in the unfolding of God’s plan.

Unlike Matthew’s genealogy, which focuses on Jesus’ royal lineage through David, Luke’s genealogy takes a broader view, showing that Jesus’ mission is rooted in the entire history of humanity. By tracing Jesus’ ancestry all the way back to the early patriarchs, Luke demonstrates that Jesus came to redeem not just Israel but the entire world.

Biblical Cross-References

• Genesis 10:21-25 – The genealogy of Shem, including references to Eber and Peleg.
• Genesis 11:10-26 – The generations from Shem to Abraham.
• Genesis 10:32 – The division of the nations after the flood.
• Genesis 12:1-3 – God’s promise to Abraham that all nations would be blessed through his descendants.
• Acts 17:26 – Paul’s teaching that God created all nations from one man and determined the times and places for their existence.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For modern Christians, this verse is a reminder of God’s control over history and His ability to bring about His purposes, even when human events seem chaotic. The scattering of nations, the formation of different cultures, and the long passage of time did not prevent God from fulfilling His promise to send a Savior.

This verse also teaches us that our lives are connected to a much bigger story. Just as the individuals in this genealogy were part of God’s redemptive plan, we too are part of that story. Through faith in Jesus, we become heirs of God’s promises, and our lives have eternal significance.

Additionally, this verse encourages us to trust that God is working even when we don’t see immediate results. The generations between Noah and Abraham experienced major events, but God’s plan was steadily moving forward. In the same way, we can trust that God is working in our lives and in the world today.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is shown in His patience and commitment to humanity. Even after the flood and the scattering at Babel, He continued to work through generations of people to bring about salvation. His love is not just for one group of people but for all nations, as demonstrated by His plan to bless the world through Abraham and, ultimately, through Jesus.

God’s love is also seen in His willingness to use flawed and ordinary people as part of His plan. The names in this genealogy remind us that God’s love extends to all people, regardless of their background or status. His love is constant, and His desire is to bring people from every nation into a relationship with Him.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

This verse connects to Jesus because it traces His lineage back to the early patriarchs, showing that He is the fulfillment of God’s plan to bless the nations. Jesus is the descendant of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and His mission is the ultimate fulfillment of the promises made to their ancestors.

The inclusion of Eber and Peleg highlights the global nature of Jesus’ mission. Just as the division of nations at Babel scattered people across the earth, Jesus came to unite people from all nations through faith in Him. His death and resurrection make it possible for people from every tribe, tongue, and nation to be reconciled to God.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does knowing that Jesus’ lineage includes early figures like Eber and Peleg help you understand the scope of God’s plan for salvation?
2. What does this verse teach you about God’s control over history and the rise and fall of nations?
3. How can you trust that God is working in your life, even when His plan seems delayed or unclear?
4. In what ways can you be part of God’s mission to bless all nations through the gospel?
5. How does this verse help you see your life as part of God’s larger story of redemption?