Definition: And Eliud begat Eleazar; and Eleazar begat Matthan; and Matthan begat Jacob;

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important verse from Matthew 1:15. It’s a foundational story in the Bible that explains how the story of Joseph begins! Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Story: Eliud (meaning “son”) and Eleazar (meaning “helper”) are cousins. They were very close, and Eliud was being raised as a boy. Eleazar begat Matthan (meaning “Eleazar created” or “Eleazar brought forth”) . This is the key part. He created Matthan. Matthan begat Jacob (meaning “Matthan made” or “Matthan brought forth”) . This is where the story really takes off! Matthan, now a young man, brought forth Jacob. Putting it together: This verse tells us that the lineage of Joseph begins with Eliud and Eleazar, who were cousins. Eleazar, in turn, created Matthan, who then brought forth Jacob. Why is this important? This story is a crucial part of how God established the family line of Jesus. It sets up the entire narrative of Joseph’s life – his journey to Egypt, his role in protecting Jesus, and ultimately, his eventual rise to prominence as King of Israel. It shows God's plan for establishing a lineage that would lead to the Messiah (Jesus). In short: This verse introduces the very beginning of the Jacob family line through the creation of Matthan by Eliud. --- Do you want me to explain any specific aspect of this verse in more detail? For example, I could go into: The meaning of the words "begat" The significance of the names "Eliud" and "Eleazar" How this story connects to biblical themes like lineage and God’s plan?