Genealogies

In Scripture, lists of the descendants or forebears of an individual, or a record of the names of particular groups of people.

Genealogies as records of ancestors and lines of descent

Matthew 1:1–17 parallel Luke 3:23–38 See also Genesis 10:1–32, Genesis 11:10–32, Genesis 36:10–43; 1 Chronicles 1:1–6:30, 1 Chronicles 9:35–44; Hebrews 7:3

Kinds of genealogies

Population lists

1 Chronicles 9:1 See also Genesis 46:8–27; 1 Chronicles 9:3–22; 2 Chronicles 31:16; Ezra 2:1–67 parallel Nehemiah 7:5–69

So all Israel was recorded in the genealogies written in the Book of the Kings of Israel. But Judah was exiled to Babylon because of their unfaithfulness.

Heads of families

1 Chronicles 9:34 See also 1 Chronicles 8:1–28, 1 Chronicles 9:7–9, 1 Chronicles 26:31

All these were heads of Levite families, chiefs according to their genealogies, and they lived in Jerusalem.

Men eligible for military service

1 Chronicles 7:2 See also Numbers 26:1–62; 1 Chronicles 7:4–11, 1 Chronicles 7:30–40

The sons of Tola: Uzzi, Rephaiah, Jeriel, Jahmai, Ibsam, and Shemuel, the heads of their families. In the days of David, 22,600 descendants of Tola were numbered in their genealogies as mighty men of valor.

Some prophets may have been responsible for recording or maintaining genealogies

2 Chronicles 12:15

Now the acts of Rehoboam, from first to last, are they not written in the records of Shemaiah the Prophet and of Iddo the Seer concerning the genealogies? There was war between Rehoboam and Jeroboam throughout their days.

Christians are urged to avoid fruitless discussions concerning genealogies

Titus 3:9 See also 1 Timothy 1:3–4

But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, arguments, and quarrels about the law, because these things are pointless and worthless.