Introduction: Genealogy as Theological Narrative
In Matthew 1:2, the genealogy begins in earnest with a triple repetition of the aorist verb ἐγέννησε {egennēse}, meaning “he fathered” or “he begot.” While aorist tense is traditionally associated with punctiliar aspect (summary or undefined action), the repeated use of the aorist form here, across a sequence of generations, creates a rhythmic chain of events that intriguingly suggests narrative progression.
This lesson will analyze how Matthew uses the aorist form not merely to indicate completed past action, but to structure a lineage in a way that reveals deeper theological and literary dimensions. This repetition of ἐγέννησε is not redundant—it is grammatically and theologically loaded.
Ἀβραὰμ ἐγέννησε τὸν Ἰσαάκ· Ἰσαὰκ δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν Ἰακώβ· Ἰακὼβ δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν Ἰούδαν καὶ τοὺς ἀδελφοὺς αὐτοῦ·
Morphological Breakdown of ἐγέννησε
- ἐγέννησε {egennēse} –
Root: γεννάω {gennaō};
Form: aorist active indicative, 3rd person singular;
Parsing: tense: aorist; voice: active; mood: indicative; person: 3rd; number: singular.
Translation: “he fathered” or “he begot”;
Notes: Indicates a single completed act of fathering a child.
Syntactical Analysis: Repetition and Coordination
The three clauses follow an identical pattern: subject + ἐγέννησε + object. The conjunction δὲ introduces the second and third lines, marking simple continuity (“and then”). This type of coordination—asyndeton between the first clause and δέ in the others—creates a chain of events and emphasizes generational succession.
Each clause is syntactically independent but semantically linked. The repetition of ἐγέννησε provides a rhythmic pattern, serving almost as a liturgical or litany-like device. The inclusion of καὶ τοὺς ἀδελφοὺς αὐτοῦ (“and his brothers”) in the final clause subtly expands the pattern to introduce relational complexity.
Semantic and Theological Implications of the Aorist Aspect
Though the aorist typically indicates a singular past event, its repeated use here constructs a theological narrative: not just a biological genealogy, but a providential unfolding. The verb ἐγέννησε, though aorist, functions with a staccato quality: one life gives rise to the next, punctuating the history of salvation.
Moreover, each occurrence of ἐγέννησε implies more than physical generation—it suggests divine sovereignty orchestrating history through these births. The aorist’s non-progressive nature underscores that each act of begetting is definite, sovereignly appointed, and essential to the unfolding plan of redemption.
Literary or Discourse Significance
The rhythmic use of the same verb at the same point in each clause creates a formulaic structure typical of biblical genealogies but with literary finesse. The triplet structure reinforces the reader’s expectation and rhythm, while the strategic insertion of “and his brothers” breaks the pattern subtly, foreshadowing narrative tension within the lineage (Judah and his brothers introduce the Joseph story and the theme of betrayal and restoration).
The use of the same aorist verb multiple times—rather than a passive or periphrastic construction—gives the narrative drive. The genealogy becomes a story, not just a record.
Theological Punctuations in Aorist Rhythm
The use of ἐγέννησε thrice in a row—with names laden with covenantal meaning (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Judah)—functions as a theological metronome, marking time in the rhythm of redemption. Each aorist form marks a divine appointment, a generational fulfillment of promise. The tense and repetition encode both historical rootedness and divine intentionality.
The aorist here becomes a tool of divine historiography, compressing centuries into a heartbeat that pulses through the verse: he fathered… he fathered… he fathered.