Figures named in the text, with the fields the source records. All claims are labelled by type and confidence; "not stated" where the text is silent.
Profiles · 16 figures
Avraham(Abraham)
See full bio inGenesis
In MatthewFirst in the genealogy (1:2); the genealogy begins "son of Avraham (Abraham)" (1:1). Matthew structures Yeshua (Jesus)'s lineage as descending from Abraham through David — establishing Abraham as the covenantal origin point of the Messianic line.
Yitschaq(Isaac)
See full bio inGenesis
In MatthewNamed in the genealogy (1:2) as son of Avraham (Abraham) and father of Ya'aqov (Jacob). No narrative role in Matthew 1–3.
Ya'aqov(Jacob)
See full bio inGenesis
In MatthewNamed in the genealogy (1:2) as son of Yitschaq (Isaac) and father of Yehudah (Judah) and his brothers. No narrative role in Matthew 1–3.
Iakobos(James)
See full bio inActs
In MatthewNamed as one of Yeshua's four brothers at Matt 13:55 (alongside Yosef/Joseph, Shimon/Simon, and Yehudah/Judas), and referenced indirectly at Matt 12:46–50 (Yeshua's "mother and brothers" coming to find him). Distinct from Ya'aqov the patriarch named in the genealogy at Matt 1:2 — same Hebrew root יַעֲקֹב, same Greek form Ἰάκωβος, but a different person; the two are disambiguated here by Hebrew-source transliteration (Ya'aqov) for the OT patriarch versus Greek-source transliteration (Iakobos) for the NT brother of Yeshua. The fuller biography — Jerusalem church leadership (Acts 15, Gal 1:19, 2:9, 2:12), Josephus's account of his 62 CE death under Ananus (Antiquitates Judaicae 20.197–203), the 1 Cor 15:7 resurrection-appearance tradition, and the epistle authorship question — belongs with the books where his role is substantive: Acts, Galatians, James. Canonical entry deferred.
Yehudah(Judah)
See full bio inGenesis
In MatthewNamed in the genealogy (1:2–3) as son of Ya'aqov (Jacob) and father of Perets and Zerach by Tamar. Matthew specifies "Yehudah (Judah) and his brothers" — the only genealogical entry to mention siblings, marking the selection of the Judahite line.
Tamar
See full bio inGenesis
In MatthewNamed in the genealogy (1:3) as the mother of Perets and Zerach by Yehudah (Judah). One of four women (plus Miryam (Mary)) included in the genealogy — an unusual feature in Jewish patrilineal genealogies. Her story (Gen 38) involves deception and sexual irregularity; her inclusion may signal that God's purposes work through unexpected and socially marginal figures.
Rachav(Rahab)
Meaninguncertain (possibly "broad" or "wide")
OriginCanaanite woman of Yericho (Josh 2:1–21; 6:22–25)
First mention in Matthew1:5
In MatthewNamed in the genealogy (1:5) as wife of Salmon and mother of Boaz. The identification of this Rachav with the Rachav of Joshua is not stated in the OT genealogies (cf. Ruth 4:20–21; 1 Chr 2:11) — it is a tradition reflected in Matthew's genealogy. Second of four women named before Miryam (Mary).
NoteThe Hebrew Bible spells the name רָחָב (Rachav). The Greek is Ῥαχάβ (Rhachab). Not to be confused with the sea monster Rahab (רַהַב, Rahav, different vowel pattern).
Rut(Ruth)
Meaninguncertain (possibly "friend" or "companion")
OriginMoabite woman (Ruth 1:4)
First mention in Matthew1:5
In MatthewNamed in the genealogy (1:5) as wife of Boaz and mother of Oved. Third of four women named before Miryam (Mary). A Moabite — her inclusion in the Davidic lineage is significant given Deut 23:3's exclusion of Moabites from the assembly.
NoteThe TT renders the name as Rut (Hebrew רוּת, Rut). Greek: Ῥούθ (Rhouth).
Uriyah(Uriah)
Meaning"my light is YHWH" (uri + Yah)
OriginHittite soldier, husband of Bat-Sheva (2 Sam 11)
First mention in Matthew1:6
In MatthewNot named directly — Matthew refers to Shelomoh (Solomon)'s mother as "the one of Uriyah" (τῆς τοῦ Οὐρίου, 1:6), identifying Bat-Sheva by her first husband rather than by her own name. Fourth of four women (or references to women) before Miryam (Mary). The circumlocution points to the adultery and murder in 2 Sam 11 without narrating it.
NoteThe Greek reads Οὐρίου (Ouriou). The TT renders from Hebrew אוּרִיָּה (Uriyah). The Hittite designation marks him as a non-Israelite — another outsider in the Messianic lineage.
David
Meaning"beloved" (possibly; etymology debated)
OriginSon of Yishai (Jesse) of Bet-Lechem (Bethlehem), tribe of Yehudah (Judah)
First mention in Matthew1:1
In MatthewNamed in the genealogy heading (1:1 — "son of David"), at 1:6 as the king who begot Shelomoh (Solomon) by the one of Uriyah, and at 1:17 as the structural pivot of the genealogy (Avraham (Abraham) to David = 14 generations; David to the deportation = 14; deportation to the anointed one = 14). "Son of David" becomes a recurring Messianic title throughout Matthew (9:27; 12:23; 15:22; 20:30–31; 21:9, 15; 22:42).
Cross-referenceFull entry will appear in samuel/PEOPLE.md or kings/PEOPLE.md when those books are translated.
Shelomoh(Solomon)
Meaning"his peace" or "peaceful" (from shalom)
OriginSon of David and Bat-Sheva (2 Sam 12:24)
First mention in Matthew1:6–7
In MatthewNamed in the genealogy (1:6–7) as son of David (by the one of Uriyah) and father of Rechav'am (Rehoboam). Through Shelomoh (Solomon) the royal line continues to the Babylonian deportation.
Cross-referenceFull entry will appear in kings/PEOPLE.md when that book is translated.
Yeshua(Jesus)~33–37 years (range reflects birth + death uncertainty)
Meaning"YHWH saves" or "YHWH is salvation" (Hebrew יֵשׁוּעַ, Yeshua, a late form of יְהוֹשֻׁעַ, Yehoshua)
OriginBORN
Birth yearc. 4 BCE (TEXTUAL — PROBABLE; per Matt 2:1, Herod ordered killing of children "two years and under," placing birth ~6–4 BCE before Herod's death in 4 BCE)
Death yearc. 30 or 33 CE (TEXTUAL — UNCERTAIN; Mark + Luke chronology suggests c. 30; John's three Passovers suggests c. 33)
Lifespan~33–37 years (range reflects birth + death uncertainty)
Fatherlegally — Yosef (Joseph) son of Ya'aqov (Jacob) (Matt 1:16, 20); biologically — "from the holy spirit" per the text (1:18, 20)
MotherMiryam (Mary) (1:16, 18)
Spouse(s)none stated in Matthew 1–3
Childrennone stated in Matthew 1–3
Location(s)born in Bet-Lechem of Yehudah (Judah) (2:1); taken to Egypt (2:14); settled in Natseret (Nazareth) of the Galil (Galilee) (2:23); came to the Yarden (Jordan) for immersion (3:13); led into the wilderness (4:1)
First mentionMatt 1:1 (genealogy heading); 1:16 (birth); 1:21 (naming)
Mentioned inMatt 1:1, 16, 18, 21, 25; 2:1; 3:13, 15–16
Key events in Matthew 1–3Named in the genealogy as the anointed one, son of David, son of Avraham (Abraham) (1:1); conceived "from the holy spirit" (1:18, 20); named Yeshua (Jesus) by Joseph per angelic instruction — "for he will save his people from their sins" (1:21); born in Bet-Lechem (2:1); visited by the magi (2:11); taken to Egypt to escape Herodes (Herod) (2:14); returned after Herod's death and settled in Nazareth (2:23); came to Yochanan (John) for immersion in the Jordan (3:13); immersed, the skies opened, the spirit of God descended like a dove, a voice from the skies said "This is my son, the beloved, in whom I am well pleased" (3:16–17)
Familiar nameJesus
Professionitinerant teacher / preacher / healer (Matthew 4ff.; outside scope of chapters 1–3, but established by context)
Social classartisan family background (Matt 13:55, "the son of the craftsman"; outside scope); raised in Galilee, a peripheral region
HometownNatseret (Nazareth) (Matt 2:23; 4:13); born in Bet-Lechem (2:1)
Places livedBet-Lechem of Yehudah (birth, 2:1); Egypt (infancy, 2:14); Natseret (childhood and youth, 2:23); the Yarden (Jordan) (immersion, 3:13); led into the wilderness (4:1)
Cause of deathcrucifixion under Pontius Pilate (outside scope of Matt 1–3; Matt 27:32–56)
Siblingsbrothers and sisters mentioned at 13:55–56 (Yaakov/James, Yosef/Joseph, Shimon/Simon, Yehudah/Judas; sisters unnamed); theological status debated (biological vs. cousins vs. step-siblings) — the TT does not resolve
Archaeological evidenceNo direct archaeological evidence for Yeshua as an individual. The locations associated with him (Nazareth, Capernaum, Jerusalem) are archaeologically attested. A 1st-century "Jesus son of Joseph" ossuary inscription exists but is widely considered non-probative for identification.
Extra-biblical mentionsTacitus, Annals 15.44 (Christ executed under Pontius Pilate, reign of Tiberius); Josephus, Antiquities 18.63–64 (the Testimonium Flavianum — widely regarded as partially interpolated; a shorter version in Arabic Josephus is considered more original); Pliny the Younger, Letters 10.96 (Christians worship Christ as a god; no biographical detail); Suetonius, Claudius 25.4 (Jews expelled over "Chrestos" — possible indirect reference, debated)
Historicity statusPROBABLE — scholarly consensus accepts a historical figure named Yeshua who was crucified under Pilate; the supernatural claims (virginal conception, resurrection) are outside historical-critical adjudication and are noted but not assessed here per Rule 13
Books appearing inMatthew; Mark; Luke; John; Acts; Romans; 1 & 2 Corinthians; Galatians; Ephesians; Philippians; Colossians; 1 & 2 Thessalonians; 1 & 2 Timothy; Titus; Philemon; Hebrews; James; 1 & 2 Peter; 1, 2, 3 John; Jude; Revelation
Character arcMatthew 1–3 establishes him before he speaks: conceived outside normal generation, named with theological purpose, visited by foreign magi, hunted by a king, displaced to Egypt and back, and finally descending into the Jordan where a voice from the skies identifies him — the arc is of preparation and identification, not yet action
Historical year-4
Historical year end30
NoteThe name etymology is stated in the text itself (1:21). The Greek Ἰησοῦς (Iēsous) derives from Hebrew/Aramaic יֵשׁוּעַ (Yeshua). The TT renders the name in its Hebrew form per transliteration policy.
Miryam(Mary)not stated; ~60+ years per LATER RECEPTION traditions (POSSIBLE)
Meaninguncertain (possibly "bitter," "beloved," or "rebellious"; etymology debated since antiquity)
OriginBORN (no parents named in Matthew)
Birth yearc. 20 BCE (POSSIBLE INFERENCE — POSSIBLE; assumes ~14 years at conception, working back from Yeshua's birth in c. 4 BCE)
Death yearnot stated in NT (LATER RECEPTION — POSSIBLE; traditions vary, ~AD 41 or later)
Lifespannot stated; ~60+ years per LATER RECEPTION traditions (POSSIBLE)
Fathernot stated in Matthew
Mothernot stated in Matthew
Spouse(s)Yosef (Joseph) (betrothed, 1:18; married, 1:24)
ChildrenYeshua (Jesus) (1:25); brothers and sisters mentioned later (13:55–56)
Location(s)Bet-Lechem (2:1, 11); Egypt (2:14); Natseret (Nazareth) (2:23)
First mentionMatt 1:16
Mentioned inMatt 1:16, 18, 20; 2:11, 13–14, 20–21
Key events in Matthew 1–3Named in the genealogy as the one from whom Jesus was born (1:16); found to be pregnant "from the holy spirit" before coming together with Joseph (1:18); identified by the angel as the one whose child is from the holy spirit (1:20); bore a son, named Jesus (1:25); present when the magi visited and offered gifts (2:11); fled to Egypt with Joseph and the child (2:14); returned to the land of Israel after Herodes (Herod)'s death (2:21)
Familiar nameMary
Professionnot stated in Matthew 1–3
Social classnot stated; betrothed to a craftsman (Matt 13:55), implying artisan class
Hometownnot stated in Matthew (Luke 1:26 gives Nazareth; Matthew does not specify)
Places livedBet-Lechem (2:1, 11); Egypt (2:14); Natseret (Nazareth) (2:23)
Cause of deathnot stated in any NT text; extra-biblical traditions vary
Siblingsnot stated in Matthew
Archaeological evidenceNo direct archaeological evidence
Extra-biblical mentionsJosephus does not name her. Later patristic and apocryphal traditions (Protevangelium of James, 2nd c.) give her parents as Yoaqim (Joachim) and Chana (Anna) — not in the canonical NT.
Historicity statusUNCERTAIN — a woman named Miryam (a common name in 1st-century Judea) as the mother of Yeshua is accepted by most historians; details of her biography are not independently attested
Books appearing inMatthew; Mark (implied 6:3); Luke (extensive, esp. chs. 1–2); John; Acts 1:14
Character arcMatthew 1–3 presents her entirely through others' actions and descriptions — she is the vehicle of the conception, the object of Joseph's decision, the one visited by the magi, and the one taken to Egypt. She does not speak in Matthew's nativity. Her arc within this scope is entirely passive.
Historical year-20
Historical year endnot stated in NT
NoteMatthew's birth narrative is told from Joseph's perspective (contrast Luke 1–2, which centers on Miryam (Mary)). Mary does not speak or act independently in Matthew 1–2. The genealogy's phrasing at 1:16 shifts from the active pattern ("X begot Y") to passive ("from whom was born Jesus") — a grammatical break that the TT preserves.
Yosef(Joseph)not stated
Meaning"he will add" or "may he add" (Gen 30:24; from yasaf)
OriginBORN
Birth yearc. 25 BCE (POSSIBLE INFERENCE — POSSIBLE; assumes a mature artisan at the time of betrothal/marriage to Miryam)
Death yearlikely before Yeshua's ministry (POSSIBLE INFERENCE — POSSIBLE; absent from adult-life narratives, so traditionally inferred to have died before c. 27 CE)
Lifespannot stated
FatherYa'aqov (Jacob) (Matt 1:16; contrast Luke 3:23 — "of Eli")
Mothernot stated
Spouse(s)Miryam (Mary) (1:18–20, 24)
ChildrenYeshua (Jesus) (legally, 1:25); further children implied later (13:55–56)
Location(s)Bet-Lechem (2:1); Egypt (2:14); Natseret (Nazareth) (2:23)
First mentionMatt 1:16
Mentioned inMatt 1:16, 18–20, 24; 2:13–15, 19–23
Key events in Matthew 1–3Named as husband of Mary and legal father of Jesus in the genealogy (1:16); described as "righteous" (dikaios), planned to release Mary quietly (1:19); received angelic instruction in a dream to take Mary as wife (1:20); named the child Jesus (1:25); warned in a dream to flee to Egypt (2:13); took the child and Mary to Egypt (2:14); after Herodes (Herod)'s death, called in a dream to return (2:19–21); warned in a dream about Archelaos, withdrew to the Galil (Galilee), settled in Nazareth (2:22–23)
Familiar nameJoseph
Professioncraftsman (tektōn, Matt 13:55 — rendered "craftsman" in the TT, not "carpenter"; the Greek covers woodworking, stone-cutting, and general construction)
Social classartisan / working class; described as "righteous" (dikaios) — a term of moral standing, not social rank
HometownBet-Lechem of Yehudah (implied by the birth narrative, 2:1; Luke 2:4 states he went to Bethlehem as his city of origin); later settled in Natseret (Nazareth) (2:23)
Places livedBet-Lechem (2:1); Egypt (2:14); Natseret (Nazareth) (2:23)
Cause of deathnot stated in the NT; absent from the adult ministry of Jesus, which has led to the traditional assumption he died before Jesus's public ministry
Siblingsnot stated in Matthew
Archaeological evidenceNo direct archaeological evidence
Extra-biblical mentionsNot mentioned in Josephus. Later traditions (Protevangelium of James) present him as an elderly widower with children from a prior marriage — not in Matthew.
Historicity statusUNCERTAIN — a craftsman named Yosef as the legal father of Yeshua is accepted by most historians; biographical details are not independently attested
Books appearing inMatthew; Luke (birth narrative and genealogy); John 1:45; 6:42
Character arcHe is the one to whom the angelic messages come, the one who acts on them, the one who names the child, who flees, who returns, who reroutes — the silent, obedient executor of divine instruction in Matthew's nativity. He is defined entirely by what he does, not by what he says.
Historical year-25
Historical year endnot stated in NT
NoteYosef (Joseph) receives four dreams with divine instruction in Matthew 1–2 (1:20; 2:13; 2:19; 2:22) — a pattern that echoes the patriarch Joseph of Genesis, who was also a dreamer and also went to Egypt. Whether Matthew intends this typology or whether it is a later reader's observation is debated. The TT does not state the typology in the main text.
Herodes(Herod (the Great))69 years
Meaning"heroic" (Greek name, Ἡρῴδης, Hērōdēs)
OriginBORN (c. 73/72 BCE)
Birth year73 BCE (HISTORICAL / ARCHAEOLOGICAL — VERIFIED; Josephus, AJ 14.158; BJ 1.203)
Death year4 BCE (HISTORICAL / ARCHAEOLOGICAL — VERIFIED; Josephus, AJ 17.190; BJ 1.665)
Lifespan69 years
Full designationHerod the Great (Herodes (Herod) I), king of Judea under Roman authority
FatherAntipater the Idumaean
MotherCypros (Nabataean)
Spouse(s)ten wives recorded by Josephus, including Mariamne I (Hasmonean) and Mariamne II
Location(s)Yerushalayim (Jerusalem) (2:1, 3, 7)
First mentionMatt 2:1
Mentioned inMatt 2:1, 3, 7, 12, 13, 15, 16, 19, 22
Key events in Matthew 1–3Reigning as king when Yeshua (Jesus) was born in Bet-Lechem (2:1); troubled by the magi's report of a newborn "king of the Yehudim" (2:2–3); assembled chief priests and scribes to learn the birthplace of the anointed one (2:4); secretly summoned the magi and sent them to Bet-Lechem (2:7–8); furious when the magi did not return, ordered the killing of all male children in Bet-Lechem two years old and under (2:16); died (2:19) — Yosef (Joseph) was then instructed to return
Familiar nameHerod (the Great)
Professionking / client ruler of Judea under Roman authority
Social classroyalty — though of Idumaean (Edomite) descent, not Jewish by traditional reckoning; his legitimacy was contested by Jewish religious authorities
Hometownborn of Idumaean father (Antipater) and Nabataean mother (Cypros); his administrative center was Yerushalayim (Jerusalem)
Places livedYerushalayim (Jerusalem); Jericho (winter palace); Caesarea Maritima (built); Masada; Herodium (his burial place)
Cause of deathJosephus describes a severe illness involving internal putrefaction, worms, convulsions, and an inability to breathe (AJ 17.168–173; BJ 1.656–660); modern diagnoses proposed include chronic kidney disease, Fournier's gangrene, or intestinal cancer — none confirmed. Died at Jericho, c. 4 BCE.
Siblingsseveral half-siblings through his father Antipater's marriages; their involvement in court politics is extensively documented by Josephus
Archaeological evidenceEXTENSIVE — Herod's building projects are among the most archaeologically documented of any ancient ruler: the Temple Mount expansion (retaining walls still standing), Caesarea Maritima harbor, Masada, Herodium, Jericho winter palaces. His burial site at Herodium was identified by Ehud Netzer in 2007 (tomb and sarcophagus fragments discovered). Coins bearing his name are known.
Extra-biblical mentionsJosephus, Antiquities 14–17 and Bellum Judaicum 1 (extensive biography); Strabo, Geography 16.2.46 (brief mention); Nicolas of Damascus (court historian, fragments preserved in Josephus); Roman inscriptions relating to client kingdoms of the period
Historicity statusVERIFIED — one of the best-documented rulers of the ancient Near East; his reign, family, and building projects are extensively attested in Josephus, epigraphy, numismatics, and archaeology
Books appearing inMatthew 2; Luke 1:5
Character arcMatthew presents him at his end: a king who has built an empire but is undone by a report of a newborn rival; he moves from troubled inquiry, to deceptive diplomacy, to mass infanticide, to death — a compressed portrait of power responding to perceived threat with lethal force.
Historical year-73
Historical year end-4
NoteHistorical Herod ruled 37–4 BCE (Josephus, AJ 17.191; BJ 1.665). His death in 4 BCE places Jesus's birth before that date — the traditional "1 CE" dating is a later calculation error by Dionysius Exiguus (6th c.). The TT does not harmonize the Matthean narrative with external chronology in the main text; discrepancies are noted per Rule 13.
Yochanan the Immerser(John the Baptist)~35 years
Meaning"YHWH is gracious" (Hebrew יוֹחָנָן, Yochanan); "the Immerser" renders βαπτιστής (baptistēs) per locked glossary (immersion, not transliterated "baptism")
OriginBORN (no birth narrative in Matthew; cf. Luke 1)
Birth yearc. 5 BCE (TEXTUAL — POSSIBLE; Luke 1:36 makes him ~6 months older than Yeshua, placing birth slightly before c. 4 BCE)
Death yearc. 30 CE (HISTORICAL / ARCHAEOLOGICAL — PROBABLE; Josephus AJ 18.116–119; before Yeshua's death)
Lifespan~35 years
Fathernot stated in Matthew (Luke 1:5 — Zechariah/Zekaryah)
Mothernot stated in Matthew (Luke 1:5 — Elizabeth/Elisheva)
Spouse(s)none stated
Childrennone stated
Location(s)the wilderness of Yehudah (Judah) (3:1); the Yarden (Jordan) (3:6, 13)
First mentionMatt 3:1
Mentioned inMatt 3:1–14
Key events in Matthew 1–3Appeared in the wilderness of Judah proclaiming "Turn back, for the kingdom of the skies has drawn near" (3:1–2); identified by the text as the one spoken of by Yeshayahu (Isaiah) the prophet — "a voice crying in the wilderness" (3:3, quoting Isa 40:3); wore camel's hair with a leather belt, ate locusts and wild honey (3:4); people from Yerushalayim (Jerusalem), all Judah, and the Jordan region came for immersion, confessing their sins (3:5–6); warned the Perushim (Pharisees) and Tsedoqim (Sadducees) coming for immersion — "offspring of vipers" (3:7); proclaimed the coming of one stronger than himself whose sandals he was not worthy to carry, who would immerse in the holy spirit and fire (3:11); immersed Yeshua (Jesus) in the Jordan despite initial reluctance — "I need to be immersed by you" (3:13–14); Jesus's reply: "Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness" (3:15)
Familiar nameJohn the Baptist
Professionprophet / preacher of repentance; practiced ritual immersion in the Jordan
Social classpriestly descent (Luke 1:5 — father Zechariah a priest of the division of Abiyah); his own lifestyle (wilderness, camel hair, locust diet) deliberately marked him as outside normal social structures
Hometownthe wilderness of Yehudah (Judah) (Matt 3:1); Luke 1:39 places his birth in "the hill country of Judea"
Places livedthe wilderness of Yehudah (Judah) (3:1); the Yarden (Jordan) (3:6, 13)
Cause of deathbeheaded by order of Herodes Antipas (son of Herod the Great) — Matt 14:1–12; Mark 6:14–29. Josephus (AJ 18.116–119) also records his execution by Antipas at the fortress of Machaerus, citing political fear rather than the dance-of-Herodias motive of the gospels.
Siblingsnot stated in Matthew (Luke 1:36 identifies him as a relative of Miryam (Mary), making him and Yeshua (Jesus) distant kin; degree unspecified)
Archaeological evidenceNo direct archaeological evidence for John as an individual. The fortress of Machaerus (modern Jordan), where Josephus places his execution, has been excavated and partially identified.
Extra-biblical mentionsJosephus, Antiquities 18.116–119 — an account generally accepted as authentic (not interpolated), describing John as a "good man" who urged Jews to practice virtue and be immersed; Josephus notes that many believed Antipas's defeat by the Nabataeans was divine punishment for John's death
Historicity statusPROBABLE — independently attested in Josephus; the core of his preaching career and execution under Antipas is widely accepted by scholars as historical
Books appearing inMatthew 3; 11; 14; 17; 21; Mark 1; 6; 8; 11; Luke 1; 3; 7; 9; 16; 20; John 1; 3; 10; Acts 1; 10; 13; 18; 19
Character arcHe arrives fully formed — prophet, preacher, immerser — and in Matthew 1–3 is defined by two acts: his uncompromising proclamation to the religious elite, and his reluctant capitulation to Yeshua's request for immersion. Both reveal a man who knows his role precisely and submits to what he does not fully understand.
Historical year-5
Historical year end28
NoteMatthew does not narrate Yochanan (John)'s birth or family background (contrast Luke 1). His introduction at 3:1 is abrupt — he simply "appeared." The description of his clothing (3:4) echoes the description of Eliyahu (Elijah) in 2 Kings 1:8 (leather belt, hairy garment). Matthew later makes the Elijah identification explicit (11:14; 17:12–13), but the TT does not import later passages into the chapter 3 translation.
Sources consulted
• PRIMARY — Nestle-Aland Novum Testamentum Graece, 28th ed. (NA28). All Greek citations refer to this edition.
• PRIMARY — Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia (BHS), 5th ed. (Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 1997). Used for OT quotations and name etymologies.
• PRIMARY — Josephus, Antiquitates Judaicae (AJ) and Bellum Judaicum (BJ), ed. Niese. Used for historical figures (Herodes, Archelaos).
• PEER-REVIEWED (lexicon) — BDAG, A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament, 3rd ed.; HALOT, The Hebrew and Aramaic Lexicon of the Old Testament.
• PEER-REVIEWED (commentary) — Davies, W.D. and Allison, D.C., A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew (ICC, 1988); Luz, U., Matthew 1–7 (Hermeneia, 2007).
Editorial provenance: Drafted by Claude Opus 4.6 (1M context) on 2026-04-27. Not yet reviewed. This file is a provisional scholarly resource governed by TT Rule 29. Cross-references to genesis/PEOPLE.md link to existing entries rather than duplicating content.
• PRIMARY — Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia (BHS), 5th ed. (Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 1997). Used for OT quotations and name etymologies.
• PRIMARY — Josephus, Antiquitates Judaicae (AJ) and Bellum Judaicum (BJ), ed. Niese. Used for historical figures (Herodes, Archelaos).
• PEER-REVIEWED (lexicon) — BDAG, A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament, 3rd ed.; HALOT, The Hebrew and Aramaic Lexicon of the Old Testament.
• PEER-REVIEWED (commentary) — Davies, W.D. and Allison, D.C., A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew (ICC, 1988); Luz, U., Matthew 1–7 (Hermeneia, 2007).
Editorial provenance: Drafted by Claude Opus 4.6 (1M context) on 2026-04-27. Not yet reviewed. This file is a provisional scholarly resource governed by TT Rule 29. Cross-references to genesis/PEOPLE.md link to existing entries rather than duplicating content.