Eleazar, Son of Eliud
Eleazar was a member of the royal lineage of King David and an ancestor of Jesus Christ, appearing in the genealogy of Matthew.
Eleazar, Son of Eliud is named only in Matthew's genealogy of Jesus (Matthew 1:15). The page sits in the New Testament because that is the only book that records the name — but Eleazar lived during the years after the return from exile, not in the first century.
Eleazar, Son of Eliud, was a Jewish man belonging to the Tribe of Judah during the later stages of the Intertestamental Period. His primary significance in the biblical record is his inclusion in the legal lineage of Jesus Christ, as documented in the opening chapter of the Gospel of Matthew.
He represents the third generation before Joseph, the husband of Mary, placing him in the twilight years of the late second or early first century BC. Although his name is preserved in the sacred text, no specific narrative details regarding his life, profession, or personal character are provided, as the Gospel writer’s focus is strictly on his role in the transmission of the Davidic line.
Background and Family
Eleazar was born into the Tribe of Judah and the house of David. According to the genealogical record in Matthew 1:15, he was the son of Eliud. The lineage suggests that Eleazar lived during the transitional period between the end of the Old Testament and the beginning of the New Testament, commonly referred to as the Intertestamental Period. Within this historical context, his family carried the royal bloodline of the kings of Judah, though they no longer held political power or sat on the throne in Jerusalem.
Major Life Events
The New Testament provides no biographical information regarding the specific events of Eleazar’s life. Unlike the patriarchs or the early kings of Israel, Eleazar belongs to a sequence of names that historians often call the "hidden years" of the Messianic line. He is recorded as the father of Matthan. Following the Babylonian exile, this branch of the family tree appears to have lived in relative obscurity, awaiting the fulfillment of the prophetic promises regarding the "Son of David."
Relationship to Other Biblical Figures
Eleazar serves as a vital bridge in the Matthean genealogy. He is the grandson of Achim and the great-grandfather of Jacob (the father of Joseph). His direct relationship to Matthan is the only familial link described in scripture. By identifying Eleazar as the child of Eliud and the parent of Matthan, the Gospel of Matthew establishes a continuous link between the post-exilic leaders and the immediate family of Jesus of Nazareth.
Spiritual Significance
While the biblical record for Eleazar is brief, his presence in the text is theologically significant. His inclusion serves to demonstrate the faithfulness of God in preserving the line of Judah through centuries of silence and political upheaval. As a member of the genealogy of Jesus, Eleazar is part of the evidence used by the evangelist to prove that Jesus met the legal requirements to be the Messiah. He represents one of the many "quiet" links in the chain of salvation history—individuals who were not famous for miracles or leadership, but whose existence was essential to the arrival of Christ. In the context of Matthew 1:15, Eleazar stands as a witness to the providential continuity of the covenant made with David.
Spiritual Significance
Eleazar’s significance lies entirely in his role as a link in the Messianic chain. By listing him, the Gospel of Matthew asserts that the line of David remained intact and traceable through the Intertestamental Period. He is part of the 'legal' genealogy that establishes Jesus’ right to the throne of Israel, proving that even during times of national silence, God was actively preparing for the birth of the Savior.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Eleazar's father?
According to Matthew 1:15, Eleazar was the son of Eliud.
Did Eleazar have any children?
The Bible identifies Matthan as the son of Eleazar.
Which tribe did Eleazar belong to?
As an ancestor of King David and Jesus Christ, Eleazar belonged to the Tribe of Judah.
Where is Eleazar mentioned in the Bible?
This specific Eleazar is mentioned only in the genealogy of Jesus found in Matthew 1:15.
Connected Figures
Categories
Mentions by Book
- Matthew1
Family & Relationships
Others Named Eleazar
Eleazar, Son of PhinehasEzra 8:33
A high-ranking religious official who helped inventory the gold and silver for the Second Temple following the return from Babylon.
Eleazar, Musician of the ReturnNehemiah 12:42
A Jewish musician or official who participated in the joyous dedication ceremony of the rebuilt walls of Jerusalem under the leadership of Nehemiah.
Eleazar, Son of Abinadab1 Samuel 7:1
The son of Abinadab who was consecrated to guard the Ark of the Covenant during its twenty-year stay in Kiriath-jearim.
Eleazar, Son of ParoshEzra 10:25
An Israelite from the family of Parosh who was among those required to put away foreign wives during the reforms of Ezra.
Eleazar, Son of AaronExodus 6:23
Eleazar was the third son of Aaron and his successor as the High Priest of Israel, serving as a key leader alongside Moses and Joshua during the wilderness wanderings and the conquest of Canaan.
Eleazar, Son of Dodo the Ahohite2 Samuel 23:9
One of King David’s 'Three Mighty Men' renowned for his exceptional bravery and military prowess during the Philistine wars of the United Monarchy.
Eleazar, Son of Mahli1 Chronicles 23:21
A Levite of the clan of Merari who died without sons, resulting in his daughters marrying their cousins to preserve the family inheritance.