Semein
Semein was a Judean descendant of King David listed in the genealogy of Jesus Christ recorded by Luke.
Semein is named only in Luke's genealogy of Jesus (Luke 3:26). The page sits in the New Testament because that is the only book that records the name — but Semein lived during the years after the return from exile, not in the first century.
Semein (Greek: Σεμεΐ; Strong's G4584) is a figure mentioned in the New Testament as an ancestor of Jesus. He appears exclusively within the Lucan genealogy, representing the post-exilic line of the Tribe of Judah that connects the Davidic dynasty to the birth of the Messiah.
Due to the scarcity of the historical record, Semein is known solely through his placement in this sacred lineage. He lived during the centuries between the return from the Babylonian Captivity and the birth of Christ, a period often characterized by the quiet preservation of the messianic line.
Background and Family
Semein is identified in the Gospel of Luke as a member of the Tribe of Judah. The genealogical record situates him in the late post-exilic era, though specific dates for his birth and death are not provided in the biblical text. According to the lineage provided in Luke 3:26, Semein was the son of Josech and the father of Mattathias. This particular branch of the family tree descends through Nathan, the son of David, rather than the more prominent Solomonic line recorded in the Gospel of Matthew.
Major Life Events
There are no specific biographical events, speeches, or actions attributed to Semein in the Holy Scriptures. His life is characterized by the "hidden years" of the Davidic line, during which the descendants of the kings lived as common citizens under various foreign powers, including the Persians and the Greeks. His primary contribution to the biblical narrative is biological and covenantal—the continuation of the family line from which the Christ would eventually emerge.
Relationship to Other Biblical Figures
Semein stands as a vital link between his father, Josech, and his son, Mattathias. Within the broader context of the Lucan genealogy, he is a descendant of the great patriarchs and King David, and a direct forefather of Joseph, the legal father of Jesus. The names surrounding him, such as Mattathias and Josech, were common during the Second Temple period, reflecting the cultural and religious environment of the Judean people under Hellenistic or Hasmonean influence.
Spiritual Significance
In biblical theology, the inclusion of Semein in the genealogy of Jesus underscores the faithfulness of God in maintaining His promise to David. Despite the lack of historical fame or recorded deeds, Semein’s presence in the text affirms that every generation played a role in the unfolding of salvation history. For scholars and believers, Semein represents the countless individuals who, though largely forgotten by history, were essential to the fulfillment of the Messianic prophecies.
Spiritual Significance
Semein’s primary significance lies in his role as a biological link in the lineage of Jesus Christ. By including him, the Gospel of Luke establishes the historical and legal validity of Jesus as a 'Son of David,' fulfilling the requirement that the Messiah descend from the Davidic line.
Furthermore, Semein represents the continuity of the Jewish people during the Intertestamental period. His presence in the scriptures reminds readers that God works through obscure and ordinary individuals to accomplish extraordinary divine purposes across centuries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Semein mentioned in the Bible?
Semein is mentioned only once in the Bible, in Luke 3:26, as part of the genealogy of Jesus.
Who was Semein's father?
According to Luke 3:26, Semein was the son of Josech.
Who was Semein's son?
Semein was the father of a man named Mattathias.
What tribe did Semein belong to?
As a direct ancestor of Jesus and King David, Semein belonged to the Tribe of Judah.
Why is there so little information about Semein?
Semein lived during a period where the Davidic descendants were no longer reigning as kings, resulting in fewer historical records of their individual lives outside of genealogical lists.
Connected Figures
Categories
Mentions by Book
- Luke1
Family & Relationships
Child
Luke 3:26
Parent
Luke 3:26