Which son of Zerubbabel is an ancestor of Jesus: Abiud (Matthew 1:13) or Rhesa (Luke 3:27)? Neither name matches Zerubbabel's sons listed in 1 Chronicles 3:19-20.

I. Historical and Biblical Context of Zerubbabel

Zerubbabel emerges in the post-exilic period as a key figure in the rebuilding of the Jerusalem temple after the Babylonian captivity. He is presented in Scripture as a governor of Judah (Haggai 1:1) and a direct descendant of King David through the line of Jeconiah (also known as Jehoiachin). According to the Berean Standard Bible, Matthew 1:12 states, “After the exile to Babylon: Jeconiah was the father of Shealtiel, and Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel.” Zerubbabel thus appears as a descendant in the royal line continuing through the Old Testament and bridging into the New Testament genealogies of Jesus Christ.

II. The Recorded Sons of Zerubbabel

1 Chronicles 3:19–20 chronicles the direct descendants of Zerubbabel in this way:

• “...The sons of Zerubbabel: Meshullam and Hananiah. Shelomith was their sister. There were also five others: Hashubah, Ohel, Berechiah, Hasadiah, and Jushab-Hesed.”

These seven are uniquely named in 1 Chronicles, which is a book focused on priestly and royal genealogies up to the post-exilic era. The immediate sons listed—Meshullam, Hananiah, Hashubah, Ohel, Berechiah, Hasadiah, and Jushab-Hesed—do not appear in the genealogies of Jesus in Matthew or Luke.

III. The Appearances of “Abiud” and “Rhesa” in the Gospels

While 1 Chronicles 3:19–20 does not mention “Abiud” or “Rhesa,” the Gospel genealogies do:

• Matthew 1:13 states, “Zerubbabel the father of Abiud, Abiud the father of Eliakim, and Eliakim the father of Azor.”

• Luke 3:27 includes, “the son of Joannan, the son of Rhesa, the son of Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, the son of Neri.”

These names—Abiud and Rhesa—have prompted questions about which of Zerubbabel’s listed sons is the actual ancestor of Jesus Christ. The short answer given by Matthew is “Abiud,” while Luke references “Rhesa.” Yet neither of these names appears in the 1 Chronicles register of Zerubbabel’s sons.

IV. Reconciling the Genealogical Details

1. Possibility of Generational Gaps

In ancient Hebrew and Greek genealogical records, it was common to skip generations or to highlight only significant heirs. Such a practice helps explain how Matthew’s genealogy and Luke’s genealogy might include names absent from 1 Chronicles. Consequently, “Abiud” or “Rhesa” may have been descendants rather than the immediate sons of Zerubbabel.

2. Two Separate Genealogical Lines

Matthew’s genealogy (Matthew 1) appears to trace the royal line, tying Jesus to Davidic kingship through Solomon, ending in Joseph’s legal line. Meanwhile, Luke’s genealogy (Luke 3) veers through another branch of the family tree, possibly including Mary’s lineage (a debated but historically discussed viewpoint) or a different paternal link. The difference would lead to the mention of different names like “Abiud” or “Rhesa” after Zerubbabel.

3. Ancient Naming Conventions

Some have argued that “Rhesa” may represent a title (e.g., “prince”) rather than a personal name, though this remains subject to scholarly interpretation. Meanwhile, “Abiud” may be an alternate or shortened form of a different name from Zerubbabel’s lineage. Variant name spellings and condensed genealogies frequently occur in ancient works (biblical and extra-biblical alike), a well-documented phenomenon in the field of textual studies.

4. Chronicles’ Purpose vs. Gospel Purpose

1 Chronicles places emphasis on the direct sons of Zerubbabel in a historical record meant for the returning exiles and the priestly class. Matthew and Luke, however, intend to establish Jesus’s Messianic lineage, spanning centuries and skipping some generations in pursuit of specific theological and royal links.

V. Confirmations from Manuscript and Archaeological Evidence

1. Manuscript Reliability

Over multiple centuries, the genealogical passages in Matthew and Luke have been preserved in a vast number of Greek manuscripts, including early papyri and codices (such as Codex Sinaiticus and Codex Vaticanus). These consistently affirm the names “Abiud” (Matthew 1:13) and “Rhesa” (Luke 3:27). The internal consistency of these documents speaks to the reliability of the Gospel records, despite variations in genealogical listing procedures.

2. Archaeological and Historical Corroborations

Excavations in Israel—including areas around the City of David—have unearthed artifacts and official seals bearing names that coincide with biblical figures from the same era (e.g., “Hezekiah,” “Gedaliah”). While direct seals of “Zerubbabel” have not conclusively been found, the wealth of artifacts surrounding the period supports the overall trustworthiness of biblical details about real individuals and lineages.

3. Genealogical Practices in the Ancient Near East

Contemporary ancient documents—such as Assyrian, Babylonian, and Egyptian king lists—also show selective skipping of names, suggesting that the biblical genealogies align with recognized historical patterns.

VI. Conclusion: Identification of the Ancestor

In Matthew’s Gospel, “Abiud” is singled out as the figure in Zerubbabel’s line leading to Jesus (Matthew 1:13). Luke’s Gospel records “Rhesa” (Luke 3:27) in the same generational span. Both genealogies are simultaneously correct in highlighting Jesus’s Davidic connection through Zerubbabel, though they document different branches or designate different descendants acting as heirs. The direct son list of Zerubbabel in 1 Chronicles 3:19–20 does not mention these names, likely because Abiud and Rhesa were descendants—whether as a grandson, great-grandson, or further removed—rather than immediate offspring.

Thus, the Gospels consistently affirm that Jesus is indeed descended from Zerubbabel. Matthew focuses on “Abiud,” Luke references “Rhesa,” and 1 Chronicles naturally lists the immediate sons. When viewed through the lens of varying genealogical methods and intents, there is no contradiction. Both Abiud and Rhesa affirm the same essential truth: the Davidic line of Zerubbabel continues ultimately to Jesus, the Messiah.