Do the Biblical Genealogies Indicate Direct Descent?

Slide 14 of 109

The Hebrew word ben, besides the meaning of "son," can refer to a grandson, great-grandson, etc., since there is no other Hebrew equivalent. Likewise, the Hebrew word ab, besides the meaning of "father," can refer to a grandfather, great-grandfather, etc. For this reason, the biblical genealogies could represent highlights of the complete genealogy, with only the most noteworthy generations represented.

Related Page:
The Genesis Genealogies: Are They Complete?

Brown-Driver-Briggs' Hebrew Definitions:

ben (Strong's H1121)

1. son, grandson, child, member of a group

   1. son, male child

   2. grandson

   3. children (plural - male and female)

   4. youth, young men (plural)

   5. young (of animals)

   6. sons (as characterisation, i.e. sons of injustice [for unrighteous men] or sons of God [for angels])

   7. people (of a nation) (plural)

   8. of lifeless things, i.e. sparks, stars, arrows (figuratively)

   9. a member of a guild, order, class

2. originator or patron of a class, profession, or art

3. of producer, generator (figuratively)

4. of benevolence and protection (figuratively)

5. term of respect and honour

6. ruler or chief (specifically)

Part of Speech: noun masculine
A Related Word by BDB/Strong’s Number: from H1129
Same Word by TWOT Number: 254

ab (Strong's H1)

1. father of an individual

2. of God as father of his people

3. head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan

4. ancestor

   1. grandfather, forefathers - of person

   2. of people

5. originator or patron of a class, profession, or art

6. of producer, generator (figuratively)

7. of benevolence and protection (figuratively)

8. term of respect and honour

9. ruler or chief (specifically)

Part of Speech: noun masculine
A Related Word by BDB/Strong’s Number: a root
Same Word by TWOT Number: 4a