Who was Sadoc?

Sadoc (Greek: Σαδώκ, Sadōk) is a figure mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus Christ as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew. His name appears in Matthew 1:14, within the lineage of Jesus traced through Joseph, the legal (though not biological) father of Jesus. The name “Sadoc” is the Greek transliteration of the Hebrew name Zadok (צָדוֹק), which means “righteous” or “just.” Although the Sadoc in Matthew 1 is not detailed elsewhere in Scripture, his name ties him to a broader tradition of righteousness and priestly heritage in Israel.

Sadoc is listed as the father of Achim and part of the post-exilic generations leading to the birth of the Messiah. While this Sadoc should not be confused with Zadok the high priest from the time of David and Solomon (1 Kings 1–2), the repetition of the name “Zadok/Sadoc” carries symbolic theological weight and a rich tradition of righteous leadership and covenantal continuity.

Biblical References

• Matthew 1:14 – “Azor the father of Zadok, Zadok the father of Akim, Akim the father of Elihud.”

• Luke 3:29 – A different genealogy that may reflect a different branch of the family.

• Cross-references: 1 Chronicles 6:4-15 (Zadok, the priestly line); Ezra 7:1-5 (genealogy of the priests); Hebrews 7 (Melchizedek and Christ’s priesthood).

Sadoc in the Genealogy of Jesus

Sadoc is part of the post-exilic lineage mentioned by Matthew. After the return from Babylonian exile, the genealogy includes names not found elsewhere in the Old Testament historical record. These names, including Sadoc, represent the generations leading up to the time of Christ, bridging the gap between Zerubbabel (Matthew 1:13) and Joseph (Matthew 1:16).

Matthew’s genealogy is structured to highlight three sets of fourteen generations (Matthew 1:17), and Sadoc appears in the second group that leads toward the Messiah. This literary structure points to intentional design, emphasizing divine order and fulfillment of prophecy.

Though the historical details of Sadoc’s life are unknown, his inclusion in the genealogy underscores that every person in God’s redemptive plan matters, even if their story is hidden from history.

What It Means for Today’s Christians

Sadoc’s role reminds Christians that God often works through ordinary people who may not be famous or remembered for great deeds, yet they are essential links in the fulfillment of God’s promises. His very name—“righteous”—is a reminder of the kind of person God uses in His purposes. Even though Sadoc’s personal story is not revealed, his inclusion in the lineage of Jesus points to the faithfulness of generations who carried forward the hope of the Messiah.

For believers today, this teaches that faithfulness in obscurity is still faithfulness, and it matters deeply in the eyes of God. It also illustrates that righteousness is not based on public recognition but on one’s standing before God.

How Sadoc’s Story Points to Jesus and the Gospel

The presence of Sadoc in Matthew’s genealogy highlights a key truth: Jesus came from a real human lineage, and God’s redemptive plan unfolded across centuries through flawed, unknown, and righteous people alike.

Sadoc’s name—meaning “righteous”—points ultimately to Jesus Christ, the perfectly Righteous One (2 Corinthians 5:21), who came to fulfill the law and bring salvation. While Sadoc bore the name of righteousness, Jesus embodied it fully. The succession of names in Matthew 1 shows that the Messiah came through history and into history to save sinners.

Furthermore, as a possible echo of the priestly name Zadok, Sadoc’s inclusion foreshadows Christ’s eternal priesthood, not in the order of Aaron, but according to the order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 7), pointing to a greater righteousness and a better covenant.

Broader Biblical Themes

1. The Faithfulness of God in History

Sadoc’s place in the genealogy underscores the continuity of God’s plan through the generations, showing that His promises to Abraham and David did not fail—even during silent centuries.

2. The Significance of the Hidden Faithful

Many individuals in Jesus’ genealogy are unknown outside of Matthew 1. Sadoc represents those whose obedience was quiet but vital in God’s plan, emphasizing that God honors hidden faithfulness.

3. Righteousness by Name and by Christ

Sadoc’s name meaning “righteous” foreshadows the kind of people the Messiah would come to save and transform. It also points to the greater righteousness offered by Christ to those who believe in Him (Romans 3:21-26).

4. Genealogy as Theology

Matthew’s genealogy is not only historical but theological. Sadoc’s presence contributes to the portrayal of Jesus as the rightful King and the promised Savior, deeply rooted in Israel’s story.

Reflection Questions

1. How does the presence of lesser-known people like Sadoc in Jesus’ genealogy encourage your faith?

2. What does the meaning of Sadoc’s name teach you about God’s values and priorities?

3. In what ways can you be faithful in obscurity, trusting that God sees and values your obedience?

4. How does Jesus’ perfect righteousness fulfill the hope symbolized by names like Sadoc?

5. Are you trusting in your own righteousness, or in the righteousness of Christ that comes through faith?

Sadoc may be a quiet figure in Scripture, but his name and place in the Messiah’s line powerfully declare that God works through the faithful, the forgotten, and the righteous to fulfill His promises. Through names like Sadoc, we are reminded that every link in God’s redemptive chain matters, and that ultimately, it all points to Christ—the Righteous One who came to save.