Resolving the Jeconiah Curse: How Gowra in Matthew 1 Reveals the Davidic Promise Through a Daughter The genealogy in Matthew 1 has long puzzled readers: it traces Jesus' (Yeshua's) lineage through the royal line of David and Solomon, but includes the cursed figure Jeconiah (Jehoiachin/Coniah), whose descendants were declared ineligible for the throne (Jeremiah 22:24-30). How could the Messiah come from a line God seemingly cut off? Andrew Gabriel Roth, in his Aramaic-focused translations and commentary, offers a compelling resolution through the "Gowra Scenario." The key lies in the Aramaic word gowra (ܓܒܪܐ) in Matthew 1:16, which Roth translates contextually as "guardian" or "protector-male" rather than strictly "husband." This distinction allows the Joseph in verse 16 to be Mary's father (a guardian figure in her line), not her husband (who appears in verse 19 with different contextual implications). By separating the two Josep...