Ἀμών

Amon

Definition

Ἀμών (Amon) is a proper noun referring to a specific king of Judah, the son of Manasseh and father of Josiah (1 Chronicles 3:14, 2 Kings 21:18-26). In the New Testament, he appears exclusively in the genealogy of Jesus Christ in Matthew 1:10, listed as 'Amon the father of Josiah.' This single reference serves to anchor Jesus's lineage within the historical line of the kings of Judah. The name itself is of Hebrew origin, identical to the Judean king, and carries no other semantic meaning in the Greek text beyond this personal identification.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Matthew 1:10, within the context of the genealogy tracing Jesus's ancestry from Abraham. Its usage is strictly as a proper name to identify a specific historical figure in the royal lineage. There are no patterns of usage or contextual variations, as it serves a singular, identificatory purpose in Matthew's record.

Etymology

The Greek Ἀμών is a direct transliteration of the Hebrew name אָמוֹן (ʼÂmôwn, H526), likely meaning 'skilled workman' or 'trustworthy.' It is not derived from Greek roots. The proposed etymology in the existing data (from ἀ- + 'mōn') is incorrect for this proper name; that analysis would apply to a different Greek word. The New Testament simply adopts the Hebrew name into Greek characters.

Semantic Range

While the name 'Amon' itself is not theologically loaded, its inclusion in Matthew's genealogy (Matthew 1:10) is significant. It places Jesus within the direct, historical line of the Davidic kings, fulfilling the Old Testament promises regarding the Messiah's descent from David (2 Samuel 7:12-16). Understanding that this is the Greek form of the name of a known, and largely wicked, king of Judah (2 Kings 21:20-22) highlights the grace and sovereignty of God in using all kinds of people—both righteous and unrighteous—in the lineage of the Savior.

In its original context, 'Amon' would have immediately identified the specific king of Judah who reigned for two years in the 7th century BC. For Matthew's original audience, familiar with the Hebrew Scriptures, this name recalled a period of idolatry and national decline (2 Kings 21:19-22). His inclusion in the genealogy, alongside other flawed ancestors, would have been a striking reminder that God's redemptive plan works through real, imperfect human history.

There are no true synonyms for this proper name. Other names in the Davidic lineage include: Δαυίδ (Dauid, G1138) — King David, the covenant ancestor. Ἰωσίας (Iōsias, G2502) — Josiah, Amon's son and a righteous reformer king.

Word Details

Scripture References