Ματταθίας

Mattathias

Definition

Mattathias is a proper masculine noun referring to two different men in the genealogy of Jesus Christ as recorded in the Gospel of Luke. In Luke 3:25, the name refers to the son of Amos and father of Joseph, while in Luke 3:26, it refers to the son of Semein and father of Maath. Both are listed among the ancestors of Jesus, tracing his lineage back to King David and ultimately to Adam. The name itself means 'gift of Yahweh' or 'gift of the Lord,' reflecting a common Hebrew naming convention.

Biblical Usage

The word Ματταθίας is used exclusively in the Gospel of Luke, specifically within the genealogical record of Jesus in Luke 3:23-38. It appears twice in consecutive verses (Luke 3:25, 3:26), identifying two distinct individuals in the lineage. This usage is purely genealogical, serving to establish Jesus's legal and ancestral connection to the house of David and the broader history of Israel, with no narrative or doctrinal commentary attached to the individuals themselves.

Etymology

Ματταθίας (Mattathias) is a Greek transliteration of the Hebrew name מַתִּתְיָהוּ (Mattityahu) or its shortened form מַתִּתְיָה (Mattityah). The name is a compound: 'mattath' (מַתַּת) meaning 'gift' and 'Yah' (יָה), a shortened form of Yahweh, the personal name of God. Thus, the name means 'gift of Yahweh.' This name was common among Jews in the Second Temple period, most famously borne by Mattathias the Hasmonean, who sparked the Maccabean Revolt.

Semantic Range

While the individuals named Mattathias are not theologically significant characters in the narrative, their inclusion in Luke's genealogy is theologically important. It underscores the fulfillment of the Davidic covenant (2 Samuel 7:12-16) and Jesus's genuine humanity and legal right to the throne of David. Understanding that these names mean 'gift of Yahweh' subtly reinforces the theme that the entire lineage, culminating in Jesus, is part of God's gracious gift to humanity.

In first-century Jewish culture, genealogies were vital for establishing identity, tribal lineage, priestly descent, and property rights. The presence of two men with the same name in close proximity was not unusual, as names were often repeated within families to honor ancestors. The name Mattathias, meaning 'gift of Yahweh,' reflects a deep cultural and religious practice of acknowledging God as the source of all blessings, including children. The most famous historical bearer of the name, Mattathias the Hasmonean, would have been a well-known figure of Jewish resistance and piety, though the New Testament figures are distinct.

There are no direct synonyms, as it is a proper name. However, other names in the Davidic genealogy carry similar meanings of praise or acknowledgment of God, such as: Ἐλισαῖος (Elisaios, G1666) — 'God is salvation'; Ἰωσήφ (Iōsēph, G2501) — 'May he add' (implying God's provision).

Word Details

Scripture References