Ματθαῖος

Matthew

Definition

Ματθαῖος is the Greek name for Matthew, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. In the New Testament, it refers specifically to the tax collector called by Jesus (Matthew 9:9), who became an apostle (Matthew 10:3) and is traditionally identified as the author of the Gospel of Matthew. The name appears in all four apostolic lists (Matthew 10:3, Mark 3:18, Luke 6:15, Acts 1:13), consistently identifying him among the Twelve. No other distinct meanings or persons are associated with this name in the biblical text.

Biblical Usage

The name Ματθαῖος is used exclusively as a proper noun to identify the apostle Matthew. It appears in narrative contexts describing his calling (Matthew 9:9) and in all four canonical lists of the twelve apostles (Matthew 10:3, Mark 3:18, Luke 6:15, Acts 1:13). The usage is uniform across the Gospels and Acts, serving solely to name this specific individual among Jesus's closest followers.

Etymology

Ματθαῖος is a Greek transliteration of the Hebrew name מַתִּתְיָהוּ (Mattityahu), meaning 'gift of Yahweh' or 'gift of the LORD.' This name was common among Jews in the Second Temple period, reflecting the theophoric element '-yahu' (a shortened form of Yahweh). The Greek form Ματθαῖος was the standard Hellenized version used in the Septuagint and the New Testament for individuals bearing this Hebrew name.

Semantic Range

Matthew's identity as a tax collector (τελώνης, telōnēs) before his calling is theologically significant, illustrating Jesus's ministry to societal outcasts and the transformative power of grace (Matthew 9:9-13). His inclusion among the Twelve underscores the theme of redemption and the new community Jesus establishes. Traditionally, as the author of the first Gospel, his work connects Jesus's life to Old Testament prophecy, presenting him as the Messiah fulfilling Jewish scripture.

In first-century Jewish culture under Roman rule, tax collectors (like Matthew) were often despised as collaborators with the occupying power and viewed as morally corrupt. Matthew's former profession would have made him a social and religious outsider. His call by Jesus and elevation to apostleship would have been shocking to contemporary audiences, highlighting the counter-cultural nature of Jesus's kingdom, which values repentance and faith over social status.

Λευΐ (Leui, G3018) — Luke 5:27, 29 uses this alternate name (Levi) for Matthew, likely referring to the same individual, possibly indicating a dual name or tribal affiliation.

Word Details

Scripture References