Ματθάν

Matthan

Definition

Ματθάν (Matthan) is a proper masculine noun that refers to a specific individual in the genealogy of Jesus Christ. In the New Testament, it appears exclusively as the name of a man listed as the grandfather of Joseph, the husband of Mary (Matthew 1:15). This Matthan is presented as the son of Eleazar and the father of Jacob, forming a crucial link in the Davidic lineage traced through Joseph. The name itself is a Greek transliteration of the Hebrew name מַתָּן (Mattan), meaning 'gift.'

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Matthew 1:15. Its usage is strictly as a proper name within the formal genealogy presented at the beginning of the Gospel of Matthew. The context is a list of ancestors, establishing the legal descent of Jesus from King David and Abraham, which was vital for Matthew's Jewish audience to recognize Jesus's messianic credentials.

Etymology

Ματθάν is a direct Greek transliteration of the Hebrew name מַתָּן (Mattan). The Hebrew root means 'gift,' often understood in a theophoric sense as 'gift of [God].' This name appears in the Old Testament (e.g., 2 Kings 11:18) and was a common Jewish name in the Second Temple period. The Greek form preserves the Hebrew pronunciation without adding a distinct Greek meaning.

Semantic Range

While the name itself is not theologically loaded, its inclusion in the genealogy of Jesus (Matthew 1:1-17) is theologically significant. It represents a concrete link in the fulfillment of God's covenant promises to David (2 Samuel 7:12-16). Understanding that this is a real person's name, embedded in a carefully structured list, underscores the historical reality of Jesus's human ancestry and his rightful place in the messianic line, a key argument in Matthew's Gospel.

In first-century Jewish culture, genealogies were of paramount importance for establishing lineage, tribal affiliation, inheritance rights, and priestly or royal legitimacy. The inclusion of names like Matthan served as a public record and claim. For Matthew's original readers, this list authenticated Jesus's descent from David, a non-negotiable requirement for the Messiah. The name 'Matthan' (meaning 'gift') was a common name, reflecting a typical Jewish naming convention of the era.

Word Details

Scripture References