Μελεᾶς

Melea

Definition

Meleas is a proper masculine noun that appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in the genealogy of Jesus recorded in the Gospel of Luke. It refers to Melea, a name listed among the ancestors of Jesus Christ (Luke 3:31). As a proper name, it does not carry multiple senses or meanings beyond identifying this specific individual within the lineage. The name is part of the ancestral chain connecting Jesus back to King David and ultimately to Adam, as presented in Luke's account.

Biblical Usage

The word Μελεᾶς is used exactly one time in the New Testament, in Luke 3:31. It appears in the context of Luke's genealogy of Jesus, which traces his lineage from Joseph (his legal father) back through David to Adam. The usage is purely as a proper name to identify a specific link in that ancestral chain. There are no patterns of usage across different books or contexts, as it is a unique, singular reference.

Etymology

The name Μελεᾶς (Meleas) is of Greek origin. It is a proper name and does not derive from a more common Greek root with a known meaning. As a personal name, its etymology is not explicitly detailed in biblical sources, and it functions primarily as an identifier rather than a word with a transparent semantic derivation. It is simply the Greek form used for this individual in the genealogical record.

Semantic Range

While the name Meleas itself is not theologically loaded, its inclusion in the genealogy of Jesus (Luke 3:23-38) is theologically significant. It contributes to Luke's presentation of Jesus as the fulfillment of God's promises, authentically rooted in human history and the Davidic line. Understanding that this is a real person in the lineage underscores the historical reality of the Incarnation—that the Son of God entered into a specific family line. This detail enriches reading by highlighting the meticulous care with which the biblical authors anchor the story of salvation in actual history.

In the cultural context of first-century Judaism and the Greco-Roman world, genealogies were crucial for establishing identity, heritage, and social or religious rights. A name in a genealogy like Meleas represents a real ancestor, connecting the present individual (Jesus) to the past promises made to David and Abraham. The use of a Greek name in a Jewish genealogy also reflects the Hellenistic cultural environment of the period. For the original audience, this name, though otherwise unknown, would have been accepted as a legitimate part of a documented family history, affirming Jesus's rightful place in the Davidic line.

There are no direct synonyms, as this is a unique proper name. Other names in the same genealogical context serve a similar function of identifying ancestors, such as: Ἀδμίν (Admin, G??? — no Strong's) — another name in Luke's genealogy (Luke 3:33); Ἀμώς (Amos, G301) — a different ancestor of Jesus (Luke 3:25).

Word Details

Scripture References