Matthat
## Biblical Figures in Luke's Genealogy Matthat appears twice in the genealogy of Jesus recorded in Luke 3:23-38. The first is listed as the son of Levi and father of Heli (Luke 3:24), placing him as the grandfather of Joseph, the husband of Mary. The second Matthat is listed further back in the lineage as the son of Amos and father of Semein (Luke 3:29). Both are part of the ancestral line that traces Jesus's legal descent from David back to Adam, emphasizing His connection to all humanity.
## Role in the Genealogical Record Luke's genealogy (Luke 3:23-38) is unique in that it traces Jesus's lineage backward from Joseph to Adam, unlike Matthew's, which moves forward from Abraham to Jesus. The two men named Matthat serve as specific links in this long chain. Their presence highlights the meticulous nature of the genealogical record, which was of paramount importance in Jewish culture for establishing tribal identity, priestly lines, and messianic claims. The genealogy establishes Jesus's legal right to the Davidic throne through Joseph.
## Historical and Cultural Context In the first-century Jewish world, genealogies were vital records, often maintained by temple authorities or within families. Names like Matthat (a variant of Mattathias, meaning "gift of Yahweh") were common, which explains the recurrence in the same lineage. While no direct extra-biblical evidence confirms these specific individuals, the structure and names in Luke's list align with known naming conventions and historical patterns of the Second Temple period. The genealogy's purpose was to present a credible historical framework for Jesus's identity.
## Theological Significance The inclusion of figures like Matthat, who are otherwise unknown, carries profound theological weight. It affirms that God's promise of a Messiah (2 Samuel 7:12-16) was fulfilled through a real, traceable human family. Jesus's lineage, encompassing both the notable (like David) and the obscure (like Matthat), demonstrates that God's salvation history works through ordinary people across generations. This genealogy ultimately shows Jesus as the fulfillment of God's covenant promises, the true Son of David and the Son of God (Luke 3:38).
Biblical Context
The name Matthat appears exclusively in the Gospel of Luke, specifically within the genealogy of Jesus Christ in Luke 3:23-38. It is found in verses 24 and 29. In this narrative, the genealogy establishes the legal lineage of Jesus through his adoptive father, Joseph, back to Adam. The two individuals named Matthat serve as connecting ancestors in this lineage, playing a formal role in documenting Jesus's descent from King David and from the first man, Adam.
Theological Significance
Matthat's presence in Luke's genealogy teaches that God's redemptive plan unfolds through specific, historical human generations. The inclusion of obscure individuals highlights that God often works through unknown people to accomplish His grand purposes. It reinforces the humanity and genuine historical rootedness of Jesus, affirming that the Messiah was truly "the son of Adam, the son of God" (Luke 3:38). This connects the incarnation to the entire human story, presenting Jesus as the fulfillment of promises made to David and the answer to the plight of all humanity since Adam.
Historical Background
From a historical perspective, the name Matthat is a Greek form of the Hebrew name Mattathias, meaning "gift of Yahweh." It was a common name in the Second Temple period. While no archaeological evidence directly attests to these specific individuals, the genealogical list in Luke reflects authentic naming practices. Scholars note that Luke's genealogy differs from Matthew's, possibly tracing a biological line through Mary or a legal line through Joseph, using different sources or traditions. The list's structure aims to provide a credible historical framework acceptable to a Greco-Roman audience, emphasizing Jesus's place within human history.