Brief Overview of Ματθάν (Strong’s G3157: Matthan)

Unveiling the Word

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is crucial for unlocking the depth of the New Testament and appreciating the historical and cultural context of its characters and events. The Greek word Ματθάν (Matthan) is particularly significant because it appears in the genealogy of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew. This name connects us to the lineage of Christ, emphasizing the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and God’s plan through generations. It also sheds light on the common names and familial structures within ancient Jewish and early Christian communities.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: Ματθάν (Matthan) [mahth-THAN]
The name Ματθάν is pronounced [mahth-THAN]. It is a Greek transliteration of a Hebrew name, typically translated as “gift” or “gift of God,” and is closely related to the names Matthew (Matthaios) and Matthias (Matthias).

Etymology: The name Ματθάν is derived from the Hebrew word מַתָּן (Mattan), meaning “gift.” It is also connected to the longer form מַתִּתְיָהוּ (Mattityahu), which combines mattan (“gift”) with Yah (a short form of Yahweh), meaning “gift of Yahweh.” This etymological root reflects a cultural and religious emphasis on naming children with meanings that express gratitude and devotion to God.

Part of Speech: Proper Noun. Ματθάν is a masculine proper noun used exclusively as a personal name. It follows standard Greek inflectional patterns for proper nouns and does not have any variations in meaning.

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Defining Meanings

1. Matthan, the Ancestor of Jesus: Ματθάν is used specifically to refer to the father of Jacob and the grandfather of Joseph, the husband of Mary, in the genealogy of Jesus as recorded in Matthew 1:15-16. This lineage emphasizes the fulfillment of prophetic promises and the continuity of God’s covenant through generations.
2. Gift: The meaning of Ματθάν as “gift” can also symbolically represent the grace and providence of God in the genealogy of Jesus, showing that every person, even those not prominent in biblical narratives, plays a part in God’s greater plan.

Exploring Similar Words

1. Μαθθαῖος (Matthaios) [mah-thah-EE-os]: This name, meaning “gift of Yahweh,” is often associated with the apostle Matthew. It emphasizes the divine aspect of the name Ματθάν, highlighting a similar theological theme of God’s gracious gifts.
2. Μαθθίας (Matthias) [mah-thee-AS]: Also meaning “gift of Yahweh,” this name is used in the New Testament to describe the apostle chosen to replace Judas Iscariot. Like Ματθάν, it reflects the cultural practice of naming individuals to signify divine favor or blessing.
3. Δωρεά (Dorea) [do-reh-AH]: While not directly related, this word means “gift” or “free gift” and is often used to describe God’s spiritual gifts to believers. It shares the thematic element of giving and grace found in Ματθάν.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Case, Number, Gender: Ματθάν is a singular, masculine proper noun. It follows the second declension pattern for masculine nouns in Greek, which typically ends in -αν for the nominative case and changes form based on its grammatical function in the sentence.

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Studying Lexicon Insights

Lexical sources such as BDAG, Thayer’s, and Strong’s concordance provide insights into Ματθάν as a significant name in the genealogy of Jesus. While it appears only once in the New Testament, its role in the lineage of Christ is critical. This name is often examined in studies of biblical genealogies and their theological implications, particularly in relation to the fulfillment of messianic prophecies and the importance of each individual in God’s redemptive plan. This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Matthew 1:15: “Eliud was the father of Eleazar, Eleazar the father of Matthan [Ματθάν], and Matthan the father of Jacob.”
2. Matthew 1:16: “Jacob was the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, by whom Jesus was born, who is called the Messiah.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

The name Ματθάν does not appear in classical Greek literature, as it is a transliteration of a Hebrew name primarily used within a Jewish context. Its presence in the New Testament highlights the blending of Hebrew and Greek traditions in early Christian writings.

Noteworthy Summary

Ματθάν, meaning “gift,” is a pivotal yet often overlooked figure in the genealogy of Jesus. His inclusion in the lineage underscores the theme of divine providence and the fulfillment of God’s promises through ordinary individuals. The study of Ματθάν provides a deeper understanding of how genealogies in the Bible are not merely historical records but theological narratives that reveal God’s unfolding plan of redemption.

Did You Know?

1. Ματθάν is one of the few names in the genealogy of Jesus that appears only once in the entire New Testament.
2. The name Ματθάν has the same root as Matthew and Matthias, alluding to the concept of being a gift or having received a gift from God.
3. The genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1 is structured into three sets of fourteen generations, with Ματθάν appearing in the final set, leading to the birth of Christ.