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Unveiling the Word

In biblical studies, understanding specific Greek words like Ναθάμ (Nathám) plays a critical role in interpreting genealogies and historical figures in the New Testament. Ναθάμ is particularly significant in understanding the lineage of Jesus, appearing in Luke 3:31 as part of the genealogy of Christ. Exploring this word helps to bridge our understanding of both the cultural and theological elements of ancestry in biblical texts and underscores how these genealogical lines were recorded and preserved in ancient traditions.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: Ναθάμ (Nathám), pronounced nah-THAM.

Etymology: The word Ναθάμ is of Hebrew origin and corresponds to the Hebrew name Nathan, meaning “he gave” or “giver” (from the root natan, “to give”). It is transliterated into Greek in the genealogy to maintain continuity with its Old Testament usage.

Part of Speech: Proper noun. Ναθάμ is a masculine noun, used as a personal name within genealogical records. It appears in reference to a descendant in the lineage of Jesus.

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Defining Meanings

1. Personal Name: Ναθάμ is used as a proper name in the New Testament, specifically within genealogies. It references the person known as Nathan, a descendant of David and an ancestor of Jesus, thus contributing to the messianic lineage as recorded by Luke.

2. Symbol of Divine Giving: The name Ναθάμ reflects the meaning of the Hebrew root natan, “to give.” This symbolic meaning aligns with the biblical tradition of names reflecting aspects of divine providence or action, here implying God as the ultimate giver.

Exploring Similar Words

1. Ναθαναήλ (Nathanaḗl) [pronunciation: nah-thah-nah-EL]: This is another personal name that means “God has given,” derived from the same root as Ναθάμ, but with a more explicit divine association through the inclusion of el (God). Nathanael is also a New Testament figure, though distinct from Ναθάμ.

2. Ναθάν (Nathán) [pronunciation: nah-THAN]: This is a variant of Ναθάμ, which appears in some texts referring to the same name in different transliterations. It represents the same historical figure.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Case, Number, Gender:

• Case: Nominative singular, used to identify the individual Ναθάμ within genealogical records.

• Number: Singular, as it refers to a specific person.

• Gender: Masculine, consistent with its use as a male personal name.

Declension: As a proper noun in the nominative singular, Ναθάμ does not follow typical declensional patterns. It is a transliterated name from Hebrew, maintaining its original form across cases.

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Studying Lexicon Insights

Lexical insights into Ναθάμ underscore its role as a proper name tied to the lineage of Jesus. Several lexicons, including BDAG and Thayer’s, highlight that Ναθάμ refers to the historical figure Nathan, a son of David, whose name carries theological weight by contributing to the messianic lineage. The use of the name in Luke’s genealogy connects Jesus to David’s royal line through both Joseph and Mary. Lexicons also discuss how this name, along with others in biblical genealogies, reflects the Hebrew tradition of naming individuals based on divine actions or promises.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Luke 3:31 – “…the son of Melea, the son of Menna, the son of Mattatha, the son of Nathan [Ναθάμ], the son of David…”

2. 2 Samuel 5:14 – Although not in Greek, Nathan (Ναθάμ in Greek) is mentioned as one of David’s sons, which solidifies his connection to the royal line.

Analyzing Classical Usage

While Ναθάμ does not appear in classical Greek literature, its Septuagint usage and New Testament genealogical record provide its significance. It is a transliterated name from Hebrew, used primarily in the context of biblical genealogies.

Author Name of Work Greek Usage in Text

Septuagint 1 Chronicles 3:5 Lists Nathan [Ναθάμ] as one of David’s sons.

New Testament Luke 3:31 Refers to Nathan [Ναθάμ] in the genealogy of Jesus.

Septuagint 2 Samuel 5:14 Refers to Nathan [Ναθάμ], the son of David.

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek word Ναθάμ (Nathám) is a transliterated form of the Hebrew name Nathan, meaning “he gave” or “giver.” It appears in Luke 3:31, where Nathan is listed as an ancestor of Jesus, connecting Him to King David’s royal line. This genealogical link is crucial for understanding Jesus’ fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy regarding the Messiah. Nathan’s inclusion in the genealogy highlights how Jesus’ human lineage intertwines with divine providence, as seen through the biblical emphasis on God as the ultimate giver. Understanding Ναθάμ offers insight into both the cultural practice of naming and the theological significance of genealogies in biblical texts.

Did You Know?

1. Ναθάμ is the Greek transliteration of Nathan, one of King David’s sons, who plays a key role in the genealogical line leading to Jesus.

2. Nathan’s name means “giver,” reflecting the biblical tradition of names carrying theological significance.

3. The inclusion of Nathan in Luke’s genealogy emphasizes Jesus’ connection to both David’s royal line and the fulfillment of messianic prophecies.