probably of Hebrew origin; Maath, an Israelite:--Maath.
Transliteration:Maáth
Pronunciation:mah-ath'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term Μαάθ (Maáth, `{{G3092}}`) functions exclusively as a proper noun, identifying a specific individual within the biblical narrative. According to its base definition, it is "probably of Hebrew origin," suggesting it is a transliteration of a Hebrew name into Greek. However, the precise Hebrew etymology and its associated meaning are not definitively established or widely agreed upon by scholars for this particular name. Unlike common nouns or verbs, personal names primarily serve a referential function, pointing to a unique person. Therefore, its semantic range is limited to its identity as an individual link in a genealogical chain. Any deeper meaning would be derived from its contextual placement rather than an inherent lexical definition.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Μαάθ (Maáth, `{{G3092}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in the Gospel of Luke:
* [[Luke 3:26]]: "the son of Maath, the son of Mattathias, the son of Semein, the son of Josech, the son of Joda,"
This sole occurrence places Maath within the extensive genealogy of Jesus Christ, as recorded by Luke. He is listed as an ancestor of Joseph, the legal father of Jesus, tracing the lineage backward from Jesus to Adam. In Luke's genealogy, Maath is situated many generations before Jesus, serving as a crucial link in the long chain of descent. The purpose of such genealogies in the biblical text is multifaceted: to establish legitimacy, to demonstrate heritage and continuity, and to connect the individual (in this case, Jesus) to historical figures and the covenant promises made to Israel (e.g., the Davidic covenant). While Maath himself is not described or given any narrative role, his inclusion signifies his indispensable position as a progenitor in the divinely orchestrated lineage leading to the Messiah.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of Μαάθ (Maáth, `{{G3092}}`) naturally connects to several broader biblical and theological concepts:
* **Genealogy (γενεαλογία - `{{G1076}}`):** The primary context for Maath's appearance. Biblical genealogies are not mere lists but theological statements about identity, inheritance, and divine faithfulness.
* **Lineage (γένος - `{{G1085}}`):** The concept of family descent and the passing down of attributes, promises, or identity through generations.
* **Names (ὄνομα - `{{G3686}}`):** In biblical culture, names often carried significant meaning, reflecting character, destiny, or circumstances of birth. Even when the specific meaning of a name like Maath is obscure, its very presence signifies identity and recognition within a community.
* **Messianic Line:** Maath is a part of the sacred lineage that culminates in the birth of Jesus, the Messiah. This concept underscores God's meticulous preservation of a specific family line through which His redemptive plan would unfold.
* **Divine Providence:** The inclusion of every name, no matter how seemingly obscure, in a genealogy like Luke's, points to God's sovereign hand guiding history and preserving the chosen line.
### Theological Significance
Despite the singular and seemingly minor appearance of Maath, his inclusion in the Lukan genealogy carries profound theological significance:
* **Divine Orchestration of History:** Maath's presence highlights God's meticulous and sovereign control over human history. Every individual, even those whose lives are largely unrecorded, plays a part in the grand tapestry of God's redemptive plan. His existence as an ancestor of Jesus demonstrates that God was actively working through generations to bring about the promised Messiah.
* **The Humanity of Christ:** The detailed genealogies, including figures like Maath, underscore the genuine humanity of Jesus. He was not a phantom or a mythical figure but fully human, rooted deeply in human history and possessing a verifiable ancestry. This emphasizes the Incarnation, that God truly became flesh.
* **Continuity of Salvation History:** Maath represents an unbroken link in the chain of God's covenant faithfulness. From Adam to Jesus, God maintained a continuous line, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His promises regarding the Messiah. His inclusion reinforces the truth that God's plan of salvation spans across millennia.
* **God's Faithfulness to His Promises:** The genealogies serve as a testament to God's faithfulness, particularly concerning the Davidic covenant and the promise of a descendant who would reign forever. Maath, as a part of this lineage, is a silent witness to God's unwavering commitment to fulfill His word.
* **The Significance of Every Individual:** While Maath is only a name in a list, his inclusion suggests that even seemingly insignificant individuals contribute to God's overarching purposes. It can be seen as a subtle reminder that every life, known or unknown, is part of God's grand design.
### Summary
Маάθ (Maáth, `{{G3092}}`) is a proper noun, designating an individual who appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in the genealogy of Jesus Christ recorded in [[Luke 3:26]]. As an ancestor of Joseph, Maath serves as a crucial, albeit silent, link in the lineage leading to the Messiah. While the precise Hebrew origin and meaning of his name remain uncertain, his inclusion in the sacred text is replete with theological significance. He stands as a testament to God's meticulous orchestration of human history, His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, and the genuine humanity of Jesus. Maath, like every name in the Lukan genealogy, underscores the continuous and divinely guided unfolding of salvation history, culminating in the person of Jesus Christ.
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