Μαθουσάλα

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word Mathousála, represented by G3103, is of Hebrew origin and refers to Mathusala (i.e. Methushelach), an antediluvian. It appears just 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible, signifying its role as a specific genealogical marker.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

The sole appearance of G3103 is in the genealogy of Jesus presented in the Gospel of Luke. Its function is to establish a direct ancestral link in the patriarchal line. The verse identifies Jesus's lineage "which was the son of Mathusala" Luke 3:37. In this context, Mathusala is placed as the son of Enoch and the father of Lamech, serving as a crucial connection point to the earliest generations of humanity.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words appear alongside G3103 in its single-verse context, defining the familial line:

• G1802 Enṓch: Defined as an antediluvian, he is identified as the father of Mathusala Luke 3:37. He is also noted for his faith, as he "was translated that he should not see death" Hebrews 11:5, and for prophesying about the Lord's coming Jude 1:14.
• G2391 Iáred: An antediluvian patriarch who is listed as the father of Enoch Luke 3:37.
• G3121 Maleleḗl: An antediluvian figure identified as the father of Jared Luke 3:37.
• G2536 Kaïnán: Listed as the father of Maleleel Luke 3:37. The name is used for two different patriarchs in Luke's genealogy Luke 3:36-37.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of G3103 is derived entirely from its placement within Luke's genealogy.

• Historical Continuity: The inclusion of Mathusala serves to create an unbroken, historical chain from Jesus back to the earliest figures of the Old Testament, emphasizing the historical reality of Jesus's ancestry.
• Antediluvian Connection: As an "antediluvian," Mathusala anchors Jesus's lineage to the pre-flood world, connecting the narrative of salvation to the very beginnings of human history.
• Legacy of Faith: He is the son of Enoch G1802, a man who "had this testimony, that he pleased God" Hebrews 11:5. This associates the lineage not just by blood but through a heritage that includes profound faith.

Summary

In summary, G3103 is a proper name whose significance is not in its definition but in its function. It acts as a precise genealogical link within the ancestry of Jesus Christ. Its sole appearance in scripture is to affirm the historical depth and continuity of this lineage, connecting the Messiah to the ancient patriarchs of the antediluvian age.