probably of Hebrew origin; Mainan, an Israelite:--Mainan.
Transliteration:Maïnán
Pronunciation:mahee-nan'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek lemma Μαϊνάν (Maïnán), transliterated as Mainan, functions exclusively as a proper noun. Its base definition indicates it is "probably of Hebrew origin" and refers to "Mainan, an Israelite." As a proper name, its semantic range is inherently limited to identifying a specific individual within a lineage. Unlike common nouns or verbs, it does not carry a broad spectrum of meanings or applications. Its primary significance is its nominative function, marking a unique person in the biblical record. While its Hebrew etymology is suggested, a definitive root and therefore a precise derived meaning for the name itself are not provided by the base definition, meaning its significance is not tied to a particular etymological meaning but to its role in the narrative.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Mainan (Maïnán, `{{G3104}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically within the meticulously recorded genealogy of Jesus Christ as presented in the Gospel of Luke.
* [[Luke 3:31]]: "the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Simeon, the son of Judah, the son of Joseph, the son of Jonam, the son of Eliakim, the son of Melea, the son of Menna, the son of Matthat, the son of Nathan, the son of David, the son of Jesse, the son of Obed, the son of Boaz, the son of Salmon, the son of Nahshon, the son of Amminadab, the son of Arni, the son of Hezron, the son of Perez, the son of Judah, the son of Jacob, the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham, the son of Terah, the son of Nahor, the son of Serug, the son of Reu, the son of Peleg, the son of Eber, the son of Shelah, the son of Cainan, the son of Arphaxad, the son of Shem, the son of Noah, the son of Lamech, the son of Methuselah, the son of Enoch, the son of Jared, the son of Mahalalel, the son of Cainan, the son of Enosh, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God." (Mainan is listed in the preceding verses, specifically within the sequence leading to Joseph, the father of Jesus).
In this context, Mainan is listed as an ancestor of Jesus, appearing several generations after David and before Joseph (the legal father of Jesus). His inclusion is purely genealogical, serving to establish the lineage of Christ. The Lukan genealogy traces Jesus' ancestry backward from Joseph to Adam, emphasizing Jesus' connection to all humanity and His role as the Son of Man, distinct from Matthew's genealogy which traces forward from Abraham to Jesus, emphasizing His royal Davidic line. Mainan's presence, therefore, is crucial for maintaining the unbroken chain of descent that validates Jesus' identity as the promised Messiah, fulfilling the requirements of the Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah's lineage.
### Related Words & Concepts
Given that Mainan is a proper name, there are no direct lexical synonyms or antonyms. However, its significance is deeply interwoven with several related biblical concepts:
* **Genealogy (γενεαλογία, `{{G1076}}`):** The primary concept related to Mainan is the biblical practice and theological importance of genealogies. These lists served to establish identity, inheritance rights, tribal affiliation, and, most critically, the messianic lineage.
* **Lineage/Descent (γενεά, `{{G1074}}`):** Mainan represents a vital link in the continuous chain of descent that connects the historical figures of the Old Testament to the New Testament's central figure, Jesus Christ.
* **Ancestry (πατρία, `{{G3965}}`):** His inclusion highlights the concept of shared ancestry and the continuity of God's covenant promises across generations.
* **Messianic Prophecy:** Mainan's presence, alongside other ancestors, contributes to the fulfillment of prophecies concerning the Messiah's specific lineage from David, Abraham, and ultimately, Adam.
* **Proper Names (ὄνομα, `{{G3686}}`):** Like all biblical proper names, Mainan serves to particularize and historicize the narrative, grounding theological claims in concrete historical figures.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Mainan lies not in any specific action or teaching attributed to him, as none are recorded, but solely in his integral position within the genealogy of Jesus Christ.
1. **Divine Providence and Faithfulness:** Mainan's inclusion underscores God's meticulous care and faithfulness in orchestrating human history to fulfill His redemptive plan. Every name in the genealogy, no matter how obscure to us, represents a divinely appointed link in the chain leading to the Incarnation. It speaks to God's sovereign control over the generations.
2. **Validation of Christ's Identity:** For the early Christian community, genealogies were critical for demonstrating Jesus' legitimate claim to be the Messiah. Mainan's presence helps to validate Jesus' humanity and His connection to the historical covenant people of Israel, ensuring His fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah's lineage from David (e.g., [[2 Samuel 7:12-16]], [[Psalm 89:3-4]]).
3. **Continuity of Salvation History:** Mainan represents a thread in the continuous tapestry of salvation history, bridging the gap between ancient Israel and the coming of the Savior. His name, though silent in terms of deeds, speaks volumes about the unbroken flow of God's redemptive work through time and generations.
4. **Inclusivity of Humanity:** Luke's genealogy, which includes Mainan, traces Jesus' lineage back to Adam, emphasizing Jesus' universal connection to all humanity. This highlights His role as the Savior not just of Israel, but of all people, echoing the theme of a new humanity established in Christ (e.g., [[Romans 5:12-19]]).
### Summary
Mainan (Maïnán, `{{G3104}}`) is a proper name appearing only once in the New Testament, in the Gospel of Luke's genealogy of Jesus Christ ([[Luke 3:31]]). As a proper noun, its core meaning is simply the identification of an individual, Mainan, an Israelite ancestor of Jesus. While no actions or teachings are attributed to him, his presence in the messianic lineage carries profound theological significance. It testifies to God's meticulous providence and faithfulness in guiding human history towards the arrival of the Messiah. Mainan's inclusion validates Jesus' identity as the promised Christ, ensuring His connection to the covenant people and the entirety of humanity, thereby underscoring the continuity of God's redemptive plan throughout the generations. His name, though seemingly minor, serves as a silent yet crucial testament to the historical and theological foundations of the Christian faith.
TRV