of Hebrew origin (מַתָּן); Matthan (i.e. Mattan), an Israelite:--Matthan.
Transliteration:Matthán
Pronunciation:mat-than'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek proper noun Ματθάν (Matthán), Strong's number `{{G3157}}`, is transliterated from the Hebrew name מַתָּן (Mattan), Strong's number `{{H4976}}`. The Hebrew root from which Mattan derives is נָתַן (nathan), Strong's number `{{H5414}}`, meaning "to give." Therefore, the name Matthan fundamentally signifies "gift" or "a giving." As a proper noun, its semantic range is primarily restricted to identifying an individual within a specific lineage. However, the inherent meaning of the name itself carries a subtle theological resonance, pointing to the concept of divine beneficence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Matthan occurs only once in the New Testament, specifically within the genealogy of Jesus presented in the Gospel of Matthew. In [[Matthew 1:15]], Matthan is identified as the father of Jacob and the son of Eleazar: "Eleazar was the father of Matthan, Matthan the father of Jacob." This placement situates Matthan within the third major fourteen-generation segment of Matthew's genealogy, spanning from the Babylonian exile to the birth of Jesus. While no narrative details are provided about Matthan himself, his inclusion is crucial for establishing the legal lineage of Jesus through Joseph, demonstrating the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah's descent from David. The meticulous listing of each generation underscores the historical rootedness and divine preservation of the messianic line.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relation to Ματθάν (Matthán) is its Hebrew origin, מַתָּן (Mattan), Strong's number `{{H4976}}`, which directly means "gift" or "present." This word is frequently used in the Old Testament to refer to various types of gifts, including offerings to God or presents between people. The underlying verb, נָתַן (nathan), Strong's number `{{H5414}}`, "to give," is one of the most common verbs in the Hebrew Bible, reflecting the pervasive concept of giving, whether by God or by humans. Other names in biblical genealogies, such as Matthat (Ματθάτ, `{{G3156}}`) in Luke's genealogy, share a similar etymological root and meaning, reinforcing the theme of "gift." The broader theological concept of "gift" is paramount throughout Scripture, culminating in the ultimate gift of God's Son (e.g., [[John 3:16]]).
### Theological Significance
While Matthan is a figure without an independent narrative, his presence in the genealogy of Jesus carries profound theological significance. Firstly, his inclusion affirms the divine faithfulness in meticulously preserving the lineage through which the promised Messiah would come. Every name in the genealogy, no matter how obscure, stands as a testament to God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises. Secondly, the meaning of his name, "gift," subtly prefigures the identity of Jesus Himself. The Messiah is God's supreme gift to humanity, embodying divine grace and salvation ([[Romans 6:23]], [[Ephesians 2:8]]). Thus, even the name of an ancestor, by its very meaning, can resonate with the overarching theme of God's benevolent giving within redemptive history. The genealogy as a whole emphasizes the historical reality of Jesus's humanity and His rightful claim to the Davidic throne, grounded in a tangible, traceable lineage.
### Summary
Ματθάν (Matthán), Strong's number `{{G3157}}`, is a Greek proper noun derived from the Hebrew מַתָּן (Mattan), meaning "gift." It appears solely in [[Matthew 1:15]], where Matthan is identified as an ancestor of Jesus in the messianic genealogy. His inclusion, though without accompanying narrative, underscores the divine providence and faithfulness in preserving the lineage leading to Christ. The intrinsic meaning of his name, "gift," serves as a subtle theological echo, foreshadowing Jesus as the ultimate divine gift to humanity, thereby enhancing the theological depth of Matthew's genealogical record.
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