### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek proper noun Ματθάτ (Matthát), Strong's number `{{G3158}}`, is understood as a shortened form of Ματταθίας (Mattathias). The underlying Hebrew root for Mattathias is derived from מַתַּתְיָה (Mattithyah, `{{H4993}}`) or מַתִּתְיָהוּ (Mattithyahu, `{{H4994}}`), which literally translates to "gift of Yahweh" or "gift of the Lord." As a proper noun, its semantic range is limited to the specific individuals bearing the name; however, its etymological meaning imbues it with profound theological resonance. It signifies a person who is perceived as a divine bestowal or blessing.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Matthát appears twice in the New Testament, exclusively within the genealogy of Jesus Christ as recorded in the Gospel of Luke.
* In [[Luke 3:24]], Matthat is listed as the son of Levi and the father of Heli, placing him as an ancestor in the lineage of Joseph, the legal father of Jesus. This occurrence places him relatively close to Jesus in the genealogical sequence.
* Further back in the same genealogy, [[Luke 3:29]] lists another Matthat as the son of Levi and the father of Jorim. This indicates two distinct individuals named Matthat within the same extensive lineage, highlighting the commonality of names across generations.
In both instances, Matthat is presented as a link in the unbroken chain of human ancestry leading to Jesus. The context is purely genealogical, serving to establish Jesus's human lineage and connect him to the historical narrative of Israel, particularly through the line of David.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is Ματταθίας (Mattathias), from which Ματθάτ is derived. This connection links it to the Hebrew names מַתַּתְיָה (Mattithyah, `{{H4993}}`) and מַתִּתְיָהוּ (Mattithyahu, `{{H4994}}`), which share the same core meaning of "gift of Yahweh." Conceptually, Matthat is related to all names in Scripture that convey the idea of divine giving or bestowal, such as Jonathan ("Yahweh has given"), Nathaniel ("God has given"), or Dorothea (Greek for "gift of God"). More broadly, it is intrinsically linked to the biblical concept of genealogy itself, which serves to establish identity, inheritance, and divine promises, especially concerning the Messiah's lineage.
### Theological Significance
While Matthat is merely a name in a list, its presence in Jesus's genealogy carries subtle yet significant theological weight. The etymological meaning, "gift of Yahweh," is particularly poignant within the context of the Messiah's lineage. Jesus Himself is the ultimate "gift of Yahweh" to humanity, the culmination of God's redemptive plan. The inclusion of names like Matthat, whose very meaning speaks of divine bestowal, can be seen as a subtle foreshadowing or reinforcement of God's sovereign hand in bringing about the Christ. Furthermore, the meticulous recording of such names in the genealogy underscores the historical reality and human identity of Jesus, affirming His true incarnation. It emphasizes that God works through real people and real history to accomplish His divine purposes, demonstrating His faithfulness to His covenant promises across generations. Every name, even those seemingly obscure, contributes to the grand narrative of divine providence culminating in the Savior.
### Summary
Matthát (`{{G3158}}`) is a Greek proper noun, a shortened form of Mattathias, meaning "gift of Yahweh." It appears twice in Luke's genealogy of Jesus Christ ([[Luke 3:24]], [[Luke 3:29]]), serving as a link in the human ancestry of the Messiah. Its significance lies primarily in its etymological meaning, which subtly points to Jesus Himself as God's ultimate gift to humanity. The inclusion of Matthat in the genealogy highlights the historical reality of Jesus's incarnation and God's meticulous providence in orchestrating the lineage that would bring forth the Savior.
TRV