### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek proper noun Ματταθίας (Mattathías, `{{G3161}}`) is derived from the Hebrew name מַתִּתְיָה (Mattithyah, `{{H4993}}`) or מַתִּתְיָהוּ (Mattithyahu, `{{H4994}}`). Its etymological root conveys the profound meaning "Gift of Yahweh" or "Gift of the Lord." This name reflects a common theological theme in ancient Israelite nomenclature, where names often expressed a family's faith, hope, or gratitude concerning God's providence. As a proper noun, its semantic range is primarily referential, identifying specific individuals. However, the inherent meaning of the name subtly imbues its bearers with a symbolic significance, pointing to the divine origin and blessing perceived in their lives.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the New Testament, Ματταθίας (Mattathías, `{{G3161}}`) appears exclusively in the Gospel of Luke, specifically within the genealogy of Jesus Christ. It is notable that the name occurs twice within this lineage, referring to two distinct individuals:
* **[[Luke 3:25]]**: "the son of Mattathias, the son of Amos, the son of Nahum..." Here, Mattathias is listed as an ancestor of Jesus, several generations removed from David.
* **[[Luke 3:26]]**: "the son of Mattathias, the son of Semein, the son of Josech..." This second occurrence refers to a different individual, also an ancestor of Jesus, but further back in the lineage, preceding the Davidic line.
The context of these occurrences is Luke's meticulous tracing of Jesus' human ancestry, extending back to Adam ([[Luke 3:38]]). This genealogical record serves several crucial purposes: it establishes Jesus' historical rootedness, affirms his humanity, connects him to the covenant promises made to Israel, and ultimately demonstrates his universal kinship with all humanity. The presence of a name meaning "Gift of Yahweh" within this vital lineage underscores the providential hand of God guiding and shaping the historical path leading to the Messiah.
### Related Words & Concepts
The name Ματταθίας (Mattathías, `{{G3161}}`) is intrinsically linked to its Hebrew progenitor, מַתִּתְיָה (Mattithyah, `{{H4993}}`), which also means "Gift of Yahweh." This theme of divine gifting is prevalent throughout Scripture, expressed through various names and terms:
* **Jonathan (`{{H3083}}`)**: Meaning "Yahweh has given," sharing the same theological root.
* **Nathaniel (`{{G3844}}`)**: From the Hebrew, meaning "God has given."
* **The concept of "gift"**: Represented by Greek words such as δωρεά (dōrea, `{{G1431}}`), referring to a free gift, often divine, and δόμα (doma, `{{G1390}}`), a gift given. These terms highlight God's benevolent nature as the ultimate giver of all good things.
* **Biblical Genealogies**: The broader concept of genealogies in Scripture (e.g., [[Genesis 5]], [[Matthew 1]]) serves to establish lineage, demonstrate fulfillment of prophecy, and underscore God's faithfulness across generations. The inclusion of common names like Mattathias within these sacred lists emphasizes that God works through ordinary individuals in His grand redemptive plan.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Ματταθίας (Mattathías, `{{G3161}}`) primarily stems from its meaning and its placement within Jesus' genealogy. The name "Gift of Yahweh" serves as a subtle yet profound declaration of God's active involvement in human history. Every individual named Mattathias, by virtue of their name, bore a testimony to the divine source of life and blessing. In the context of Jesus' lineage, the repeated appearance of this name reinforces the idea that the entire ancestral line leading to the Messiah was, in a very real sense, a "gift from Yahweh."
This name, therefore, points to the sovereign and providential hand of God orchestrating events and preserving a lineage through which His ultimate "Gift"—His Son, Jesus Christ ([[John 3:16]])—would enter the world. It underscores the divine initiative in salvation history, reminding believers that even the most seemingly ordinary individuals in the human story are part of God's extraordinary plan. The name thus embodies a quiet reverence for God's enduring faithfulness and His generous disposition towards humanity.
### Summary
Ματταθίας (Mattathías, `{{G3161}}`) is a Greek proper noun derived from the Hebrew, meaning "Gift of Yahweh." It appears twice in Luke's genealogy of Jesus ([[Luke 3:25]], [[Luke 3:26]]), referring to two distinct ancestors. Its presence in this sacred lineage highlights God's continuous and providential work throughout history, guiding the generations that led to the Messiah. The name itself serves as a testimony to God's benevolent nature and His ultimate gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. As a common name with a profound meaning, it underscores the truth that God utilizes ordinary individuals to fulfill His extraordinary redemptive purposes.
TRV