The Greek word Meleâs, represented by G3190, is the name of an Israelite whose origin is uncertain. This name appears 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible. Its sole purpose is to mark a specific individual within a genealogical record.
The only appearance of G3190 is in the lineage recorded in the Gospel of Luke. The text establishes a direct line of ancestry, stating, "Which was the son of Melea, which was the son of Menan, which was the son of Mattatha, which was the son of Nathan, which was the son of David" Luke 3:31. In this context, Meleâs is identified as the father of Menan and a descendant of King David, securing his place in this important ancestral line.
Several related words appear alongside Meleâs in this single verse, defining his familial connections:
- G3104 Maïnán (Mainan, an Israelite): He is identified as the son of Meleâs Luke 3:31.
- G3160 Mattathá (Mattatha (i.e. Mattithjah), an Israelite): He is named as the father of Meleâs Luke 3:31.
- G3481 Nathán (Nathan, an Israelite): This is the ancestor through whom the line of Meleâs traces back Luke 3:31.
- G1138 Dabíd (Dabid (i.e. David), the Israelite king): Meleâs is documented as a descendant of King David, linking his heritage to Israel's monarchy Luke 3:31.
The theological weight of G3190 is derived entirely from its inclusion in a significant lineage.
- Messianic Ancestry: By being part of the line of G1138 Dabíd Luke 3:31, Meleâs is included in the family history connected to Jesus Christ, who is "of the seed of David according to the flesh" Romans 1:3 and heir to "the throne of his father David" Luke 1:32.
- Genealogical Link: The primary role of Meleâs is to serve as a link in the ancestral chain. His name is preserved as part of the historical record that validates the human lineage traced in the Gospel of Luke.
- The Root of David: The line passing through Meleâs ultimately connects to the "Root of David," a title for the one who "hath prevailed to open the book" Revelation 5:5, emphasizing the profound importance of this specific genealogy.
In summary, G3190 Meleâs is a name whose significance lies not in individual actions but in its placement within biblical genealogy. Appearing only once, it functions as a vital marker in the ancestral line of David recorded in Luke 3:31. The inclusion of Meleâs helps form the chain that connects the lineage of the Israelite monarchy to the fulfillment of messianic prophecy.
TRV