### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term Μελεᾶς (Meleâs), designated by Strong's `{{G3190}}`, is a proper noun, specifically a personal name. Its etymological origin is explicitly stated as "uncertain," meaning that no definitive root or inherent meaning can be derived from its linguistic structure in either Greek or Hebrew. Unlike common nouns or verbs, proper names primarily serve to identify a unique individual. Therefore, the "semantic range" of Meleâs is limited to its function as the specific designation for a person within the biblical narrative. Its meaning is simply "Meleas," the individual.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Meleâs appears only once in the New Testament, within the extensive genealogy of Jesus Christ as recorded by Luke:
* [[Luke 3:31]]: "the son of Meleas, the son of Menna, the son of Mattatha, the son of Nathan, the son of David,"
In this singular occurrence, Meleas is listed as an ancestor of Joseph, the legal father of Jesus. His position within the genealogy places him several generations after King David and before Joseph. The Lukan genealogy, unlike Matthew's, traces Jesus' lineage backward from Joseph all the way to Adam, emphasizing Jesus' universal humanity and His connection to all of creation. The inclusion of Meleas, like many other names in these lists, serves to establish the unbroken historical chain of descent, validating Jesus' rightful place within the human family and, more specifically, within the lineage promised to David. The context is purely genealogical, providing a historical anchor for the person of Jesus Christ.
### Related Words & Concepts
Given that Meleâs is a proper noun of uncertain origin, there are no direct linguistic cognates or semantic parallels in the conventional sense. However, its significance lies in its relation to broader biblical concepts:
* **Genealogy (γενεαλογία - genealogia):** The primary concept related to Meleâs is the biblical practice of recording family lineages. Genealogies, such as those in Luke 3 or Matthew 1, are crucial for establishing historical claims, particularly those related to kingship, priesthood, and the fulfillment of divine promises. The meticulous preservation of names like Meleâs underscores the importance of historical continuity in God's redemptive plan.
* **Names in Biblical Tradition:** While Meleâs itself carries no known etymological meaning, the biblical tradition often invests names with prophetic or descriptive significance (e.g., Abraham, Isaac, Jacob). Even when a name's meaning is lost to us, its *presence* in the sacred text affirms the individuality and historical reality of each person within God's unfolding narrative.
* **Lineage of Christ:** Meleâs is one link in the divinely orchestrated chain leading to the Messiah. His inclusion connects him to other significant figures in the genealogy, such as David (`{{H1732}}`) and Abraham (`{{H0087}}`), highlighting the continuity of God's covenant promises.
### Theological Significance
While Meleâs is a relatively obscure figure, his inclusion in the Lukan genealogy carries profound theological weight:
* **Historical Veracity of Christ:** The presence of a detailed, multi-generational genealogy, including figures like Meleâs, underscores the historical reality and human lineage of Jesus. It grounds the incarnation not in myth or allegory, but in the concrete tapestry of human history. This meticulous record-keeping attests to the truthfulness of the biblical narrative.
* **God's Sovereignty in History:** Every name in the genealogy, including Meleâs, represents a life lived under God's overarching providence. It demonstrates God's faithful preservation and guidance of a specific lineage through centuries, ensuring that His promises concerning the Messiah would be fulfilled precisely through the designated line, culminating in Jesus.
* **Continuity of God's Plan:** The unbroken chain of names, from Adam to Christ, illustrates the continuous nature of God's redemptive plan from creation to consummation. Meleâs, though a seemingly minor figure, is a vital link in this grand divine design, demonstrating that no generation or individual is outside of God's sovereign oversight.
* **Inclusivity of Humanity:** Luke's genealogy, extending back to Adam, emphasizes Jesus' connection to all humanity. Meleâs, as an ancestor, is part of this universal embrace, signifying that Christ's salvation is for all peoples, not just a select few.
### Summary
Meleâs (`{{G3190}}`) is a proper noun designating an individual found exclusively in the Lukan genealogy of Jesus Christ ([[Luke 3:31]]). Its etymological origin is uncertain, meaning it carries no inherent linguistic meaning beyond identifying the person. Despite its singular and seemingly unassuming appearance, Meleâs serves as a crucial historical link within the lineage of Christ. Theologically, his inclusion underscores the historical reality of Jesus' humanity, God's meticulous sovereignty in guiding human history towards the fulfillment of His promises, and the continuity of the divine plan across generations. Meleâs, like every name in the sacred genealogies, testifies to the precision of God's Word and the faithfulness of His covenant.
TRV