Topical Encyclopedia Mat'tatha is a biblical figure mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus Christ as recorded in the Gospel of Luke. His name appears in the lineage that traces Jesus' ancestry through Mary, highlighting the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah's descent from David.Biblical Reference: Mat'tatha is found in the New Testament, specifically in the Gospel of Luke. The relevant passage is Luke 3:31, which states: "the son of Melea, the son of Menna, the son of Mattatha, the son of Nathan, the son of David," . This verse situates Mat'tatha within the genealogical line that connects Jesus to King David, emphasizing the royal lineage and the prophetic significance of Jesus' birth. Genealogical Context: In the genealogy presented by Luke, Mat'tatha is listed as a descendant of Nathan, who was one of King David's sons. This is significant because it provides a different line of descent from the more commonly referenced line through Solomon, as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew. The inclusion of Nathan's line underscores the comprehensive nature of Jesus' fulfillment of messianic prophecies, as it demonstrates His rightful claim to the throne of David through multiple ancestral lines. Theological Significance: The mention of Mat'tatha in the genealogy of Jesus serves to affirm the historical and prophetic accuracy of the Scriptures. By tracing Jesus' lineage through both Solomon and Nathan, the Gospels collectively affirm His legal and biological right to the Davidic throne. This dual lineage highlights the divine orchestration of Jesus' birth and mission, fulfilling the promises made to David that his kingdom would endure forever (2 Samuel 7:12-16). Name Meaning: The name Mat'tatha is of Hebrew origin and is believed to mean "gift of Jehovah" or "gift of Yahweh." This meaning is consistent with the biblical theme of God's providence and grace, as the genealogy of Jesus is a testament to God's faithfulness in bringing about salvation through His chosen people. Historical and Cultural Context: Genealogies in the ancient Near East were crucial for establishing identity, inheritance rights, and social status. In the Jewish context, genealogies were particularly important for validating claims to priesthood, kingship, and tribal affiliation. The inclusion of Mat'tatha in Luke's genealogy serves to authenticate Jesus' messianic credentials and His connection to the covenant promises made to Israel. In summary, Mat'tatha is a significant, though often overlooked, figure in the genealogy of Jesus Christ. His inclusion in the Gospel of Luke underscores the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the divine plan of salvation through Jesus, the promised Messiah. Concordance Mat'tatha (1 Occurrence)Luke 3:31 Thesaurus Mat'tatha (1 Occurrence)Mat'tatha. Mattatha, Mat'tatha. Mattathah . Multi-Version Concordance Mat'tatha (1 Occurrence). Luke 3:31 the 'son' of Melea, the ... /m/mat'tatha.htm - 6k Mattatha (1 Occurrence) Mattathah (1 Occurrence) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |