Matthat is a biblical figure mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus Christ as recorded in the Gospel of Luke. He is identified as the father of Heli and an ancestor of Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus. The genealogical record in Luke is significant for tracing the lineage of Jesus through His legal father, Joseph, thereby establishing Jesus' rightful place in the line of David, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah.

Biblical Reference:

Matthat is mentioned in the Gospel of Luke, specifically in the genealogy of Jesus. The relevant passage is found in Luke 3:23-24 : "Jesus Himself was about thirty years old when He began His ministry. He was regarded as the son of Joseph, the son of Heli, the son of Matthat..."

Genealogical Context:

The genealogy in Luke differs from that in the Gospel of Matthew, which traces Jesus' lineage through Joseph's legal father, Jacob. Luke's account, however, is believed to trace the lineage through Mary, with Heli being considered Mary's father, making Matthat her grandfather. This interpretation aligns with the understanding that genealogies in ancient times could be flexible, sometimes including legal or adoptive relationships.

Theological Significance:

The inclusion of Matthat in the genealogy underscores the fulfillment of God's promises to David and Abraham. By tracing Jesus' lineage through both Joseph and Mary, the Gospel writers affirm Jesus' legitimate claim to the throne of David, a critical aspect of His messianic identity. This dual lineage highlights the divine orchestration of Jesus' birth, fulfilling prophecies and establishing His role as the Savior.

Historical and Cultural Context:

Genealogies were of great importance in Jewish culture, serving not only to establish legal rights and inheritance but also to affirm one's identity and place within the covenant community. The meticulous recording of Jesus' ancestry reflects the Jewish emphasis on heritage and the fulfillment of God's covenant promises through specific family lines.

Conclusion:

While Matthat himself is not a prominent figure in biblical narratives, his inclusion in the genealogy of Jesus serves as a testament to the faithfulness of God's promises across generations. Through Matthat and his descendants, the divine plan for redemption through Jesus Christ is woven into the fabric of human history, affirming the continuity and reliability of God's covenantal faithfulness.Luke 3:24
Which was the son of Matthat, which was the son of Levi, which was the son of Melchi, which was the son of Janna, which was the son of Joseph,
Nave's Topical Index

Who was Levi in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus