Lexical Summary Matthan: Matthan Original Word: Ματθάν Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Matthan. Of Hebrew origin (Mattan); Matthan (i.e. Mattan), an Israelite -- Matthan. see HEBREW Mattan NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof Hebrew origin Mattan Definition Matthan, an Isr. NASB Translation Matthan (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3157: ΜατθάνΜατθάν (L T Tr WH Μαθθάν (see references under the word Ματθαῖος)), ὁ (מַתָּן a gift), Matthan, one of Christ's ancestors: Matthew 1:15. Topical Lexicon Overview Matthan (Ματθάν, Strong’s Greek 3157) is a post-exilic descendant of King David listed in the legal genealogy of Jesus Christ recorded in Matthew 1. Though mentioned only twice—both times in Matthew 1:15—his inclusion is pivotal for linking the royal line through Joseph to the promised Messiah. Textual Occurrences Matthew 1:15: “Eleazar was the father of Matthan, Matthan the father of Jacob.” The two occurrences are simply the accented forms Ματθά ν and Ματθὰ ν within the same verse. Genealogical Role 1. Position: Matthan is the son of Eleazar and the father of Jacob, who in turn fathered Joseph, the legal guardian of Jesus (Matthew 1:15–16). Historical Setting Between the Testaments Matthan lived during the closing centuries of the so-called “silent years,” after the prophetic ministry of Malachi and before the advent of John the Baptist. This period was marked by foreign domination—Persian, Greek, and finally Roman—but also by an intensifying hope for Messianic deliverance. His presence in the genealogy confirms that even when prophecy temporarily ceased, God’s covenant line remained unbroken. Theological Implications 1. Providence over obscurity: Scripture names Matthan once, yet that solitary mention is essential for demonstrating the legitimacy of Jesus’ royal credentials. God’s redemptive plan relies on both celebrated heroes and little-known faithful. Significance for Christian Ministry • Encouragement for ordinary believers: Matthan’s brief biblical footprint reminds servants of God that hidden faithfulness matters eternally. Intertextual Connections • Numbers 1:18 shows Israel tracing lineage by ancestral houses; Matthew mirrors this practice, situating Matthan within sacred history. Faith Applications 1. Trust in God’s quiet governance: Even during “silent” centuries, God advanced His plan through unnoticed individuals like Matthan. Summary Though occupying only a single verse, Matthan stands as an indispensable link in the chain that culminates in Jesus Christ. His appearance confirms God’s unwavering control of history, highlights the importance of covenant continuity, and challenges modern readers to live faithfully regardless of public acclaim. Forms and Transliterations Μαθθαν Μαθθάν Μαθθὰν Ματθάν Ματθὰν Matthan Matthán MatthànLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 1:15 NGRK: ἐγέννησεν τὸν Ματθάν Ματθὰν δὲ KJV: Eleazar begat Matthan; and Matthan INT: was father of Matthan Matthan moreover Matthew 1:15 N |