Meaning & History
Matthan is a masculine name that appears in the Greek and Latin versions of the Old Testament, as well as in English translations of the New Testament. It is a form of the Hebrew name Mattan, which means "gift". In the New Testament, Matthan is identified as the great-grandfather of Jesus through the genealogy recorded in the Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 1:15).
Etymology and Biblical Context
The name Matthan originates from the Hebrew root natan, meaning "to give," and thus carries the sense of "gift." In the Old Testament, the root name Mattan appears as the father of Shephatiah (Jeremiah 38:1). However, the form Matthan is particularly associated with the Greek Septuagint and Latin Vulgate translations, which adapted the name for Hellenistic and Roman audiences. The use of Matthan in the New Testament genealogy (Matthew 1:14–15) places it within the lineage of David, linking Jesus to the royal line of Israel.
Related Names and Variants
Other related forms include Matan, used in modern Hebrew, and the original Biblical Hebrew Mattan. While Matthan is not a common given name today, it persists in religious contexts, particularly among communities that value biblical genealogies.
Cultural Significance
As part of the ancestral chain of Jesus, Matthan holds significance in Christian tradition, especially in discussions of biblical chronology and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. Though little else is known about the person Matthan, his inclusion in the Gospel of Matthew underscores the importance of genealogical records in establishing Jesus' messianic credentials.
- Meaning: "Gift" (from Hebrew natan)
- Origin: Hebrew, via Greek and Latin Bible translations
- Type: Biblical name
- Usage: English, Greek, and Latin Bible contexts
- Notable bearer: Great-grandfather of Jesus (Matthew 1:15)