Maath
Maath was a descendant of King David and an ancestor of Jesus Christ, listed in the Lucan genealogy between the Babylonian exile and the birth of Christ.
Maath is named only in Luke's genealogy of Jesus (Luke 3:26). The page sits in the New Testament because that is the only book that records the name — but Maath lived during the years after the return from exile, not in the first century.
Maath (Greek: Μαάθ) is a figure mentioned exclusively in the New Testament within the ancestral line of Jesus of Nazareth. According to the Gospel of Luke, he is situated in the post-exilic branch of the Davidic line, serving as a vital link in the biological or legal lineage leading from King David to the Messiah.
Though his life is not detailed through narrative action, Maath’s inclusion in the sacred record signifies his role in the preservation of the messianic promise during the centuries following the return from Babylon. He is identified as the son of Mattathias and the father of Naggai, placing him roughly in the mid-to-late Second Temple period.
Background and Family
Maath appears in the genealogical record provided by the physician Luke (Luke 3:23–38). As part of the Tribe of Judah, Maath belonged to the royal lineage of Israel. His specific placement in the list (Luke 3:26) occurs after the Babylonian captivity, a period often characterized by the relative obscurity of David’s descendants compared to the preceding monarchical era.
The record identifies Maath as the son of Mattathias and the father of Naggai. His ancestors mentioned in the preceding verses include Semein and Josech. Like many figures in this section of the genealogy, Maath does not appear in the Old Testament genealogies found in 1 Chronicles, as Luke’s list follows a line different from the royal succession recorded in Matthew’s Gospel.
Major Life Events
There are no recorded life events for Maath in the biblical text. His entire historical and theological footprint is confined to a single mention in Luke 3:26. Scholars generally date the generation of Maath to the centuries between the close of the Old Testament canon and the beginning of the New Testament era (the Intertestamental Period). During this time, the Davidic descendants lived as private citizens under the rule of various foreign powers, including the Persians, Greeks, and eventually the Hasmoneans.
Relationship to Other Biblical Figures
Maath’s primary relationship is his position as an ancestor of Jesus Christ. He serves as a bridge between his father, Mattathias, and his son, Naggai. In the broader scope of the Lucan genealogy, he is a descendant of David and Nathan, eventually tracing his ancestry back to Abraham and Adam.
"...the son of Maath, the son of Mattathias, the son of Semein, the son of Josech, the son of Joda..." (Luke 3:26)
Spiritual Significance
The significance of Maath lies in his presence within the "hidden years" of the messianic line. His inclusion serves to authenticate Jesus' claim to be the "Son of David." While he achieved no earthly crown or prophetic fame recorded by man, his inclusion in the Gospel suggests that every generation in the lineage was observed and ordained by God to bring about the Incarnation. Maath represents the faithful continuation of the covenant promise through a time of national silence and transition.
Spiritual Significance
Maath serves as a historical witness to the continuity of the Davidic line during the centuries of silence before the arrival of the Messiah. His inclusion in Luke’s Gospel emphasizes the humanity of Jesus, showing that the Savior was rooted in a specific, traceable human history involving real individuals who lived and died in anticipation of the promise.
Theologically, Maath represents the 'remnant' of the House of David. Even when the throne was vacant and the kingdom was under foreign occupation, the line remained intact. His name in the genealogy assures readers that God's covenant with David (2 Samuel 7) was not forgotten, even when its heirs were no longer kings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Maath mentioned in the Bible?
Maath is mentioned only once in the Bible, in Luke 3:26, as part of the genealogy of Jesus.
Who was Maath's father?
According to the Gospel of Luke, Maath was the son of Mattathias.
Which tribe did Maath belong to?
Maath belonged to the Tribe of Judah, the royal tribe of the Davidic line.
Is Maath mentioned in the Old Testament?
No, this specific Maath appears only in the New Testament genealogical record of Jesus.
What does the name Maath mean?
The meaning of the name Maath (Greek: Μαάθ) is uncertain, though some scholars suggest it may be a derivative of a Hebrew name meaning 'small' or 'limited.'
Connected Figures
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Mentions by Book
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Family & Relationships
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Luke 3:26
Parent
Luke 3:26