Mattathias, Son of Semein
An ancestor of Jesus Christ within the Davidic line, recorded as the son of Semein and the father of Maath in the Lucan genealogy.
Mattathias, Son of Semein 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 Mattathias lived during the years after the return from exile, not in the first century.
Mattathias is a figure appearing exclusively within the genealogical records of the New Testament. He is listed in the Gospel of Luke as a direct ancestor of Jesus Christ, positioned between his father, Semein, and his son, Maath. His inclusion serves to document the biological or legal lineage of Jesus through the Davidic line, tracing back to the tribe of Judah.
Historically, this Mattathias lived during the silent years of the post-exilic period, long after the return from Babylon but prior to the Roman occupation of Judea. Because he is mentioned only in a list of names, the specific details of his life, vocation, and personal achievements remain unrecorded in the biblical canon.
Background and Family
Mattathias appears in the third chapter of Luke's Gospel, which provides a detailed lineage of Jesus. According to the text, he was the son of Semein and the father of Maath (Luke 3:26). His name is the Greek form of the Hebrew "Mattithiah," which translates to "Gift of Yahweh." This name was relatively common among the Jewish people during the Second Temple period, reflecting a continued devotion to the God of Israel.
Within the structure of Luke’s genealogy, Mattathias belongs to the section of the family tree that covers the generations following the Babylonian exile. He is part of the royal tribe of Judah, specifically descending from the line of Nathan, the son of David, rather than the more prominent Solomonic line recorded in the Gospel of Matthew.
Major Life Events
The biblical record provides no narrative account of the life of Mattathias. His existence is verified solely through his placement in the ancestral record of the Messiah. Like many figures in the Lucan genealogy, Mattathias represents the "hidden years" of the messianic line—a period where the descendants of David lived in relative obscurity, maintaining their tribal identity and lineage without the temporal power of the throne.
Relationship to Other Biblical Figures
Mattathias is defined by his relationships to his immediate kin: his father Semein and his son Maath. He stands as a vital link in the chain of seventy-seven generations connecting Jesus to Adam. While he is not mentioned in the Old Testament or the Gospel of Matthew, his placement in Luke ensures his recognition as a forefather of Christ. Through his descent from Josech and Joda, he is connected to the wider community of the tribe of Judah that awaited the consolation of Israel.
Spiritual Significance
The primary significance of Mattathias lies in the theological purpose of the genealogy itself. By including Mattathias, the Gospel of Luke emphasizes that Jesus was not a figure without history, but was deeply rooted in the biological and covenantal history of Israel. Mattathias serves as a testament to God’s faithfulness in preserving the Davidic line through centuries of political upheaval and social change. Even in his anonymity, Mattathias fulfilled a providential role by passing on the lineage from which the Savior would eventually arise.
Spiritual Significance
Mattathias represents the continuity of the Davidic line during the centuries of relative silence before the birth of Christ. His inclusion in Luke 3:26 reinforces the historical reality of Jesus’ humanity and His legitimate claim to the throne of David as the 'Son of David.' Theologically, Mattathias illustrates that every individual in the messianic lineage, regardless of their lack of personal fame, was essential to the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Mattathias mentioned in the Bible?
Mattathias is mentioned only once in the Bible, in Luke 3:26, as part of the genealogy of Jesus.
Who was the father of Mattathias?
According to Luke 3:26, the father of Mattathias was Semein.
Who was the son of Mattathias?
The biblical text identifies Maath as the son of Mattathias.
What does the name Mattathias mean?
Mattathias is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Mattithiah, meaning 'Gift of Yahweh.'
Which tribe did Mattathias belong to?
Mattathias belonged to the tribe of Judah, as he was a descendant of King David.
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Others Named Mattathias
Mattathias, Ancestor of JesusLuke 3:25
A descendant of the tribe of Judah mentioned in the Lucan genealogy of Jesus Christ as the son of Amos and father of Joseph.