Matthat, Ancestor of Jesus
Matthat was a descendant of the tribe of Judah and an ancestor of Jesus Christ listed in the Lucan genealogy.
Matthat, Ancestor of Jesus is named only in Luke's genealogy of Jesus (Luke 3:29). The page sits in the New Testament because that is the only book that records the name — but Matthat lived during the divided monarchy, not in the first century.
Matthat is an individual recorded in the New Testament genealogy of Jesus as presented by the physician Luke. He occupies a position in the line of David, specifically within the branch that follows the line of Nathan. While his life is not detailed through narrative accounts, his presence in the scriptural record serves to link the pre-exilic and post-exilic generations of the Davidic line.
According to the biblical text, Matthat was a member of the tribe of Judah. He is identified as the son of Levi and the father of Jorim. His inclusion in this specific lineage underscores the messianic claim of Jesus, documenting the legal or biological continuity required to fulfill Old Testament prophecies regarding the seed of David.
Background and Family
Matthat appears in the genealogical record during the period following the Davidic monarchy. The Gospel of Luke traces the ancestry of Jesus through a line distinct from the royal succession mentioned in the Gospel of Matthew. In this Lucan record, Matthat is situated between his father, Levi, and his son, Jorim.
He belonged to the tribe of Judah, the tribe from which the scepter was not to depart (Genesis 49:10). His immediate family context is strictly defined by his role as a generational link. The text identifies him as "the son of Levi, the son of Simeon" (Luke 3:29-30), placing him within a cluster of names that were common in the post-exilic and intertestamental periods among the Jewish people.
Major Life Events
The Holy Scriptures do not record any specific deeds, words, or historical events involving Matthat. His life is characterized by his placement within the "silent years" of the genealogical record, where the primary contribution of the individual was the preservation of the family line. Like many listed in Luke 3, Matthat represents the common, yet essential, link in the chain of the promised Messiah.
Relationship to Other Biblical Figures
Matthat's primary relationships are vertical rather than horizontal. He is explicitly named as the father of Jorim and the son of Levi. By virtue of his placement in the genealogy, he is a descendant of King David through his son Nathan. This distinguishes his line from the better-known royal line of Solomon. Furthermore, he is an ancestor of Joseph, the legal father of Jesus, or, according to some interpretations of the Lucan genealogy, an ancestor of Mary.
Spiritual Significance
The significance of Matthat lies in his inclusion in the sacred record of the ancestry of Christ. In a biblical context, genealogies are more than historical lists; they are theological statements of God’s faithfulness over centuries.
the son of Joshua, the son of Eliezer, the son of Jorim, the son of Matthat, the son of Levi (Luke 3:29)
Matthat serves as evidence that even during obscure times when the throne of David appeared vacant, God was watching over the specific families through whom the Savior would come. His name, though appearing only once, stands as a testament to the preservation of the tribe of Judah and the preparation for the arrival of the "Lion of the tribe of Judah."
Spiritual Significance
Matthat’s theological importance is found in the meticulous preservation of the Davidic line. His presence in the Gospel of Luke confirms that the lineage of Jesus was documented and verifiable, fulfilling the requirement that the Messiah be a physical descendant of David.
His inclusion also highlights the value of the individual in God's redemptive plan. Though Matthat performed no recorded miracles and held no recorded office, his life was the necessary bridge between Levi and Jorim, ensuring the continuity of the promise made to the patriarchs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Matthat mentioned in the Bible?
Matthat is mentioned in Luke 3:29 as part of the genealogy of Jesus.
Who was Matthat's father?
According to Luke 3:29, Matthat was the son of Levi.
Which tribe did Matthat belong to?
Matthat belonged to the tribe of Judah, as he was a descendant of David.
Who was Matthat's son?
Matthat was the father of Jorim.
What is the meaning of the name Matthat?
Matthat is a Greek form of a Hebrew name likely meaning 'gift' or 'gift of God.'
Connected Figures
Categories
Mentions by Book
- Luke1
Family & Relationships
Child
Luke 3:29
Parent
Luke 3:29
Others Named Matthat
Matthat, Grandfather of JosephLuke 3:24
Matthat was a descendant of the tribe of Judah and the paternal grandfather of Joseph, the husband of Mary, in the genealogy of Jesus Christ recorded by Luke.