Meleas is a biblical figure mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus Christ as recorded in the Gospel of Luke. Specifically, Meleas appears in the lineage of Jesus through His earthly father, Joseph, tracing back to Adam. This genealogy is significant as it underscores the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah's lineage.

Biblical Reference:

Meleas is found in the New Testament in the Gospel of Luke. The relevant passage is Luke 3:23-38, where the genealogy of Jesus is detailed. In this genealogy, Meleas is listed as an ancestor of Jesus, situated between Menna and Eliakim. The Berean Standard Bible renders this passage as follows:

"the son of Melea, the son of Menna, the son of Mattatha, the son of Nathan, the son of David" (Luke 3:31).

Genealogical Context:

The genealogy in Luke is distinct from the one presented in the Gospel of Matthew. While Matthew traces Jesus' lineage through Solomon, the son of David, Luke traces it through Nathan, another son of David. This difference highlights the dual nature of Jesus' royal and legal heritage, fulfilling the messianic prophecies from different angles. Meleas, therefore, is part of this broader narrative that connects Jesus to the house of David, affirming His rightful place as the promised Messiah.

Theological Significance:

The inclusion of Meleas in the genealogy of Jesus serves to emphasize the historical and theological continuity of God's redemptive plan. Each name in the genealogy, including Meleas, represents a link in the chain of God's covenantal promises. The genealogy in Luke underscores the humanity of Jesus, tracing His lineage back to Adam, the first man, and thereby affirming His role as the second Adam who redeems humanity.

Historical and Cultural Context:

Genealogies were of great importance in Jewish culture, serving not only as records of ancestry but also as affirmations of identity and heritage. For the early Christian community, the genealogies of Jesus were crucial in establishing His credentials as the Messiah. By including figures like Meleas, the Gospel of Luke provides a comprehensive account that would resonate with both Jewish and Gentile audiences, demonstrating the universal scope of Jesus' mission.

Conclusion:

While Meleas is not a prominent figure in biblical narratives, his inclusion in the genealogy of Jesus highlights the meticulous care with which the Gospel writers documented the fulfillment of God's promises. Each name, including Meleas, contributes to the rich tapestry of salvation history, pointing to Jesus Christ as the culmination of God's redemptive work through the ages.3190. Melea -- Melea, an Israelite
... NASB Word Usage Melea (1). Meleas. Of uncertain origin; Meleas, an Israelite --
Meleas. (melea) -- 1 Occurrence. 3189, 3190. Melea. 3191 . Strong's Numbers
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3190.htm - 6kMeleas (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Meleas (1 Occurrence). Luke 3:31 of Meleas,
of Menan, of Mattatha, of Nathan, of David, (DBY). ...
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Melech (7 Occurrences)

/m/melech.htm - 9k

Me'le-a (1 Occurrence)
Me'le-a. Melea, Me'le-a. Meleas . Multi-Version Concordance Me'le-a (1 Occurrence).
Luke ... RSV). Melea, Me'le-a. Meleas . Reference Bible.
/m/me'le-a.htm - 6k

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