Maath: An Ancestor of Jesus
Jump to: Nave'sGreekSubtopicsTerms
Topical Encyclopedia
Maath is a biblical figure mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus Christ as recorded in the Gospel of Luke. His name appears in the lineage that traces Jesus' ancestry through His earthly father, Joseph, highlighting the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah's descent from the house of David.

Biblical Reference:
Maath is specifically mentioned in Luke 3:26, which states: "the son of Maath, the son of Mattathias, the son of Semein, the son of Josech, the son of Joda" . This passage is part of the genealogy that Luke provides, which differs from the genealogy found in the Gospel of Matthew. Luke's genealogy traces Jesus' lineage back to Adam, emphasizing His connection to all humanity, while Matthew's account focuses on Jesus' legal right to the throne of David.

Genealogical Context:
In the context of Luke's genealogy, Maath is situated several generations after the Babylonian exile, a period of significant transformation and restoration for the Jewish people. The inclusion of Maath in this lineage underscores the continuity of God's covenantal promises through the generations, despite the challenges and disruptions faced by the Israelites.

Theological Significance:
The genealogy in Luke serves to affirm Jesus' rightful place in the Davidic line, fulfilling the prophecies that the Messiah would come from the house of David (2 Samuel 7:12-16; Isaiah 11:1). By tracing Jesus' ancestry through figures like Maath, the Gospel of Luke emphasizes the divine orchestration of history and the faithfulness of God in bringing about His redemptive plan.

Cultural and Historical Insights:
The genealogies in the Gospels reflect the Jewish tradition of meticulously preserving family records, which were crucial for establishing tribal identities and inheritance rights. Maath's presence in this lineage highlights the importance of each individual in the unfolding of God's salvific history, even if they are not prominently featured elsewhere in Scripture.

Name Meaning and Etymology:
The name Maath is of Hebrew origin, though its exact meaning is not definitively known. It is often associated with the root meaning "small" or "insignificant," which can be seen as a reflection of the humble and often overlooked individuals who played vital roles in God's plan.

Conclusion:
While Maath is not a well-known biblical figure, his inclusion in the genealogy of Jesus serves as a testament to the intricate and purposeful design of God's redemptive history. Through Maath and others in the lineage, the Gospel of Luke presents a comprehensive picture of Jesus' human ancestry, affirming His identity as the promised Messiah and Savior of the world.
Nave's Topical Index
Luke 3:26
Which was the son of Maath, which was the son of Mattathias, which was the son of Semei, which was the son of Joseph, which was the son of Juda,
Nave's Topical Index

Greek
3092. Maath -- Maath, an Israelite
... Proper Noun, Indeclinable Transliteration: Maath Phonetic Spelling: (mah-ath') Short
Definition: Maath Definition: (Hebrew), Maath, an ancestor of Jesus. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3092.htm - 6k
Resources
Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Ma'ath
Top of Page
Top of Page