Matthan
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Matthan in the Bible?
Matthan is identified in the genealogical record of Matthew 1:15 as the father of Jacob and the grandfather of Joseph, the husband of Mary.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Matthan's position clarifies the specific ancestral line presented in Matthew, which emphasizes Jesus' legal descent from King David and Abraham to establish his messianic credentials for a Jewish audience.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Matthan reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Matthan in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Matthan clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
Matthew 1:15
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Matthan." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/matthan/