Meaning & Origin
A Hebrew name derived from the root 'mattath' meaning 'gift'. In the Bible, Matthat is mentioned as the father of Joseph, who is the earthly father of Jesus. As a result, Matthat is considered the ancestor of Jesus in the genealogy given in the Gospel of Luke.
Spiritual meaning
Symbol of Jesus' ancestry and divine origin.
Language details
Matthat
Gift of God, divine present
Pronunciation & Numerology
Pronunciation
MAT-thut
/ˈmætθət/
Lucky number
9
Lucky day
Sunday
Lucky colors
Life path
6
Lucky stone
Carnelian
Cultural & Spiritual notes
The name Matthat reflects the Jewish heritage and lineage of Jesus in the Bible. It highlights the connection between Jesus and his ancestors within the Hebrew tradition and the importance of Jewish genealogy within ancient Jewish culture. This name would have resonated with Jewish and early Christian communities, emphasizing the continuity of their history and faith.
As the name Matthat can be translated as 'gift,' it underscores the spiritual significance of Jesus as the greatest gift that God has given to humanity. This name serves as a reminder that Jesus' birth was no ordinary event, but a divine intervention for the salvation of mankind. Moreover, the name Matthat can also signify the gifts that God bestows upon us, which include faith, grace, and love, encouraging us to be grateful for His blessings.
Historical references
Matthat the son of Levi, mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus in Luke 3:27, is identified as Levi the son of Alphaeus in Mark 2:14 and Matthew 9:9.
First century AD
Matthat, also known as Mattathias, led a Jewish rebellion against the Seleucid Empire in 167–160 BC and is remembered as the father of Judas Maccabeus, who led the successful Jewish uprising against Syrian tyranny known as the Maccabean Revolt.
Second century BC
Notable people with this name
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