The BibleGospel Companion

Nathan

נָתָן · na.tan · H5416GΝαθάν · Nathan · G3481“given; giving; rewarded” Hitchcock's 18695 mentions in 4 books, most in 1 Chronicles (2)

Who he was

Nathan was one of the sons of King David and Bathsheba, born in Jerusalem (2 Samuel 5:14; 1Ch.3.5; 14.4). He was a younger brother of Solomon, who would succeed David as king.

Although little is known about Nathan's life, his significance lies in his role as an ancestor of Jesus Christ. In the genealogy of Jesus recorded in the Gospel of Luke, Nathan is listed as a descendant of David and an ancestor of Joseph, the husband of Mary (Luke 3:31).

The prophet Zechariah also mentions a future mourning in Jerusalem, where the family of the house of David and the family of Nathan will mourn separately (Zechariah 12:12). This suggests that the descendants of Nathan played a significant role in the history of Israel and were recognized as a distinct lineage within the house of David.

As a son of David, Nathan would have been part of the royal family during a time when Israel was at its peak of power and influence. His inclusion in the biblical record, both in the historical narratives and in the genealogy of Jesus, highlights the importance of the Davidic lineage in God's plan of redemption.

Article: STEPBible, Tyndale House Cambridge · CC BY 4.0

Family

Family relations: STEPBible, Tyndale House Cambridge · CC BY 4.0

Every mention

5 references, counted from STEPBible, Tyndale House Cambridge · CC BY 4.0 · verse text: World English Bible (public domain)

2 Samuel 1 mention

1 Chronicles 2 mentions

Zechariah 1 mention

Luke 1 mention

What the dictionary says

Given.

Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897)
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Sources