GospelMount
Search Topics Scripture Prayer Resources Ebooks About Support the mission Saved articles

Μαθουσάλα (Mathousala)

Mathousala

Methuselah

G3103 · Greek · New Testament · 1 verses

Quick Reference

Language
Koine Greek
Testament
New Testament
Occurrences
1 verses
Root
—

Word Overview

The name Mathousala appears only once in the New Testament, recorded in Luke’s genealogy as the grandfather of Noah (Luke 3:37). It is a Greek transliteration of the Hebrew Metushelach, preserving the identity of this patriarch within Jesus’ ancestral line.

Lexical sources note that the name is traditionally interpreted to mean "when he dies, there shall be an emission." This etymology connects the individual’s identity to a specific prophetic or descriptive phrase in its original language, marking him as a figure whose life spanned the generations between Enoch and Noah.

While the New Testament mentions him only briefly, his inclusion highlights the continuity of the human story leading up to Christ. The name serves as a historical anchor, linking the Gospel narrative to the ancient records found in Genesis without adding further theological commentary on his personal faith or actions.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The name Methuselah appears in Luke’s genealogy as a quiet link between Enoch and Noah. His inclusion reminds us that Jesus’ lineage stretches back through real people who lived long lives and shaped history. This connection shows how God weaves individual stories into a larger plan.

While the Bible does not record his deeds, his presence in the list highlights the continuity of God’s work across generations. It invites us to trust that every life, no matter how ordinary it seems, has a place in God’s unfolding story. We can find comfort in knowing that our own lives are part of this same divine narrative.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • of Methuselah1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • Μαθουσαλὰ1×

Key Verses

  • Luke 3:37
    the son of Methuselah, the son of Enoch, the son of Jared, the son of Mahalaleel, the son of Cainan,

    This verse places Methuselah as the grandfather of Noah, anchoring Jesus’ human ancestry to the pre-flood patriarchs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Methuselah mean?

The name is traditionally interpreted to mean 'when he dies, there shall be an emission.' This etymology connects his identity to a descriptive phrase in Hebrew, marking him as a figure whose life spanned key generations.

Why is Methuselah mentioned in the New Testament?

He appears in Luke 3:37 as part of Jesus’ genealogy. His inclusion serves as a historical anchor, linking the Gospel narrative to ancient records in Genesis without adding further theological commentary on his personal faith.

What is Methuselah’s relationship to Noah?

Methuselah was Noah’s grandfather. He is listed as the son of Enoch and the father of Lamech, who was Noah’s father, placing him directly in the line leading to the flood narrative.

Every Occurrence (1 verses across 1 books)