Μελεᾶς (Meleas)
Meleas
Melea
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The name Meleas appears only once in the New Testament, listed as an ancestor of Jesus in Luke’s genealogy (Luke 3:31). It is a proper noun with no independent verb or adjective meaning outside this specific identification.
Lexical sources identify it as a transliteration of the Hebrew name Melea, which means "my dear friend" or "object of care." Its presence in the lineage highlights the human connections within Jesus’ ancestry, preserving the memory of individuals who are otherwise unknown in Scripture.
Because it occurs solely in this genealogical record, the word serves as a marker of continuity rather than a theological concept. It reminds readers that the Christian narrative includes ordinary names and familial ties alongside major prophetic figures.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Meleas appears only once in the New Testament, nestled within the genealogy of Jesus in Luke’s Gospel. It is a proper noun, likely meaning “my dear friend,” and serves as a link in the chain of ancestors leading to Christ. This single mention reminds us that Jesus’ humanity was built through real people with ordinary names and lives.
While we do not know the personal story of Meleas, his inclusion shows that God values every individual in His redemptive plan. It is comforting to know that the Savior’s lineage includes those who are otherwise unknown to history, affirming the dignity of every generation.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- of Melea1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Μελεὰ1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 3:31
the son of Melea, the son of Menan, the son of Mattatha, the son of Nathan, the son of David,
This verse places Meleas in the direct line from David to Jesus, highlighting his role as a necessary link in the messianic ancestry recorded by Luke.