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Nathan נָתָן

Male Tribe of Judah H5416G 4 books

Son of David and Bathsheba, ancestor of Jesus.

Who is Nathan in the Bible?

Nathan was a son of King David and Bathsheba, born in Jerusalem and mentioned in the genealogies of 2 Samuel 5:14 and 1 Chronicles 3:5 and 14:4. He was a younger brother of Solomon, who would eventually succeed David as king. Although little is recorded about Nathan's personal life, his primary biblical significance is his role as an ancestor of Jesus Christ, appearing in the genealogy of Luke 3:31 as a forefather of Joseph, the husband of Mary. The prophet Zechariah also references Nathan's descendants in a future scene of mourning in Jerusalem, indicating that the family of Nathan maintained a distinct and recognized lineage within the house of David throughout Israel's history.

Biography

Nathan was one of the sons of King David and Bathsheba, born in Jerusalem (2Sa.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 (Luk.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 (Zec.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.

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In Scripture

4 biblical books ; 1 with study content
2 Samuel 1 verse
  • 2 Samuel 5:14

    "These are the names of the children born to him in Jerusalem: Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, Solomon,"

1 Chronicles 2 verses
  • 1 Chronicles 3:5

    "and these sons were born to him in Jerusalem: Shimea, Shobab, Nathan, and Solomon. These four were born to him by Bathsheba daughter of Ammiel."

  • 1 Chronicles 14:4

    "These are the names of the children born to him in Jerusalem: Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, Solomon,"

Zechariah 1 verse
  • Zechariah 12:12

    "The land will mourn, each clan on its own: the clan of the house of David and their wives, the clan of the house of Nathan and their wives,"

Luke 1 verse
  • Luke 3:31

    "the son of Melea, the son of Menna, the son of Mattatha, the son of Nathan, the son of David,"

    Study Luke →

Names & Aliases

Form Language Script Meaning
Named Hebrew נָתָן Nathan , the name of five Israelites
Greek Greek Ναθάν —