Nathan נָתָן

Male Tribe of Judah H5416G 4 books

Son of David and Bathsheba, ancestor of Jesus.

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.

Family

Siblings

In Scripture

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

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

1 Chronicles 2 verses
  • 1 Chronicles 3:5

    "and these were born to him in Jerusalem: Shimea, Shobab, Nathan, and Solomon, four, of Bathshua the daughter of Ammiel;"

  • 1 Chronicles 14:4

    "These are the names of the children whom he had in Jerusalem: Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, Solomon,"

Zechariah 1 verse
  • Zechariah 12:12

    "The land will mourn, every family apart; the family of David’s house apart, and their wives apart; the family of the house of Nathan apart, and their wives apart;"

Luke 1 verse
  • Luke 3:31

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

    Study Luke →

Names & Aliases

Form Language Script Strong's
Named Hebrew נָתָן H5416G
Greek Greek Ναθάν G3481