Μαθουσάλα (G3103) — Greek Lexicon

Μαθουσάλα

Mathousála

G3103 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

Mathousála is a personal name referring to the antediluvian figure known from biblical tradition, typically transliterated as Methushelach. In Koine Greek, it functions solely as a proper noun, designating the son of Henoch (Enoch) and grandfather of Noe (Noah), traditionally noted for his exceptionally long life. The term carries no independent lexical meaning apart from this onomastic use.

Semantic Range

name of an antediluvian patriarch, Methushelach; personal name only, with no lexical sense beyond its referent

Root / Etymology

Derived from Hebrew מְתוּשֶׁלַח (Metushelach), likely composed of the elements מֶת (met, 'man') and שֶׁלַח (shelach, 'dart' or possibly 'to send'), though the precise meaning is uncertain. Greek Μαθουσάλα is a straightforward transliteration of the Hebrew proper name.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In the Greek Septuagint and New Testament genealogies, Μαθουσάλα appears exclusively as the name of the pre-flood figure mentioned in Genesis 5, 1 Chronicles 1:3, and in the genealogy of Jesus in Luke 3:37. Septuagint and Koine usage replicate the Hebrew genealogy with only Greek morphological adaptation. The rendering of the name as Mathusala or Mathousala in English translations is inherited from the Greek and Latin biblical tradition. The original Hebrew meaning remains uncertain and was not reinterpreted by Greek-speaking Jews or early Christians; the name functioned strictly as an inherited personal name without additional semantic content. In later literature and popular tradition, Μαθουσάλα became a byword for longevity, but this meaning was not present in biblical or Second Temple Greek sources.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

of Hebrew origin (מְתוּשֶׁלַח); Mathusala (i.e. Methushelach), an antediluvian:--Mathusala.

Root Family

Μαθουσάλα (Mathousala) — personal name, antediluvian patriarch

Root Μαθουσαλ- personal name, proper noun (antediluvian figure)

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2	Occurrences
`G3103-01`	Μαθουσαλὰ	mathousala	`N GEN M SG`	Methuselah	of Methushelach	Mathousala	1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2
`G3103-01`	Luke 3:37	Μαθουσαλὰ	mathousala	`N GEN M SG`	Methuselah	of Methushelach	Mathousala

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