"also spelled Ματθίας, BDAG 611, suggest it is a shortened form of Ματταθίας, Matthias, pr. name, Acts 1:23, 26*"
Definition and meaning
also spelled Ματθίας, BDAG 611, suggest it is a shortened form of Ματταθίας, Matthias, pr. name, Acts 1:23, 26*
In the original Greek the word is written: Μαθθίας
Historical context
The Roman Empire provided infrastructure no previous civilization had built — roads, sea routes, a common language in Greek, and relative peace across the Mediterranean. Jewish synagogues existed in every major city, giving Paul a starting point everywhere he traveled. The early church had no buildings, no political power, no social standing — and spread faster than any movement in ancient history.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of maththias (G3159) across the King James Bible.
And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.
And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
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Common questions
Strong's G3159 (maththias) is a Greek word that means: also spelled Ματθίας, BDAG 611, suggest it is a shortened form of Ματταθίας, Matthias, pr. name, Acts 1:23, 26* It appears 2 times in the King James Bible.
The word maththias (G3159) appears 2 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G3159 is maththias, a Greek word defined as: also spelled Ματθίας, BDAG 611, suggest it is a shortened form of Ματταθίας, Matthias, pr. name, Acts 1:23, 26*. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
maththias is a Greek word found in the New Testament.