Lexical Definition

‎Ματθαῖος‎ Matthaîos (mat-thah'-yos) Matthew ^N:N-M-P
a shorter form of ‎μάχομαι‎

Matthew.

• Matthæus (i.e. Matthitjah), an Israelite and a Christian

Abbott-Smith

Μαθθαῖος (Rec. Ματθ-, v. WH, App., 159; Bl., § 3, 11; on the Semitic form, v. Dalman, Words, 51; Gr., 142), -ου, ὁ,
Matthew: Mt tit., 9:9 10:3, Mk 3:18, Lk 6:15, Ac 1:13 (cf. Λευεί).†

Ματθαῖος, -άν, -ίας, v.s. Μαθθ-.

Abbott-Smith References

Profile

Male • An apostle • Apostle, tax collector, author of the Gospel of Matthew.

Apostle living at the time of the New Testament

Matthew, also known as Levi, was a tax collector who became one of Jesus' twelve apostles and authored the Gospel of Matthew (Mat.9.9; 10.3; Mrk.3.18; Luk.6.15; Act.1.13; Mrk.2.14; Luk.5.27,29,29).

• An apostle living at the time of the New Testament, first mentioned at Mat.9.9;
• referred to as Matthew Ματθαῖος, or Levi Λευΐ, or Levi (=Alt tag) Λευΐς;
• a son of Alphaeus Ἀλφαῖος.

Matthew, also known as Levi, was a tax collector in Capernaum before being called by Jesus to become one of His twelve apostles. As a tax collector, Matthew would have been considered a sinner and an outcast by the Jewish community. However, Jesus saw beyond his profession and called him to follow Him (Matthew 9:9; Mark 2:14; Luke 5:27). Matthew responded immediately, leaving his tax booth and hosting a great feast for Jesus in his home, inviting other tax collectors and sinners (Luke 5:29). As an apostle, Matthew witnessed Jesus' ministry, death, and resurrection. He is also traditionally attributed as the author of the Gospel of Matthew, which emphasizes Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the long-awaited Messiah (Matthew 10:3; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:15; Acts 1:13).

All entries for Matthew or Levi: Ματθαῖος ☩ Λευΐ ☩ Λευΐς

Related Profiles:

• Alphaeus (father)