Bible Figure
Nathan
third of four sons born to King David and Bathsheba
Nathan was a son of David and Bathsheba born in Jerusalem and an ancestor of Jesus in Luke's genealogy.
Biography
Second Samuel 5 and 1 Chronicles list Nathan among David's sons born in Jerusalem. First Chronicles 3 identifies his mother as Bathshua or Bathsheba. Luke 3 traces Jesus' genealogy through Nathan son of David rather than through Solomon, though the precise relationship between Luke's and Matthew's genealogies has long been discussed. Scripture records no independent narrative about Nathan himself.
Biblical Significance
Nathan is significant as a member of David's royal family and as the Davidic son named in Luke's genealogy of Jesus. He must be distinguished from Nathan the prophet.