(Aramaic) or מְטָה; (Aramaic), apparently corresponding to מָצָא in the intransitive sense of being found present; to arrive, extend or happen; come, reach.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic verb מְטָא (mᵉṭâʼ, `{{H4291}}`) carries the fundamental meaning of "to arrive," "to reach," or "to come." Its semantic range extends to encompass the idea of something "happening" or "extending" to a particular point, person, or state. The definition explicitly notes its correspondence to the Hebrew verb מָצָא (matsâʼ, `{{H4672}}`) in its intransitive sense, meaning "to be found present" or "to come upon." This connection highlights a nuance of presence or actualization. Therefore, מְטָא (mᵉṭâʼ) can describe not only physical movement to a destination but also the culmination of events, the realization of a condition, or the inevitable onset of a consequence. It conveys a sense of completion or the attainment of a specific state or location.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb מְטָא (mᵉṭâʼ, `{{H4291}}`) appears exclusively in the Aramaic sections of the Old Testament, primarily within the books of Ezra and Daniel. Its usage consistently reflects the core meanings of arriving, reaching, or coming to pass:
* **Physical Arrival:** In Daniel 6:24 (Aramaic 6:25), it describes the lions "reaching" or "coming to" the bottom of the den to devour the accusers of Daniel. Similarly, in Daniel 7:13, the pivotal vision depicts "one like a son of man coming with the clouds of heaven, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before Him." Here, the word signifies a majestic and significant arrival.
* **Impersonal Happening or Reaching a State:** In Daniel 4:24 (Aramaic 4:21), Daniel interprets Nebuchadnezzar's dream, stating, "This is the interpretation, O king, and this is the decree of the Most High, which has reached my lord the king." Here, the divine decree "reaches" or "comes upon" the king, signifying the inevitable execution of judgment. In Ezra 4:13, the adversaries of Judah warn King Artaxerxes that if the city is rebuilt, the Jews "will not pay tribute, customs, or toll, and the royal revenue will be damaged" (literally, "will reach" or "come to damage"). This implies a consequence or outcome reaching its detrimental state. In Ezra 7:20, Ezra is given authority regarding the temple, "And whatever else is needed for the house of your God, which you may have occasion to provide, you may provide it from the king's treasury." Here, "have occasion to provide" implies that the need "reaches" or "comes to hand."
Across these contexts, מְטָא (mᵉṭâʼ) underscores the certainty of an event's occurrence or a state's realization, whether it be a physical journey, a divine decree, or an economic consequence.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the Hebrew verb מָצָא (matsâʼ, `{{H4672}}`), as noted in the base definition. While מָצָא (matsâʼ) often means "to find," it also carries the intransitive sense of "to be found," "to be present," or "to come upon," which directly parallels מְטָא (mᵉṭâʼ, `{{H4291}}`). Both verbs can describe the unexpected or inevitable appearance or occurrence of something.
The concept of "reaching" or "coming" also connects to broader biblical themes such as:
* **Divine Appointment:** Events "reaching" their appointed time or a person "reaching" a specific destiny often imply divine predetermination.
* **Fulfillment:** Prophecies "coming to pass" or "reaching" their conclusion.
* **Consequence:** Actions "reaching" their inevitable outcomes, whether positive or negative.
* **Presence:** The idea of something or someone being "present" or "at hand."
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of מְטָא (mᵉṭâʼ, `{{H4291}}`) lies in its frequent association with the unfolding of God's sovereign plan and the certainty of His decrees.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Inevitability:** When used in contexts like Daniel 4:24, where a divine decree "reaches" King Nebuchadnezzar, the word emphasizes that God's will is inescapable and will inevitably come to fruition. It underscores the unchallengeable authority of the Most High, whose judgments and purposes "arrive" precisely as ordained.
* **Prophetic Fulfillment and Eschatology:** The most profound theological usage is in Daniel 7:13, describing the "Son of Man" "coming with the clouds of heaven" and "reaching" the Ancient of Days. This is a pivotal messianic and eschatological passage, pointing to the ultimate establishment of God's eternal kingdom. The "arrival" here is not merely a physical journey but the climactic inauguration of a new divine order, signifying the culmination of redemptive history and the sovereign transfer of authority.
* **Providence and Provision:** In Ezra 7:20, the word suggests that resources or needs for the temple "come to hand" as part of divine provision for the restoration of His people and worship. This subtly points to God's active involvement in practical matters.
Thus, מְטָא (mᵉṭâʼ) consistently conveys a sense of certainty and purpose, reflecting a universe where events do not merely happen by chance but "arrive" according to a divine blueprint.
### Summary
The Aramaic verb מְטָא (mᵉṭâʼ, `{{H4291}}`) signifies "to arrive," "to reach," or "to come," often carrying the nuance of something inevitably "happening" or "extending" to a specific point or state. Its semantic range parallels the intransitive sense of the Hebrew מָצָא (matsâʼ, `{{H4672}}`), emphasizing presence or actualization. In its biblical occurrences, particularly in Daniel, מְטָא (mᵉṭâʼ) vividly describes both physical arrivals (e.g., the Son of Man coming to the Ancient of Days) and the certain unfolding of divine decrees or consequences (e.g., judgment reaching a king). Theologically, the word powerfully underscores God's absolute sovereignty, the inevitability of prophetic fulfillment, and the purposeful progression of His plan in history. It reminds the reader that God's will "reaches" its intended outcome with unwavering certainty.
TRV