from עָוַר with directive enclitic appended; downward, below or beneath; often adverbially with or without prefixes; beneath, down(-ward), less, very low, under(-neath).
Transliteration:maṭṭâh
Pronunciation:mat'-taw
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term *maṭṭâh* (`{{H4295}}`) is primarily defined as "downward, below, or beneath." According to the provided base definition, it is derived from עָוַר (avar) with a directive enclitic appended. This indicates a directional or positional sense. Its semantic range is broad, encompassing meanings such as "beneath," "down(-ward)," "less," "very low," and "under(-neath)." It often functions adverbially, either independently or with prefixes, to specify a location or direction relative to another point. Its core conveys a sense of position at a lower level or movement towards a lower point.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of *maṭṭâh* in the Hebrew Bible consistently illustrate its primary function as a spatial indicator.
In [[Genesis 6:17]], *maṭṭâh* is used to describe the comprehensive scope of the impending flood: "And behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life, from under heaven; and every thing that is in the earth *below* shall die." Here, "in the earth *below*" (בָּאָרֶץ מַטָּה) emphasizes the totality of the judgment, extending to all life on the terrestrial surface, distinguishing it from the heavenly realm.
A particularly illustrative use of *maṭṭâh* appears in the context of land inheritance. In [[Joshua 15:19]], Caleb's daughter Achsah requests springs of water, stating, "Give me also springs of water. And he gave her the upper springs and the *lower* springs." This phrase, "the upper springs and the *lower* springs" (מַעַל וּמַטָּה), explicitly pairs *maṭṭâh* with its direct antonym, *ma'al* (`{{H4605}}`, "above, upward"). This pairing clearly delineates two distinct spatial levels, confirming *maṭṭâh*'s meaning as "lower" or "beneath." The identical phrasing is found in [[Judges 1:15]], reinforcing this established usage.
These occurrences demonstrate *maṭṭâh*'s straightforward yet crucial role in defining spatial relationships within the biblical narrative, whether describing the extent of divine action or the geography of the promised land.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding *maṭṭâh* is enhanced by examining its relationship with other Hebrew terms that share or contrast with its semantic field:
* **`{{H8478}}` (taḥat):** This is a very common preposition and adverb meaning "under, beneath, instead of." While *maṭṭâh* often emphasizes direction or relative position (e.g., "downward" or "the lower one"), *taḥat* can denote a more static "under" or "beneath" a specific object. In many contexts, they are semantically close, both conveying a sense of being in a lower position.
* **`{{H4605}}` (ma'al):** As noted in the contextual analysis, *ma'al* is the direct antonym of *maṭṭâh*, meaning "above, upward, on high." The frequent pairing of *ma'al* and *maṭṭâh* (e.g., "upper and lower," "above and below") creates a comprehensive spatial framework, highlighting the full vertical dimension.
* **`{{H5186}}` (naṭah):** While the Strong's definition links *maṭṭâh* to עָוַר, the semantic connection to נָטָה (*naṭah*, "to stretch out, incline, bend") is noteworthy. *Naṭah* often describes actions that involve inclining or bending downward, such as the stretching out of a rod or the bending of the heavens. This conceptual link helps to understand the inherent "downward" or "inclining" aspect embedded in the meaning of *maṭṭâh*, even if not its direct etymological root according to the provided data.
### Theological Significance
The seemingly simple spatial meaning of *maṭṭâh* carries significant theological implications within the biblical worldview:
* **Divine Sovereignty and Omnipresence:** The use of *maṭṭâh* in passages like [[Genesis 6:17]] underscores God's comprehensive dominion. His judgment extends not only to the heavens but also to "everything that is in the earth below," signifying that no part of creation is outside His purview or beyond the reach of His power. This reinforces the biblical teaching of God's absolute sovereignty over all realms.
* **Cosmological Framework:** The consistent distinction between "above" (*ma'al*) and "below" (*maṭṭâh*) contributes to the biblical cosmology. It delineates the distinct yet interconnected spheres of heavenly and earthly existence, which are fundamental to understanding God's interaction with His creation, the scope of His commands, and the boundaries of human experience.
* **Scope of Divine Action:** Whether describing the extent of a catastrophic flood or the precise demarcation of a blessed inheritance, *maṭṭâh* helps to define the comprehensive boundaries of God's actions. It communicates that divine judgment or blessing is thorough and reaches every designated dimension, leaving no part untouched within its intended scope.
### Summary
*Maṭṭâh* (`{{H4295}}`) is a vital Hebrew term denoting a downward, lower, or beneath position. Its usage in the Old Testament consistently functions as a spatial indicator, often in direct contrast with "above" (*ma'al*). While its etymological link is to עָוַר, its functional meaning strongly aligns with the concept of "inclining downward." Theologically, *maṭṭâh* contributes significantly to the biblical understanding of God's universal dominion, emphasizing His comprehensive control over all aspects of creation, from the highest heavens to the lowest parts of the earth. It precisely delineates the scope of divine actions, whether in judgment or in the bestowal of blessing.
TRV