### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term מֻטָּה (muṭṭâh), Strong's number `{{H4298}}`, is derived from the verbal root נָטָה (nāṭāh), `{{H5186}}`, which carries the primary meaning of "to stretch out," "to extend," "to spread," or "to incline/turn aside." As a noun, מֻטָּה therefore fundamentally signifies "an expansion," "a stretching out," or "an extension." The semantic range of מֻטָּה appears to be quite narrow in its biblical occurrences, but its application develops nuanced meanings from this core sense, particularly in relation to actions that are sustained, pervasive, or result in acquisition. It often implies a deliberate and forceful extension, whether of a hand, a blow, or an influence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term מֻטָּה appears in the Masoretic Text in two distinct passages within the book of Isaiah, each conveying a specific nuance of its core meaning:
* **[[Isaiah 14:6]]**: "He who struck the peoples in wrath with a continual stroke, who ruled the nations in anger with a persecution that none restrained." Here, מֻטָּה is translated as "continual stroke" or "unrelenting blow." In this context, the "stretching out" implies a sustained, extended, and unceasing application of force or judgment. It describes the oppressive and relentless nature of the Babylonian king's rule and his violent actions against the nations. The word emphasizes the *duration* and *persistence* of the blow, an extension in time, rather than merely a single, isolated act. This highlights the severity and constancy of the king's wrath, which is now being judged by God.
* **[[Isaiah 25:11]]**: "And he will spread out his hands in the midst of it as a swimmer spreads out his hands to swim, but the Lord will lay low his pomp together with the spoils of his hands." In this verse, מֻטָּה is rendered as "spoils" or "plunder." While seemingly a departure from "stretching out," this translation is understood as a metonymy. The "stretching out of hands" is a common biblical idiom for grasping, taking, or acquiring, particularly in the context of plunder or seizure. Thus, the "stretching out" (of hands) results in "spoils." The verse describes the futile efforts of Moab (or any proud adversary) to resist God's judgment, comparing their desperate flailing to a swimmer's movements, yet their pride and ill-gotten gains (the "spoils" acquired by their "stretched out hands") will be brought low by the Lord.
In both instances, despite the varied English translations, the underlying concept of "stretching out" or "extension" remains. In [[Isaiah 14:6]], it is an extension of a blow; in [[Isaiah 25:11]], it is an extension of the hand leading to acquisition.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is the verbal root נָטָה (nāṭāh), `{{H5186}}`, from which מֻטָּה is derived. This root is highly versatile, describing physical actions like stretching out a hand (e.g., for blessing, healing, or judgment), extending a measuring line, or pitching a tent. It can also describe an inclination or turning aside, whether physically or morally.
Other related concepts include:
* **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**: Both occurrences of מֻטָּה are found in prophetic contexts detailing God's judgment against human pride and oppression.
* **Human Action and Consequence**: The word describes human actions (striking, acquiring spoils) which are then met with divine response.
* **Extension and Duration**: The idea of something being protracted or sustained, as seen in the "continual stroke."
* **Acquisition and Plunder**: The consequence of "stretching out hands" for gain.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of מֻטָּה lies primarily in its contribution to the prophetic message of Isaiah concerning divine judgment and sovereignty.
In [[Isaiah 14:6]], the "continual stroke" of the oppressor is a testament to the pervasive and destructive nature of human evil when unchecked. However, this human "stretching out" of wrath is ultimately met and surpassed by God's own decisive action. The very relentlessness of the oppressor's "stroke" serves to highlight the divine justice that will bring it to an end. This application of מֻטָּה underscores the principle that human power, no matter how extended or severe, is finite and subject to God's ultimate authority.
In [[Isaiah 25:11]], the "spoils" acquired by the "stretching out of hands" represent the fruit of human pride and self-reliance, particularly in the context of military conquest or economic exploitation. God's declaration to "lay low his pomp together with the spoils of his hands" is a powerful statement against human arrogance and the futility of trusting in earthly acquisitions. It teaches that all human endeavors and gains, even those achieved through great effort ("stretching out"), are transient and vulnerable before the Lord's power. The "stretching out" for gain is directly contrasted with God's "laying low," demonstrating divine reversal of human ambition.
Across both contexts, מֻטָּה, though describing human actions, implicitly points to the overarching power of God who allows, judges, and ultimately brings an end to such "extensions" of human will.
### Summary
מֻטָּה (muṭṭâh, `{{H4298}}`) is a Hebrew noun derived from the root נָטָה (nāṭāh, `{{H5186}}`), meaning "to stretch out" or "to extend." Its core meaning encompasses the idea of "expansion" or "stretching out." In its limited biblical occurrences within the book of Isaiah, its semantic range is nuanced by context. In [[Isaiah 14:6]], it refers to a "continual stroke" or "unrelenting blow," emphasizing the sustained and persistent nature of an action. In [[Isaiah 25:11]], it signifies "spoils" or "plunder," understood as the outcome of "stretching out hands" for acquisition. Theologically, מֻטָּה highlights the pervasive nature of human oppression and pride, which, despite their "extension" or "expansion," are ultimately subject to the sovereign and decisive judgment of God. It serves as a reminder of the transience of human power and the ultimate triumph of divine justice.
TRV