from נָטַע; something planted, i.e. the place (a garden or vineyard), or the thing (a plant, figuratively or men); by implication, the act, planting; plant(-ation, -ing).
Transliteration:maṭṭâʻ
Pronunciation:mat-taw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun maṭṭâʻ (`{{H4302}}`) derives from the verbal root nāṭaʻ (`{{H5193}}`), which means "to plant" or "to fix." As such, maṭṭâʻ carries a multi-faceted semantic range, encompassing:
1. **The Act of Planting**: It can refer to the process or action of setting a plant into the ground.
2. **The Thing Planted**: This includes a literal plant, a sapling, or, significantly, people envisioned as a "planting."
3. **The Place of Planting**: This denotes a garden, a vineyard, or any designated area where things are cultivated, implying a deliberate establishment.
By implication, maṭṭâʻ signifies something that is intentionally set, established, and cultivated, whether a physical plant, a geographical location, or a community of people.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word maṭṭâʻ appears several times in the Hebrew Bible, each instance enriching its meaning:
* **2 Samuel 7:10 / 1 Chronicles 17:9**: In these parallel passages, God declares to David, "I will appoint a place for my people Israel and will plant them, so that they may live in their own place and not be disturbed again." Here, maṭṭâʻ refers to the *place* or *settlement* where Israel will be securely established by divine decree. It speaks of stability, permanence, and divine provision, contrasting with their nomadic past.
* **Psalm 144:12**: This psalm of blessing includes the petition, "May our sons in their youth be like plants grown up, and our daughters like corner pillars cut for the structure of a palace." Here, maṭṭâʻ describes children as flourishing *plants*, symbolizing vigor, growth, and the promise of a prosperous future for the nation. It highlights the ideal of a thriving generation.
* **Isaiah 60:21**: In a prophecy of future glory for Zion, it states, "Your people shall all be righteous; they shall possess the land forever. They are the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, so that I might be glorified." This is a profoundly theological usage. The redeemed community is explicitly called "my planting" (maṭṭâʻ), emphasizing that they are directly established, nurtured, and owned by God for His own glory.
* **Isaiah 61:3**: Continuing the theme of restoration, this verse promises that the Lord will give "a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit; so they will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor." Similar to [[Isaiah 60:21]], the righteous, restored people are identified as God's maṭṭâʻ, signifying their divine origin, purpose, and the ultimate display of God's splendor through them.
* **Ezekiel 17:7-8**: In the allegory of the two eagles and the vine, maṭṭâʻ refers to the vine's *plantation* or the act of planting it in a fertile field. This passage uses the imagery of planting and uprooting to describe God's dealings with Israel and Judah, highlighting His sovereign control over their destiny, including judgment and the potential for new growth.
* **Micah 1:6**: Prophesying judgment on Samaria, the Lord declares, "Therefore I will make Samaria a heap in the open country, a planting of a vineyard." Here, maṭṭâʻ denotes a *place* that will be reduced to an agricultural plot, losing its identity as a city. It signifies desolation and transformation into a cultivated field, stripped of its former glory.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{H5193}}` (nāṭaʻ)**: The foundational verbal root "to plant." This verb underscores intentionality, care, and the expectation of growth, which are inherent in maṭṭâʻ.
* **`{{H3759}}` (kerem)**: Vineyard. Often a specific type of maṭṭâʻ and frequently used metaphorically for Israel.
* **`{{H1598}}` (gan)**: Garden. Another specific type of maṭṭâʻ, most notably the Garden of Eden, representing a place of divine cultivation and blessing.
* **`{{H2233}}` (zeraʻ)**: Seed, offspring. This connects to the idea of a "planting" of people, as descendants are like seeds that grow into a flourishing population.
* **Covenant**: The concept of God "planting" His people ([[2 Samuel 7:10]]) is deeply intertwined with His covenant promises of land, security, and blessing, establishing a permanent relationship.
* **Fruitfulness**: The ultimate purpose of planting is to yield fruit. This links maṭṭâʻ to the broader biblical theme of divine blessing leading to productivity, whether in terms of offspring, prosperity, or righteous living.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of maṭṭâʻ is profound, primarily revealing God's active, intentional, and sovereign role in creation and redemption:
1. **Divine Initiative and Ownership**: The recurring phrase "my planting" or "a planting of the Lord" ([[Isaiah 60:21]], [[Isaiah 61:3]]) powerfully asserts God's direct involvement and proprietorship over His people. They are not a random assembly but a deliberate, cultivated work of His hands, designed for His glory. This highlights God as the supreme and purposeful Planter.
2. **Security and Permanence**: God's promise to "plant" Israel in their own land ([[2 Samuel 7:10]]) conveys a profound sense of security, stability, and freedom from displacement. It is an assurance of divine faithfulness in establishing and sustaining His people in a place of rest.
3. **Growth, Flourishing, and Righteousness**: The imagery of children as "plants grown up" ([[Psalm 144:12]]) and the righteous as "oaks of righteousness" ([[Isaiah 61:3]]) speaks to the expectation of vitality, robust growth, and moral uprightness under God's nurturing care. It signifies a community that thrives and bears good fruit because of its divine origin and sustenance.
4. **Figurative Representation of God's People**: Perhaps the most potent theological aspect is the identification of God's chosen people as His maṭṭâʻ. This metaphor emphasizes their corporate identity, divine election, and the special relationship they share with the Creator. They are a living testament to His power and splendor.
5. **Sovereignty in Judgment and Restoration**: While often associated with blessing, maṭṭâʻ can also appear in contexts of judgment, as seen in the desolation of Samaria ([[Micah 1:6]]). Even in judgment, God remains the ultimate Planter, having the authority to uproot or to replant (as in Ezekiel's vine allegory), demonstrating His complete sovereignty over the destiny of nations and individuals.
### Summary
The Hebrew word maṭṭâʻ (`{{H4302}}`), derived from the verb "to plant" (`{{H5193}}`), is a versatile term signifying the act of planting, the thing planted (plant or people), or the place of planting. Its biblical usage consistently underscores God's active, intentional, and sovereign involvement in creation and, preeminently, in the life of His people. From establishing Israel securely in their land ([[2 Samuel 7:10]]) to designating His redeemed community as "His planting" for His glory ([[Isaiah 60:21]], [[Isaiah 61:3]]), maṭṭâʻ highlights divine ownership, security, and the expectation of spiritual growth and fruitfulness. It portrays God as the ultimate Planter, whose deliberate actions bring forth life, establish communities, and ultimately manifest His splendor through those He has cultivated.
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