or (feminine) מַטְעַמָּה; from טָעַם; a delicacy; dainty (meat), savoury meat.
Transliteration:maṭʻam
Pronunciation:mat-am'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term מַטְעַם (maṭʻam, `{{H4303}}`) is derived from the verbal root טָעַם (ṭāʻam, `{{H2938}}`), which means "to taste," "to perceive," or "to discern." Consequently, maṭʻam signifies something that is "tasty," "palatable," or "savory." The base definition provided, "a delicacy; dainty (meat), savoury meat," accurately captures its essence. It refers not merely to food in general, but to food that is choice, specially prepared, highly desirable, and intended for enjoyment or a special occasion. The term implies a heightened sensory experience, focusing on the quality and appeal of the food to the palate.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term maṭʻam (`{{H4303}}`) appears exclusively within the Genesis 27 narrative, which recounts Jacob's deception of Isaac to receive the patriarchal blessing intended for Esau. Its repeated use underscores its pivotal role in the plot:
* [[Genesis 27:4]]: Isaac instructs Esau to hunt game and "make me savoury meat (maṭʻam), such as I love, and bring it to me that I may eat, and that my soul may bless you before I die." Here, the maṭʻam is directly linked to the conferral of the blessing.
* [[Genesis 27:7]]: Isaac reiterates his desire for "savoury meat (maṭʻam)" before bestowing the blessing.
* [[Genesis 27:9]]: Rebekah, overhearing Isaac's instructions, tells Jacob to bring two young goats "that I may prepare from them savoury meat (maṭʻam) for your father, such as he loves." This highlights Rebekah's knowledge of Isaac's specific culinary preference and her intention to replicate it.
* [[Genesis 27:14]]: Jacob fetches the goats, and Rebekah prepares the "savoury meat (maṭʻam)."
* [[Genesis 27:17]]: Rebekah gives the prepared "savoury meat (maṭʻam)" to Jacob to present to Isaac.
* [[Genesis 27:31]]: Esau returns from his hunt and offers his own "savoury meat (maṭʻam)" to Isaac, only to discover that Jacob has already usurped the blessing.
In each instance, maṭʻam is not merely a descriptive detail but a central object that drives the narrative forward. Isaac's strong desire for this particular food sets in motion the entire chain of events, revealing the vulnerability of human preferences and their potential exploitation. The repeated emphasis on "such as I love" or "such as he loves" underscores the personal and deeply satisfying nature of this "delicacy" for Isaac.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for maṭʻam (`{{H4303}}`) is its root verb, טָעַם (ṭāʻam, `{{H2938}}`), meaning "to taste" or "to discern." This connection emphasizes the sensory experience and the act of enjoyment or appraisal of food.
Related concepts include:
* **Culinary Skill:** The preparation of maṭʻam implies a level of expertise, as Rebekah confidently states she can make it "such as he loves."
* **Desire and Appetite:** Isaac's intense longing for this specific food highlights human desires, which can sometimes overshadow discernment or lead to vulnerability.
* **Blessing and Inheritance:** The maṭʻam is inextricably linked to the patriarchal blessing, serving as the immediate catalyst for its transfer.
* **Deception:** The term is central to the narrative of Jacob's deception, as the prepared maṭʻam is used to impersonate Esau.
* **Sacrifice and Offering:** While not a cultic offering, the act of preparing and presenting this special food carries a quasi-sacrificial undertone, as it is offered in exchange for a profound spiritual benefit (the blessing).
### Theological Significance
The seemingly simple concept of "savoury meat" (maṭʻam, `{{H4303}}`) holds profound theological significance within the Genesis narrative.
* **Human Weakness and Divine Sovereignty:** Isaac's strong desire for maṭʻam exposes a human weakness – an attachment to physical comforts and preferences – that becomes a point of leverage for deception. Yet, within this human failing and manipulation, the overarching sovereignty of God is evident. The "wrong" son, Jacob, receives the blessing, fulfilling God's earlier prophetic word to Rebekah that "the older shall serve the younger" [[Genesis 25:23]]. The maṭʻam thus becomes an unwitting instrument in the divine plan, demonstrating how God can use even human sin and folly to accomplish His purposes.
* **The Weight of the Blessing:** The maṭʻam underscores the solemnity and weighty nature of the patriarchal blessing. It was not given lightly but was associated with a specific ritual and a desired offering, highlighting its significance as a spiritual inheritance.
* **Symbolism of the Meal:** Meals in the Bible often carry deep symbolic weight, signifying covenant, fellowship, or a transfer of identity/destiny. While the maṭʻam meal is tainted by deception, its connection to the patriarchal blessing elevates it beyond mere sustenance, making it a pivotal event in the unfolding history of God's chosen people. It foreshadows how seemingly ordinary elements can become central to God's redemptive narrative.
### Summary
The Hebrew term מַטְעַם (maṭʻam, `{{H4303}}`) denotes "savoury meat" or "delicacy," emphasizing food that is highly palatable and specially prepared. Its exclusive appearances in Genesis 27 highlight its crucial role as the immediate catalyst for the deception surrounding Isaac's patriarchal blessing. Derived from the root `{{H2938}}` ("to taste"), it underscores the sensory pleasure and culinary skill associated with such food. Theologically, maṭʻam serves as a powerful illustration of how human desires and deceptions, even for something as seemingly mundane as a special meal, are ultimately woven into the tapestry of God's sovereign plan. It demonstrates God's ability to use human actions, even those born of sin, to accomplish His divine will, particularly in the unfolding of the covenant promises and the lineage of blessing.
TRV