### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term מַטָּרָא (maṭṭârâʼ), Strong's `{{H4307}}`, and its variant מַטָּרָה (maṭṭârâ), derives from the root נָטַר (naṭar), `{{H5201}}`, which signifies "to keep, guard, watch, preserve." This etymological foundation provides the dual semantic range of the word. Firstly, it denotes a physical place of keeping or guarding, specifically a "jail," "prison," or "guard-house." This usage emphasizes the aspect of surveillance and confinement. Secondly, it refers to an object that is closely watched or aimed at, thus signifying a "mark," "target," or "aim." In this sense, the word describes a point of focus or an intended destination, often in the context of an arrow's target. Both meanings are unified by the underlying concept of being under observation or being carefully attended to, whether for custody or for precision.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term מַטָּרָא (maṭṭârâʼ) appears in the Hebrew Bible with both its primary meanings, each revealing significant contextual nuances.
1. **As "Prison" or "Guard-House":**
This usage is predominantly found in the book of Jeremiah, consistently referring to the "court of the prison" (חֲצַר הַמַּטָּרָה).
* In [[Jeremiah 32:2]], [[Jeremiah 32:8]], [[Jeremiah 33:1]], [[Jeremiah 37:21]], [[Jeremiah 38:6]], [[Jeremiah 38:13]], and [[Jeremiah 39:15]], Jeremiah is depicted as being confined in this specific location within the royal palace complex in Jerusalem. This was not merely a general jail but a particular area where prisoners under royal observation were kept. The repeated mention of Jeremiah's imprisonment in the *maṭṭârâʼ* underscores the political and social opposition he faced, yet also highlights the divine providence that allowed him to continue prophesying even from confinement.
* [[Nehemiah 3:25]] also mentions the "court of the prison" in the context of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, indicating its established presence as a significant structure.
2. **As "Mark" or "Target":**
This metaphorical usage appears in poetic and wisdom literature, often in contexts of suffering or divine judgment.
* In [[Lamentations 3:12]], the speaker laments, "He has bent His bow and set me as a target for His arrow" (וַיְצִּיבֵנִי כַּמַּטָּרָא לַחֵץ). Here, *maṭṭârâʼ* vividly portrays the individual (or Israel) as the direct object of God's disciplinary action, emphasizing the precision and intentionality of the divine judgment.
* Similarly, [[Job 16:12]] states, "He has set me up as His target" (לְמַטָּרָה יַעֲמִידֵנִי). Job, in his profound suffering, perceives himself as singled out by God, made into an object upon which divine wrath or testing is directed. This imagery conveys a sense of being relentlessly pursued or afflicted by a higher power.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the root נָטַר (naṭar), `{{H5201}}`, meaning "to keep, guard, watch." This foundational verb illuminates the core semantic connection for both "prison" (a place where one is guarded) and "target" (an object that is watched or aimed at).
Other related terms include:
* Words for "prison" or "confinement":
* כֶּלֶא (keleʼ), `{{H3608}}`: general term for prison or confinement.
* מַסְגֵּר (masgēr), `{{H4525}}`: a prison, often referring to a place of confinement for a king or important person.
* Words for "mark" or "sign":
* צִיּוּן (ṣiyyûn), `{{H6776}}`: a sign, mark, or monument, often indicating a specific spot.
* אוֹת (ʼôṯ), `{{H226}}`: a sign, token, or distinguishing mark.
* מַטָּר (maṭṭār), `{{H4306}}`: a related term, also from the same root, meaning "guard" or "watch."
The conceptual connections extend to themes of divine surveillance, human vulnerability, divine judgment, and the steadfastness of prophetic ministry even under duress.
### Theological Significance
The dual nature of *maṭṭârâʼ* `{{H4307}}` offers profound theological insights.
Firstly, its use as "prison" in Jeremiah highlights the **sovereignty of God even amidst human opposition and confinement**. Jeremiah's imprisonment in the *maṭṭârâʼ* was a consequence of his prophetic message, yet it did not silence him. Rather, divine revelation continued to reach him there, and his prophecies continued to be delivered. This illustrates that God's purposes cannot be thwarted by human efforts to restrict or suppress His messengers. The "court of the prison" becomes a paradoxical space where divine truth is not only preserved but actively disseminated, showcasing God's ability to work through and even within human limitations.
Secondly, its use as "target" in Lamentations and Job speaks to the **mystery of divine judgment and suffering**. When individuals or a nation are set as a *maṭṭârâʼ* for God's arrows, it conveys a sense of being singularly chosen for a specific experience of affliction. This imagery underscores God's active involvement in human suffering, whether for discipline, testing, or a deeper, inscrutable purpose. It compels the reader to grapple with the reality of a God who is intimately involved in the lives of His people, even to the point of being the source of their trials, yet always with ultimate justice and purpose. The "target" is not random but divinely appointed, inviting reflection on the meaning and purpose of adversity in the divine economy.
### Summary
The Hebrew term מַטָּרָא (maṭṭârâʼ), `{{H4307}}`, derived from the root `{{H5201}}` ("to guard, watch"), possesses a dual semantic range: a "prison" or "guard-house" and a "mark" or "target." In the historical narratives of Jeremiah, *maṭṭârâʼ* consistently denotes the physical "court of the prison" where the prophet was confined, underscoring God's continued revelation and purpose even in circumstances of human restriction. In the poetic and wisdom literature of Lamentations and Job, the word metaphorically describes an individual or nation as a "target" for God's actions, emphasizing divine sovereignty over suffering and the intentionality of divine judgment or testing. Together, these usages reveal a God who is intimately involved in human affairs, whether in overseeing confinement or directing trials, demonstrating His ultimate control and purposeful engagement with humanity in all circumstances. The word thus encapsulates themes of divine observation, intentionality, and the unfolding of God's will even amidst adversity.
TRV