### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Maṭrêd**, represented by `{{H4308}}`, is the name of an Edomitess meaning **propulsive**. This name appears only **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible, exclusively within a genealogical record. Its presence serves to identify the maternal lineage of a king's wife.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H4308}}` is found in the genealogies of the kings of Edom. Both Genesis and 1 Chronicles record an almost identical entry stating that Mehetabel `{{H4105}}`, the wife of the king who reigned after Baal-hanan `{{H1177}}` died `{{H4191}}`, was the "daughter of Matred, the daughter of Mezahab" ([[Genesis 36:39]]; [[1 Chronicles 1:50]]). This places **Maṭrêd** as the mother of a queen and a key figure in establishing the royal family's lineage.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the role of **Maṭrêd**:
* `{{H1323}}` **bath** (a daughter): This word is essential for understanding Maṭrêd's identity, as she is introduced as the parent of her own **daughter**, Mehetabel [[Genesis 36:39]].
* `{{H4105}}` **Mᵉhêyṭabʼêl** (bettered of God): The name of Maṭrêd's daughter, Mehetabel, whose marriage to the Edomite king is the reason for this lineage being recorded [[1 Chronicles 1:50]].
* `{{H4314}}` **Mêy Zâhâb** (water of gold): The name of Maṭrêd's own parent, Mezahab, establishing a three-generation maternal line within the kingly records [[Genesis 36:39]].
* `{{H1924}}` **Hădar** (Hadar, an Edomite): The name of the king who reigned in Edom and married Maṭrêd's daughter, as recorded in the book of Genesis [[Genesis 36:39]].
* `{{H802}}` **ʼishshâh** (a woman; wife): This term identifies Mehetabel's status as the **wife** of the king, providing the context for why her mother, Maṭrêd, is mentioned [[1 Chronicles 1:50]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H4308}}` is found entirely within its genealogical function.
* **Genealogical Precision:** The inclusion of **Maṭrêd** and her lineage demonstrates the detailed and specific nature of biblical records, which preserve historical and familial lines, even for non-Israelite nations like Edom.
* **Maternal Lineage:** In a record dominated by male rulers, the specific mention of Maṭrêd as the mother of Mehetabel, who is in turn the daughter of Mezahab, gives unusual prominence to the maternal line [[Genesis 36:39]].
* **Historical Context:** By identifying the family of the queen, the mention of **Maṭrêd** provides a fuller historical picture of the Edomite monarchy, anchoring the reign of king Hadar (or Hadad) to a specific familial network.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4308}}` **Maṭrêd** is an Edomitess whose name is preserved solely due to her place in the lineage of an Edomite queen. Though mentioned only twice, her inclusion in the genealogies of Genesis and 1 Chronicles highlights the scriptural importance of precise historical records and demonstrates that even seemingly minor figures contribute to the rich tapestry of the biblical narrative.
TRV