from טָרַד; propulsive; Matred, an Edomitess; Matred.
Transliteration:Maṭrêd
Pronunciation:mat-rade'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H4308}}` (Maṭrêd) is a proper noun, specifically a feminine personal name. Its base definition indicates a derivation from the root `{{H2956}}` (ṭārad), which carries the primary meaning "to drive, chase, pursue, or expel." Therefore, the name Maṭrêd inherently conveys a sense of being "propulsive" or "driving forth." Unlike common nouns or verbs, a proper noun like Maṭrêd has a very narrow semantic range, referring exclusively to the individual bearing the name. Its meaning is primarily etymological, reflecting a characteristic or hope associated with the person at birth, or perhaps a descriptive quality.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Maṭrêd appears twice in the Hebrew Bible, both times in genealogical lists pertaining to the kings of Edom:
* [[Genesis 36:39]]: "And Hadar died, and Hadad reigned in his place; and the name of his city was Pau, and the name of his wife was Mehetabel, the daughter of Matred, the daughter of Me-zahab."
* [[1 Chronicles 1:50]]: "And Hadad died, and Samlah of Masrekah reigned in his place. And when Samlah died, Shaul of Rehoboth-on-the-River reigned in his place. And when Shaul died, Baal-Hanan the son of Achbor reigned in his place. And when Baal-Hanan died, Hadad reigned in his place; and the name of his city was Pai, and the name of his wife was Mehetabel, the daughter of Matred, the daughter of Me-zahab."
In both instances, Maṭrêd is identified as the mother of Mehetabel, who was the wife of Hadar (also called Hadad), the last king of Edom listed before the Edomite chieftaincies are detailed. She is further identified as "the daughter of Me-zahab." Her inclusion in these genealogies highlights the meticulous record-keeping of the biblical authors, even concerning figures outside the direct lineage of Israel. Her role is purely genealogical, serving to complete the lineage of an important Edomite royal figure. The repetition across Genesis and Chronicles underscores the reliability and importance of these historical records within the biblical narrative framework.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for `{{H4308}}` is its root verb `{{H2956}}` (ṭārad). This verb is used in various contexts to describe:
* **Driving out or expelling:** As seen in [[Leviticus 26:7]] where enemies are driven out, or [[Job 18:18]] where a wicked person is driven from light into darkness.
* **Pursuing or chasing:** For instance, in [[1 Samuel 17:53]] where the Israelites pursue the Philistines.
* **Being driven or agitated:** As in [[Isaiah 17:13]] where nations are driven like chaff.
While Maṭrêd is a proper name and thus distinct from the verb's active use, the etymological link suggests a quality of dynamism, forcefulness, or perhaps even an active role in "driving" or "propelling" something. In the context of a personal name, it could imply a forceful personality or one who brings about change. Beyond its direct root, Maṭrêd is conceptually linked to other proper names in the Bible that carry inherent meanings, reflecting the ancient practice of naming children with words that conveyed hopes, circumstances, or characteristics.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H4308}}` (Maṭrêd) is primarily indirect, derived from her inclusion in the biblical record. As an Edomitess, her presence in the genealogies of Genesis and Chronicles serves several important theological purposes:
* **Divine Sovereignty over All Nations:** The detailed record of Edomite kings, including the lineage of their queens, demonstrates God's comprehensive oversight not only of Israel but also of surrounding nations. This reinforces the biblical understanding of God as the sovereign Lord of all history and all peoples, not just the chosen covenant nation.
* **Fulfillment of Prophecy:** The existence of a powerful Edomite kingdom, with its own lineage of rulers, aligns with God's promise to Esau (Edom) that he would become a mighty nation (e.g., [[Genesis 36:1-43]]). The meticulous naming of kings and their families, including Maṭrêd, underscores the fulfillment of these ancient divine declarations.
* **Historical Veracity and Interconnectedness:** The inclusion of non-Israelite figures like Maṭrêd contributes to the historical depth and verisimilitude of the biblical narrative. It illustrates the interconnectedness of ancient Near Eastern societies and validates the biblical claim to present a genuine historical account, even when detailing the lineages of peoples often in conflict with Israel.
* **Theological Purpose of Genealogies:** Genealogies in the Bible are not mere lists; they serve theological purposes, establishing identity, lineage, and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. Maṭrêd's place, though brief, contributes to the comprehensive historical framework against which God's covenant with Israel is understood.
### Summary
`{{H4308}}` (Maṭrêd) is a Hebrew proper noun, a feminine name meaning "propulsive" or "driving forth," derived from the root `{{H2956}}` (ṭārad), "to drive or expel." She appears twice in the Old Testament, in [[Genesis 36:39]] and [[1 Chronicles 1:50]], identified as the mother of Mehetabel and mother-in-law to Hadar (Hadad), the last king of Edom mentioned in the pre-monarchic list. Her significance is primarily genealogical, underscoring the meticulous nature of biblical record-keeping. Theologically, her inclusion highlights God's comprehensive sovereignty over all nations, the fulfillment of divine promises to Esau, and the biblical commitment to historical accuracy, even concerning figures outside the direct Israelite lineage.
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