from מָנָה; properly, something weighed out, i.e. (generally) a division; specifically (of food) a ration; also a lot; such things as belonged, part, portion.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **mânâh**, represented by `{{H4490}}`, properly refers to something weighed out or a division. It is generally used to mean a part, portion, ration, or lot. It appears 14 times across 14 unique verses in the Bible, signifying a specific and deliberate allocation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical usage, `{{H4490}}` describes several types of allotments. It can refer to a serving of food, as when Elkanah gave **portions** to his family [[1 Samuel 1:4]] or when Samuel instructed the cook to bring a specific **portion** he had set aside [[1 Samuel 9:23]]. The term is also used for sacred portions designated for priests from sacrifices, such as the breast of the consecration ram being Moses' **part** [[Exodus 29:26]] or the right shoulder being the priest's **part** of the peace offerings [[Leviticus 7:33]]. During times of celebration, the sending of **portions** was an act of fellowship and charity, particularly to those who had nothing prepared ([[Nehemiah 8:10]]; [[Esther 9:22]]). Figuratively, it can describe a divinely appointed destiny, whether a blessing, as when the LORD is called the **portion** of an inheritance [[Psalms 16:5]], or a judgment [[Jeremiah 13:25]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the concept of a divinely measured or distributed share:
* `{{H1486}}` **gôwrâl** (lot): This word, meaning a pebble or lot, is used alongside **mânâh** to speak of a portion or destiny. It highlights that one's share is determined, as if by lot, with God maintaining that **lot** [[Psalms 16:5]].
* `{{H2506}}` **chêleq** (inheritance, part, portion): Often paired with **mânâh**, this term emphasizes an allotted inheritance. In [[Psalms 16:5]], the LORD is the **portion** (mânâh) of one's **inheritance** (chêleq), showing the overlap in meaning.
* `{{H7971}}` **shâlach** (to send away, for, or out): This verb is frequently used to describe the action associated with **mânâh** during feasts, where the command is to **send** portions to others as an expression of joy and community ([[Nehemiah 8:10]]; [[Esther 9:19]]).
* `{{H398}}` **'âkal** (to eat): This word is often found in the same context as **mânâh**, as the purpose of a food portion is to be eaten, linking the act of provision with the act of sustenance and celebration [[Nehemiah 8:12]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H4490}}` is multifaceted, moving from the physical to the spiritual.
* **Divine Allotment:** The concept of a portion often originates from a higher authority. Priests receive their part because it is commanded by the LORD [[Leviticus 8:29]]. This establishes that God is the one who assigns and distributes what is due.
* **Celebration and Fellowship:** The act of sending portions is integral to holy celebrations. It signifies shared joy, community, and care for the poor [[Esther 9:22]]. This practice turns personal feasting into a communal act of worship and generosity [[Nehemiah 8:12]].
* **God as the Ultimate Sufficiency:** The most profound application of **mânâh** is when the LORD Himself is identified as the believer's portion [[Psalms 16:5]]. This elevates the meaning from a physical ration to the ultimate spiritual inheritance and sustenance, where God Himself is the all-sufficient share.
### Summary
In summary, **mânâh** `{{H4490}}` is a term that conveys a deliberately measured and assigned share. While it often refers to a physical portion of food or a sacred allotment for the priesthood, its greater significance lies in its theological applications. It illustrates the principles of divine provision, communal generosity in times of joy, and the ultimate truth that a relationship with God is the most valuable and sustaining **portion** one can receive.
TRV