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.
Transliteration:mânâh
Pronunciation:maw-naw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun מָנָה (mânâh, `{{H4490}}`) is derived from the verbal root מָנָה (mânâh, `{{H4487}}`), meaning "to count," "to number," or "to appoint." This etymological connection is crucial, as the noun itself conveys the sense of something that has been measured, counted out, or specifically designated. Its primary meaning is "something weighed out," emphasizing precision and intentional allocation. From this core, its semantic range expands to include:
* **A general division or part:** Implying a segment or share taken from a larger whole.
* **A specific ration of food:** This is a common application, referring to a measured or allotted portion of sustenance.
* **A lot or assigned share:** Denoting a predetermined part or destiny, often implying a divine or authoritative apportionment.
* **Belongings or a portion:** In a broader sense, whatever is due to someone or constitutes their share.
The word thus speaks to a designated quantity, an assigned share, or an allotted part, reflecting a process of careful measurement, counting, or authoritative apportionment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term מָנָה (mânâh, `{{H4490}}`) appears in various Old Testament contexts, consistently reinforcing its core meaning of a designated or allocated portion:
* In [[1 Samuel 9:23]] and [[1 Samuel 9:24]], Samuel instructs the cook to bring the "portion" (מָנָה) that had been set aside for Saul, indicating a specially prepared and reserved share of food. This highlights the idea of a distinguished or honored allocation.
* [[Ezra 6:9]] refers to the necessary provisions ("portions" - מָנָה) for the sacrifices in the rebuilt temple, to be given to the priests. Here, מָנָה signifies an allocated allowance or provision essential for the performance of sacred duties.
* Perhaps most famously, in [[Nehemiah 8:10]], during the celebration of the Feast of Booths, Ezra commands the people to "send portions (מָנָה) to those who have nothing prepared." This instruction is reiterated in [[Nehemiah 8:12]], where the people are described as sending "portions" after understanding the Law. These instances underscore מָנָה as a share of prepared food, distributed generously within the community, especially to the less fortunate, as an act of joy and communal solidarity.
* In [[Daniel 1:10]] and [[Daniel 1:15]], the word is used in reference to the "portion" (מָנָה) of food and wine from the king's table that Daniel and his companions refused. Here, it clearly denotes a daily ration or allotted sustenance provided by the royal court.
Across these diverse contexts, מָנָה consistently points to a fixed, designated, or allocated share, whether of food, provisions, or a general part of something, always implying an intentional act of apportionment.
### Related Words & Concepts
The direct linguistic root of מָנָה (`{{H4490}}`) is the verb מָנָה (mânâh, `{{H4487}}`), "to count, number, assign, appoint." The noun is thus the *result* of the verb's action – something that *has been* counted or assigned.
Other Hebrew words that convey similar concepts of "portion" or "share" but with nuanced differences include:
* חֵלֶק (cheleq, `{{H2506}}`): Often refers to a "portion," "share," or "territory," frequently in the context of inheritance or allotted land, emphasizing a rightful claim or division.
* מַתָּנָה (mattânâh, `{{H4979}}`): Means "gift" or "present," highlighting something freely given rather than specifically measured or assigned as a due portion.
* נַחֲלָה (nachălâh, `{{H5159}}`): Denotes an "inheritance" or "possession," strongly tied to ancestral rights and the passing down of property.
While these words share semantic overlap, מָנָה (`{{H4490}}`) uniquely emphasizes the act of precise measurement, counting, or authoritative designation in the allocation of a share. Concepts related to מָנָה include divine provision, careful apportionment, stewardship, and communal sharing.
### Theological Significance
The concept embedded in מָנָה (mânâh, `{{H4490}}`) carries significant theological weight:
* **Divine Provision and Order:** The very idea of something being "weighed out" or "counted" suggests a meticulous, intentional ordering. This implicitly points to God as the ultimate source who carefully apportions and provides for His creation. Every "portion" of sustenance or resource can be seen as a testimony to God's detailed care and sovereign economy.
* **Stewardship and Responsibility:** Receiving a מָנָה implies a responsibility for its use. Whether it is a special portion for an honored guest or a daily ration, the recipient is entrusted with its management. This extends to human stewardship of resources and blessings received from God.
* **Covenantal Reciprocity and Obligation:** In contexts like Ezra 6:9, where מָנָה refers to provisions for the temple, it highlights the covenantal relationship. God provides for His people, and they, in turn, are obligated to offer back from their "portions" for His service, demonstrating faithfulness and worship.
* **Communal Generosity and Justice:** The command in Nehemiah 8:10 to send "portions" to those who have nothing underscores a vital aspect of biblical social ethics. It moves beyond mere individual consumption to communal responsibility, demonstrating generosity, compassion, and a practical outworking of justice within the community, especially during times of blessing and celebration. This reflects God's heart for the poor and marginalized.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Destiny:** While not explicitly a "lot" in the sense of a divine decree (like casting lots), the underlying notion of an "assigned share" can subtly point to God's sovereign hand in determining the circumstances and provisions of individuals' lives.
### Summary
The Hebrew noun מָנָה (mânâh, `{{H4490}}`), derived from the verb "to count" or "to weigh out," fundamentally signifies a precisely measured, designated, or allocated *portion*. Its semantic range encompasses a general division, a specific food ration, or an assigned share. Biblical occurrences consistently illustrate מָנָה as a fixed or designated amount, whether it be a special share of a meal for an honored individual ([[1 Samuel 9:23]]), necessary provisions for temple service ([[Ezra 6:9]]), or, most poignantly, food shared generously within the community, especially with the needy, during times of celebration ([[Nehemiah 8:10]]). Theologically, מָנָה deeply underscores God's meticulous provision and the divine ordering of His creation. It highlights themes of divine sustenance, human stewardship of allocated resources, covenantal obligations, and the vital communal responsibility to share blessings with those who lack. Ultimately, מָנָה speaks to a divine economy where resources are not haphazard but intentionally apportioned, inviting both profound gratitude for God's precise provision and diligent obedience in sharing with others.
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