from מָנָה; an allotment (by courtesy, law or providence); portion.
Transliteration:mᵉnâth
Pronunciation:men-awth'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term מְנָת (mᵉnâth, `{{H4521}}`) is derived from the verb מָנָה (mânâh, `{{H4487}}`), meaning "to count," "to number," "to assign," or "to appoint." This etymological root is crucial for understanding the semantic range of מְנָת. It signifies not merely a random part, but a "portion" or "allotment" that has been specifically measured, designated, or assigned. The base definition highlights three primary sources for such an allotment: "by courtesy, law or providence."
1. **By Courtesy:** This refers to a portion given out of kindness, generosity, or as a voluntary share, often in a celebratory context. It is a share freely distributed.
2. **By Law:** This denotes a legally prescribed or obligated share, such as the dues or provisions for temple functionaries. It is a portion that is rightfully owed or designated by statute.
3. **By Providence:** This broader sense implies a divinely appointed share, what has been determined by God for an individual or group. While not explicitly stated in every occurrence, the underlying concept of divine ordering can be seen.
Thus, מְנָת carries the nuance of a *designated* or *distributed* share, reflecting an act of counting out, assigning, or apportioning.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word מְנָת (mᵉnâth, `{{H4521}}`) appears a limited number of times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily in the books of Nehemiah and Esther. Its usage consistently reflects the core meaning of an assigned or distributed portion.
1. **Nehemiah 12:47**: "And all Israel in the days of Zerubbabel and in the days of Nehemiah gave the **portions** of the singers and the gatekeepers, a daily portion for each; and they set apart the portion for the Levites, and the Levites set apart the portion for the sons of Aaron." Here, מְנָת refers to the regular, prescribed provisions for those engaged in temple service. These were not voluntary gifts but designated allotments necessary for their sustenance and the continuation of their duties. The repetition of "portion" emphasizes the systematic nature of this provision.
2. **Nehemiah 13:10**: "I also perceived that the **portions** of the Levites had not been given them; for the Levites and the singers who did the work had gone each to his field." This verse highlights a critical failure in the community's responsibility. The lack of their designated מְנָת led the Levites to abandon their temple service, demonstrating the vital importance of these "legal" or "due" portions for the functioning of the covenant community.
3. **Esther 9:22**: "as the days in which the Jews had rest from their enemies, and the month which was turned for them from sorrow into joy, and from mourning into a holiday; that they should make them days of feasting and joy, and sending **portions** one to another, and gifts to the poor." In this context, the "portions" are distributed during the celebration of Purim. This usage perfectly illustrates the "by courtesy" aspect of the definition. These are not legally mandated provisions but voluntary shares, gifts, and food items exchanged among the people as an expression of communal joy, solidarity, and generosity, especially towards the less fortunate.
These occurrences demonstrate the versatility of מְנָת, encompassing both obligatory provisions and voluntary acts of sharing, all stemming from the core idea of a designated or distributed part.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of מְנָת (mᵉnâth, `{{H4521}}`) is enriched by its relationship to its root and other terms for "portion" or "share" in Hebrew:
* **מָנָה (mânâh, `{{H4487}}`):** The verbal root from which מְנָת is derived. "To count," "to number," "to assign," or "to appoint." This connection underscores that a מְנָת is not a random part but a measured, designated, or appointed share. This root emphasizes the intentionality behind the distribution of a portion.
* **חֵלֶק (cheleq, `{{H2506}}`):** This is a more common and broader term for "portion," "share," or "lot." It often refers to an inheritance, a division of land, or one's general fate or destiny. While both מְנָת and חֵלֶק denote a part of a whole, מְנָת often carries a stronger sense of an *assigned* or *distributed* share, particularly in the context of provisions or distributions. For example, the Lord is often called one's *cheleq* (e.g., [[Psalm 16:5]]), signifying one's ultimate inheritance and satisfaction.
* **נַחֲלָה (nachalah, `{{H5159}}`):** Meaning "inheritance" or "possession." This term primarily refers to ancestral property, especially land, passed down through generations. While a מְנָת can be an inheritance, נַחֲלָה specifically denotes a permanent, familial legacy.
* **תְּרוּמָה (terumah, `{{H8641}}`):** This refers to a "contribution" or "offering," specifically a "heave offering" lifted up from a larger amount. These were specific portions designated for the priests or for the tabernacle/temple service. While a תְּרוּמָה is a type of portion, it is specifically related to sacred offerings.
The distinctiveness of מְנָת lies in its emphasis on a share that has been specifically *allotted* or *counted out*, whether by human decree, legal obligation, or a broader sense of divine ordering.
### Theological Significance
The concept of מְנָת (mᵉnâth, `{{H4521}}`) carries significant theological weight, reflecting divine provision, covenant responsibility, and communal generosity.
1. **Divine Provision and Order:** The very idea of an "allotment" points to a higher authority or system that determines what one receives. In the biblical worldview, this ultimately traces back to God's providential care. Even when humans distribute portions (as in Nehemiah), it is within the framework of God's established order for His people. The sustenance of the Levites and priests, provided through these portions, underscores God's faithfulness to those dedicated to His service, even if through the hands of His people.
2. **Covenant Faithfulness and Responsibility:** The giving of מְנָת to the Levites and priests was not merely charity but a divinely ordained obligation within the Mosaic covenant. It was essential for their livelihood, enabling them to fulfill their sacred duties (Nehemiah 12:47). The failure to provide these portions (Nehemiah 13:10) represents a breakdown in Israel's covenant faithfulness, leading to the disruption of temple service. This highlights the interconnectedness of obedience, provision, and the flourishing of the community. God provides the means, and His people are responsible for upholding the system of provision.
3. **Communal Joy and Generosity:** The use of מְנָת in Esther 9:22 during the celebration of Purim reveals a beautiful theological dimension: the expression of joy through sharing and generosity. This act of "sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor" embodies the spirit of self-giving and care for the vulnerable within the community. It reflects a practical outworking of love and gratitude for divine deliverance, transforming a historical event into an ongoing practice of communal solidarity and benevolence. This aspect of מְנָת underscores that God's blessings are not merely for individual consumption but are to be shared, fostering unity and alleviating need.
While מְנָת is not directly used for "God is my portion" (which is typically *cheleq*), the underlying theological principle is related: God is the ultimate source and determiner of all portions, whether material sustenance, spiritual blessings, or one's life circumstances.
### Summary
The Hebrew word מְנָת (mᵉnâth, `{{H4521}}`) signifies an "allotment" or "portion" that has been specifically counted, assigned, or distributed. Derived from the verb "to count" or "to assign" (מָנָה, `{{H4487}}`), its semantic range covers portions given by courtesy, by law, or by divine providence.
Biblical occurrences in Nehemiah illustrate מְנָת as legally prescribed provisions for temple workers, essential for their service and a test of Israel's covenant faithfulness ([[Nehemiah 12:47]], [[Nehemiah 13:10]]). In Esther, it describes voluntary shares exchanged during the Purim celebration, embodying communal joy, generosity, and care for the poor ([[Esther 9:22]]).
Theologically, מְנָת speaks to God's providential care, the responsibilities inherent in covenant relationships, and the virtuous practice of sharing and generosity within the community of faith. It reminds us that every portion, whether received as a due or given as a gift, is part of a divinely ordered existence, calling for both gratitude and responsible stewardship.
TRV