from the same as מָתַי; properly, an adult (as of full length); by implication, a man (only in the plural); [phrase] few, [idiom] friends, men, persons, [idiom] small.
Transliteration:math
Pronunciation:math
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term מַת (transliterated as *math*, Strong's H4962) is defined as deriving "from the same as מָתַי" `{{H4970}}`. While this etymological connection to the interrogative "when" is linguistically complex and less immediately apparent than connections to roots signifying "man" or "mortality," the primary semantic range of H4962 is clear from its usage: "an adult (as of full length)," and "by implication, a man." It is crucial to note that this word appears exclusively in the plural form in the biblical text. Its extended meanings and idiomatic usages include "few," "friends," "men," "persons," and "small," all referring to a number of individuals. Thus, its core meaning centers on human beings, often in a quantitative or collective sense, particularly emphasizing a limited or reduced number.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term מַת (H4962) appears seven times in the Old Testament, always in the plural. Its usage consistently refers to groups of people, often in contexts that denote a specific count, a complete absence, or a diminished number.
1. **[[Exodus 12:4]]**: In the instructions for the Passover, it states, "if the household is too small for a lamb, then he and his nearest neighbor are to take one according to the number of the persons (*מַת*)." Here, *math* refers to the count of individuals within a household, emphasizing the appropriate numerical participation in the sacred meal.
2. **[[Numbers 11:26]]**: When Eldad and Medad prophesy in the camp, it is noted that they were "among those who were recorded (*מַת*), but had not gone out to the tent." This usage again signifies a group of individuals, specifically those registered or counted for a particular purpose (likely among the elders).
3. **[[Deuteronomy 2:34]]**: Describing the conquest of Heshbon, Moses recounts, "we left no survivor (*מַת*)."
4. **[[Deuteronomy 3:6]]**: Similarly, concerning the conquest of Bashan, it states, "we left no survivor (*מַת*)." In both Deuteronomic passages, *math* is used to convey the absolute and comprehensive destruction of the enemy population, indicating that not a single person was left alive.
5. **[[Deuteronomy 4:27]]**: As a warning against idolatry, Moses prophesies, "The LORD will scatter you among the peoples, and you will be left few in number (*מַת*) among the nations."
6. **[[Deuteronomy 28:62]]**: In the list of curses for disobedience, it is warned, "You will be left few in number (*מַת*) among the nations where the LORD will drive you." These two verses in Deuteronomy highlight the consequence of covenant unfaithfulness: a drastic reduction in Israel's population, emphasizing their diminished state as a "small number" or "few men."
7. **[[Jeremiah 44:28]]**: Prophesying judgment on the Jews in Egypt, Jeremiah states, "And those who escape the sword in the land of Egypt, a small number (*מַת*), will return to the land of Judah." This usage mirrors the Deuteronomic passages, referring to a surviving remnant that is numerically insignificant.
Across these contexts, *math* consistently denotes human beings as countable units, ranging from a complete absence (no survivors) to a significantly reduced group (few in number).
### Related Words & Concepts
While the provided Strong's definition links *math* `{{H4962}}` to *matay* `{{H4970}}` ("when"), a more direct and semantically coherent relationship exists with other Hebrew terms for "man" or "humanity." The word is strongly related to *meth* `{{H4967}}`, which means "man" or "mortal man," often implying frailty or mortality. This connection is further reinforced by the association with *mavet* `{{H4463}}`, meaning "death." These linguistic ties suggest that *math* inherently carries an understanding of human beings as finite and susceptible to mortality, a concept often underscored in biblical narratives of judgment and destruction.
Conceptually, *math* intersects with themes of population, survival, and remnant. It stands in contrast to terms denoting large multitudes or vast populations. Its usage in contexts of "few" or "small number" directly relates to the theological concept of the "remnant" – a small group preserved by divine grace amidst widespread devastation.
### Theological Significance
Though *math* is primarily a descriptive term for "persons" or "men," its theological significance emerges from the contexts in which it is employed. Its repeated use in passages describing divine judgment (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 2:34]], [[Deuteronomy 3:6]], [[Deuteronomy 4:27]], [[Deuteronomy 28:62]], [[Jeremiah 44:28]]) underscores the severe consequences of disobedience and rebellion against God. The reduction of a population to a "few in number" serves as a tangible sign of God's disciplinary hand and the fulfillment of covenant curses.
Conversely, the concept of a "small number" or "remnant" (*math*) also carries a glimmer of hope and divine faithfulness. Even in the midst of widespread destruction, God often preserves a small group, whether for the continuation of His covenant purposes or as a testament to His enduring mercy. While *math* itself does not explicitly denote a "faithful remnant," its usage in describing those who survive judgment points to the broader biblical theme of God's sovereign preservation. The word thus indirectly highlights the fragility of human existence under divine scrutiny, while simultaneously pointing to the possibility of a preserved few, even if their number is small.
### Summary
The Hebrew word מַת (*math*, H4962) consistently refers to "men" or "persons" in the plural, often emphasizing a quantitative aspect, particularly "few" or a "small number." While its etymology is complex, its semantic range is clear, denoting human individuals. Biblical occurrences reveal its use in contexts of counting individuals for sacred rites (Passover), listing those recorded, and, most prominently, describing the outcome of divine judgment—either the complete annihilation of an enemy population (leaving "no survivor") or the drastic reduction of Israel's population (leaving them "few in number") due to covenant unfaithfulness. The theological significance of *math* lies in its role in depicting the severity of divine judgment and, by implication, the concept of a preserved remnant, underscoring both human vulnerability and God's sovereign dealings with humanity.
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