The Hebrew word mattânâh, represented by H4979, refers to a gift or present. It appears 17 times across 17 unique verses in the Bible. The term carries a dual meaning, signifying a sacrificial offering in a good sense, or a corrupting bribe in a bad sense.
In biblical usage, H4979 appears in several distinct contexts. It describes personal acts of generosity, such as when Abraham gave gifts to the sons of his concubines Genesis 25:6 or when a father bestowed great gifts of silver and gold upon his sons 2 Chronicles 21:3. The term is also used for sacred offerings consecrated to God, as seen with the "holy gifts" which the children of Israel hallow Exodus 28:38. Conversely, mattânâh can have a negative connotation, as a gift that "destroyeth the heart" Ecclesiastes 7:7 or as idolatrous gifts offered alongside forbidden practices Ezekiel 20:31.
Several related words help clarify the meaning of a gift:
- H5414 nâthan (to give, used with greatest latitude of application): As the primary verb for giving, it is frequently used in conjunction with mattânâh to describe the action of bestowing a gift, whether by a person Genesis 25:6 or as a divine appointment Numbers 18:7.
- H8641 tᵉrûwmâh (a present (as offered up), especially in sacrifice or as tribute; gift, heave offering): This word specifies a type of sacred contribution. It is explicitly linked to mattânâh in the command to offer a heave offering from all the gifts received Numbers 18:29.
- H1215 betsaʻ (plunder; by extension, gain (usually unjust); covetousness, (dishonest) gain): This term stands in direct contrast to a righteous gift. One who is greedy of gain is opposed to one who "hateth gifts" Proverbs 15:27, highlighting the moral distinction between just giving and corrupt acquisition.
The theological significance of H4979 is centered on its moral and spiritual implications.
- Gifts as Worship: mattânâh is integral to the act of worship. The Levites are described as a gift given to the LORD Numbers 18:6, and the priestly office itself is a "service of gift" Numbers 18:7. Offerings given to God are categorized among holy gifts Exodus 28:38 and are to be presented alongside other prescribed offerings Leviticus 23:38.
- The Corruption of Giving: The word also serves as a warning against improper giving. A gift can destroy the heart Ecclesiastes 7:7, and hating such gifts is associated with life Proverbs 15:27. In Ezekiel, gifts are associated with idolatry and polluting God's holy name Ezekiel 20:39.
- Generosity and Blessing: A righteous gift is often a response to divine blessing. The people are instructed to give a gift from their hand according to the blessing of the LORD Deuteronomy 16:17. This principle is also reflected in human relationships, such as the sending of gifts to the poor during a time of celebration Esther 9:22.
In summary, H4979 is more than a simple term for a present. It captures the complex nature of giving within the biblical framework, spanning from acts of familial generosity Genesis 25:6 and sacred worship Exodus 28:38 to corrupting bribes Ecclesiastes 7:7 and idolatrous offerings Ezekiel 20:31. The word's significance lies in its capacity to represent both a holy act dedicated to God and a destructive force that can lead one astray.
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