feminine of מַתָּן; a present; specifically (in a good sense), a sacrificial offering, (in a bad sense) a bribe; gift.
Transliteration:mattânâh
Pronunciation:mat-taw-naw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term מַתָּנָה (mattânâh, `{{H4979}}`) is a feminine noun derived from the root נָתַן (nathan), meaning "to give." As the feminine form of מַתָּן (mattân, `{{H4976}}`), its primary and broadest meaning is "a present" or "a gift." This foundational sense encompasses anything freely given or bestowed.
However, the semantic range of mattânâh extends significantly based on context and intent. In a positive or sacred sense, it frequently refers to a "sacrificial offering" or "dedicated gift" presented to God or for sacred purposes. These are gifts given out of devotion, obedience, or gratitude.
Conversely, mattânâh can also carry a negative connotation, denoting a "bribe." In this sense, it describes a gift given with the corrupt intention of influencing judgment, gaining an unfair advantage, or perverting justice. This dual nature—from a pure act of giving to a corrupt act of manipulation—underscores the moral weight often associated with the exchange of gifts in biblical thought.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term מַתָּנָה (mattânâh, `{{H4979}}`) appears numerous times throughout the Hebrew Bible, illustrating its diverse applications:
* **General Gift or Present:**
* In [[Genesis 34:12]], it refers to a dowry or a substantial gift expected from Jacob for Dinah, highlighting its role in social and contractual agreements.
* [[2 Chronicles 21:3]] describes Jehoram's brothers receiving "great gifts of silver and gold and costly things" from their father Jehoshaphat, demonstrating its use for familial bequests and expressions of favor.
* The Levites are described as a "gift" (מַתָּנָה) to Aaron and his sons for service in the Tabernacle in [[Numbers 18:6]], emphasizing divine provision and designation for sacred duty.
* **Sacred Offering or Dedicated Gift:**
* In the context of the Tabernacle and Temple, mattânâh frequently denotes offerings presented to God. [[Exodus 28:38]] speaks of "the holy gifts of the people of Israel," which Aaron was to bear before the Lord, signifying their sanctified nature and the need for priestly mediation.
* [[Numbers 18:29]] instructs the Levites to offer "every heave offering of the Lord" from their tithes as a "holy gift" (מַתָּנָה), underscoring the principle of giving back to God from His provision.
* [[Deuteronomy 16:17]] commands that "each man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord your God which He has given you," framing the offering as a proportional gift in response to divine generosity.
* **Bribe:**
* The negative sense of "bribe" is particularly prominent in the wisdom literature. [[Proverbs 15:27]] warns, "Whoever is greedy for unjust gain troubles his own household, but he who hates gifts (מַתָּנָה) will live." Here, "gifts" clearly refers to ill-gotten gains or bribes that corrupt.
* [[Proverbs 18:16]] notes, "A man's gift (מַתָּנָה) makes room for him and brings him before great men." While this can be neutral (a legitimate present opening doors), in many contexts within Proverbs, it carries the implication of a bribe used to gain illicit access or favor, especially when contrasted with justice.
* [[Proverbs 21:14]] states, "A gift (מַתָּנָה) in secret pacifies anger, and a bribe in the bosom strong wrath." The parallelism here explicitly links "gift" with "bribe," highlighting its use to manipulate or avert consequences, often in a morally questionable way.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of מַתָּנָה (mattânâh, `{{H4979}}`) is enriched by examining its relationship to other Hebrew terms:
* **מַתָּן (mattân, `{{H4976}}`):** The masculine form of the same root, often used interchangeably with mattânâh for a general "gift" or "present." For instance, [[Genesis 34:12]] uses both mattân and mattânâh in close proximity for dowry/gift.
* **מַתָּת (mattath, `{{H4978}}`):** Another noun derived from נָתַן, also meaning "gift." While very similar in meaning to mattânâh, mattath sometimes emphasizes the act of giving or the source of the gift, as seen in [[Proverbs 25:14]].
* **שֹׁחַד (shochad, `{{H7810}}`):** This word specifically and exclusively means "bribe." While mattânâh can refer to a bribe, shochad leaves no ambiguity regarding the corrupt nature of the gift. The use of mattânâh for "bribe" often relies on contextual cues, whereas shochad is inherently negative.
* **מִנְחָה (minchah, `{{H4503}}`):** This term broadly refers to an "offering," "tribute," or "gift." While it often denotes grain offerings in the cultic context, it can also refer to a non-sacrificial gift or tribute paid to a superior, as seen in [[Genesis 32:13]] (Jacob's gift to Esau). Mattânâh, when used for sacrificial offerings, falls under the broader category of minchah.
* **חֵן (chen, `{{H2580}}`):** "Grace" or "favor." Gifts are often expressions of grace or favor, linking the physical act of giving with the deeper spiritual concept of unmerited kindness.
The semantic overlap and distinctions among these terms highlight the nuanced ways in which the act of giving and receiving is portrayed in the Hebrew Bible, reflecting both divine generosity and human ethical complexities.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of מַתָּנָה (mattânâh, `{{H4979}}`) is profound, touching upon core aspects of God's character, human responsibility, and the nature of worship.
Firstly, mattânâh underscores God's character as the ultimate Giver. All good things are ultimately gifts from Him (cf. [[James 1:17]]). The Levites are a "gift" to Aaron from God, demonstrating divine provision for His service. The command to bring "gifts" to the sanctuary acknowledges that all human offerings are merely a return of what God has already provided, emphasizing dependence and gratitude.
Secondly, the concept of "holy gifts" (מַתָּנָה קֹדֶשׁ) highlights the sacredness of offerings dedicated to God. These are not merely transactions but acts of worship and consecration, requiring purity and proper priestly handling. They symbolize the covenant relationship, where Israel responds to God's gracious giving with their own devoted giving.
Thirdly, the dual nature of mattânâh—as a pure gift versus a corrupt bribe—serves as a powerful theological and ethical commentary. The Bible consistently condemns the use of gifts to pervert justice or gain illicit advantage. This reflects God's absolute righteousness and His demand for justice and integrity in human society. A bribe (mattânâh in its negative sense) is an affront to God's character, as it undermines the very foundations of truth and equity that He upholds. The contrast between a righteous offering and a wicked bribe reveals the moral discernment required of humanity.
Finally, the concept of gifts, whether divine or human, points to the relational aspect of faith. God gives out of love and covenant faithfulness; humans are called to respond with grateful and righteous giving, whether in worship or in interpersonal dealings.
### Summary
מַתָּנָה (mattânâh, `{{H4979}}`) is a versatile Hebrew noun primarily meaning "a gift" or "a present." Its semantic range extends to encompass "sacrificial offerings" or "dedicated gifts" given in a sacred context, as well as "bribes" given with corrupt intent. This multifaceted usage reflects the diverse roles of giving in ancient Israelite society and theology.
Contextual analysis reveals its application from general interpersonal presents and familial bequests to sacred offerings in the Tabernacle and Temple, emphasizing divine provision and human response. Critically, its use for "bribe" in wisdom literature highlights the ethical dangers of gifts that pervert justice, contrasting sharply with the purity of gifts offered to God.
Theologically, mattânâh illuminates God as the supreme Giver, the recipient of holy offerings, and the upholder of justice. It underscores human responsibility to give righteously, whether in worship or in social interactions, and serves as a moral compass, distinguishing between acts of generosity and acts of corruption. The study of mattânâh thus offers profound insights into biblical concepts of divine grace, human stewardship, and ethical integrity.
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