the same as מַתָּנָה; Mattanah, a place in the Desert; Mattanah.
Transliteration:Mattânâh
Pronunciation:mat-taw-naw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term מַתָּנָה (Mattânâh), designated by `{{H4980}}`, functions exclusively as a proper noun in the biblical text, identifying a specific geographical location. While its primary meaning is fixed as a place name, its etymological root is profoundly significant. It derives from the verb נָתַן (nātan, `{{H5414}}`), meaning "to give" or "to set." Thus, the name "Mattânâh" literally translates to "gift" or "present." Unlike common nouns, a proper noun like Mattânâh does not possess a broad semantic range in terms of varied applications; its meaning is primarily tied to its identity as a specific locale. However, its inherent etymological meaning of "gift" invites theological reflection on the nature of the place itself within the biblical narrative.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The place name Mattânâh appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, within the book of Numbers, detailing a stage of the Israelites' wilderness journey:
* [[Numbers 21:18-19]]: "The princes dug the well, the nobles of the people dug it, with the scepter and with their staffs. And from the wilderness they went to Mattanah, and from Mattanah to Nahaliel, and from Nahaliel to Bamoth."
This passage describes a series of encampments or stopping points for the Israelites as they approached the land of Moab, following their victories over Sihon and Og. Mattânâh is listed as an intermediate point between the "wilderness" (likely referring to a specific part of the wilderness) and Nahaliel. The context is a geographical itinerary, marking the progress of the nation on their pilgrimage toward the Promised Land. The preceding verses in [[Numbers 21:16-18]] mention the digging of a well at Beer, which suggests that water, a vital "gift" in the desert, was a significant feature of these stopping points. The inclusion of Mattânâh in this itinerary highlights its role as a recognized landmark during this critical phase of Israel's history.
### Related Words & Concepts
The proper noun מַתָּנָה (Mattânâh, `{{H4980}}`) is directly related to the common noun מַתָּנָה (mattānāh, `{{H4979}}`), which means "gift," "present," or "offering." This common noun appears frequently throughout the Old Testament, referring to gifts from humans to humans (e.g., [[Genesis 34:12]]), gifts to God (e.g., [[Exodus 28:38]]), or, most significantly, gifts from God to humanity (e.g., [[Ecclesiastes 3:13]]). The root verb נָתַן (nātan, `{{H5414}}`), "to give," is one of the most common verbs in biblical Hebrew, underscoring the pervasive concept of giving, receiving, and divine provision. Concepts closely related to Mattânâh therefore include divine provision, God's faithfulness in sustaining His people, the journey of faith, and the significance of specific geographical locations in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. The naming of a place as "Gift" within the context of a challenging wilderness journey invites reflection on the nature of God's blessings amidst hardship.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of Mattânâh (`{{H4980}}`) as a place name, meaning "Gift," is profoundly suggestive within the narrative of the wilderness wanderings. While the text does not explicitly state *why* this particular location was named "Gift," its inclusion in the itinerary of the Exodus generation speaks volumes. The entire wilderness journey was an extended period of divine provision, guidance, and testing. God provided manna, quail, and water from the rock, demonstrating His continuous "gifts" to His people. Mattânâh, positioned amongst other geographical markers, could serve as a specific memorial to an instance of God's particular grace or provision. It might have been a place where a crucial resource was found, a significant victory was granted, or a special revelation was received—all manifestations of God's "gift" to Israel.
Furthermore, the name "Gift" can be seen as a microcosm of God's overarching covenantal relationship with Israel. The Promised Land itself was a gift from God ([[Deuteronomy 6:10]]), and the journey to it was facilitated by His constant giving. Thus, Mattânâh may stand as a symbolic reminder that every step of the journey, even through arid and challenging terrain, was undergirded by the Lord's gracious hand. It underscores the theological truth that God's people are sustained not by their own strength or resources, but by the continuous, unmerited "gifts" of their faithful God.
### Summary
Mattânâh (`{{H4980}}`) is a unique Hebrew proper noun, meaning "Gift," which identifies a specific geographical location mentioned only once in [[Numbers 21:18-19]]. It serves as an intermediate stopping point for the Israelites during their wilderness journey toward the Promised Land. Though its specific significance is not detailed, its etymological meaning connects it directly to the common biblical concept of "gift" (`{{H4979}}`) derived from the verb "to give" (`{{H5414}}`). Theologically, Mattânâh stands as a quiet yet potent reminder of God's unwavering provision and gracious sustenance for His people, transforming a desolate wilderness into a path marked by divine "gifts." It symbolizes the continuous flow of God's blessings and faithfulness, even amidst arduous pilgrimage, affirming that the entire journey of faith is a testament to His enduring generosity.
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