from מַתָּן; liberal; Mattenai, the name of three Israelites; Mattenai.
Transliteration:Mattᵉnay
Pronunciation:mat-ten-ah'ee
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew proper noun מַתְּנַי (Mattᵉnay, `{{H4982}}`) is derived from the root מַתָּן (maṭtân, `{{H4976}}`), which signifies "a gift" or "a present." Consequently, the name Mattᵉnay inherently carries the semantic range of "liberal," "generous," or "gift of Yah." As a personal name, it likely reflects either a characteristic of the individual – one who is generous or free-hearted – or a theological statement by the parents, acknowledging the child as a "gift" from God, or perhaps expressing a hope that the child would be a "gift" to the community or to God's service. The underlying concept is that of giving, either from God to humanity or from humanity (in response) to God.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Mattᵉnay appears three times in the Hebrew Bible, identifying three distinct individuals:
1. **[[Ezra 10:33]]**: "Of the sons of Hashum: Mattenai, Mattattah, Zabad, Eliphelet, Jeremai, Manasseh, Shimei." This Mattᵉnay is listed among those who had taken foreign wives during the post-exilic period and, in response to Ezra's call for repentance and covenant fidelity, agreed to put them away. The name's meaning, "liberal" or "generous," might subtly underscore the costly and significant act of obedience these men undertook. Their "liberal" action was a profound act of self-denial for the sake of the covenant.
2. **[[Ezra 10:37]]**: "Of the sons of Bani: Malluch, Adai, Jashub, Sheal, Jeremoth, Mattenai." This is another individual, also named Mattᵉnay, who similarly agreed to divorce his foreign wife as part of the purification of the community. The repetition of the name in this context reinforces the theme of costly obedience and dedication to the Mosaic Law, where personal sacrifice was required for communal holiness.
3. **[[Nehemiah 12:19]]**: "of Joiarib, Mattenai; of Jedaiah, Uzzi;" This Mattᵉnay is mentioned in the list of priests or Levites in the days of Joiakim, the high priest. His inclusion in a priestly lineage suggests a role in the temple service or religious administration. Here, the name's connotation of "gift" could signify his dedication as a "gift" to the service of God, or perhaps that his very life and lineage were seen as a divine gift to the priestly order.
Across these contexts, the name Mattᵉnay, while a proper noun, subtly resonates with the actions and roles of the individuals, whether in acts of sacrificial obedience or dedicated service.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for Mattᵉnay (`{{H4982}}`) is its root, מַתָּן (maṭtân, `{{H4976}}`), meaning "gift" or "present." This direct derivation establishes the core semantic field.
Other related Hebrew words and names that share the concept of "giving" or "gift" include:
* נָתַן (nātan, `{{H5414}}`): The verb "to give."
* נָתָן (Nathan, `{{H5416}}`): A common personal name meaning "He gave."
* נְתַנְאֵל (Nethanel, `{{H5417}}`): "God has given," a name borne by several biblical figures, including a prince of Judah ([[Numbers 1:8]]) and a priest ([[Nehemiah 12:21]]).
* מַתַּנְיָה (Mattanyah, `{{H4993}}`): "Gift of Yahweh," a name borne by several Levites and others.
* מַתִּתְיָהוּ (Maṭtithyahu, `{{H4994}}`): "Gift of Yahweh," from which the Greek "Matthew" is derived.
These related terms underscore the theological significance of "giving" in ancient Israelite thought, often attributing the source of all good things, including life and children, to God's generous hand. The name Mattᵉnay fits within this rich tapestry of "gift"-related nomenclature.
### Theological Significance
The name Mattᵉnay, rooted in the concept of "gift" or "liberality," carries profound theological significance, particularly as it relates to the reciprocal nature of divine grace and human response.
In the context of Ezra, the two individuals named Mattᵉnay participate in a covenant renewal that demands significant personal sacrifice. Their "liberal" act of putting away foreign wives was not merely a legalistic compliance but a demonstration of radical obedience and dedication to God's covenant. This action can be seen as a "gift" of obedience offered to God, a costly surrender of personal desires for divine will. The name thus subtly highlights that true liberality in the spiritual sense often involves giving up something cherished for the sake of a higher calling. It underscores the theological principle that obedience, especially costly obedience, is a form of worship and a "gift" pleasing to God.
For the Mattᵉnay in Nehemiah, a priest, the name could signify that his life and service were considered a "gift" to God's sanctuary and the community. Priestly service was a dedication, a life "given" over to the Lord. This emphasizes the theological idea that human lives, when consecrated to God's purposes, become instruments of divine blessing and are themselves a form of offering.
Collectively, the occurrences of Mattᵉnay point to a theology where God is the ultimate giver, bestowing gifts upon humanity (life, children, covenant), and humanity, in turn, is called to respond with lives that are "gifts" back to God through obedience, service, and generosity. The name serves as a subtle reminder that true "liberality" in the biblical sense is not merely material giving, but a wholehearted devotion and surrender to the divine will.
### Summary
Mattᵉnay (`{{H4982}}`) is a Hebrew proper noun derived from the word for "gift" (מַתָּן, `{{H4976}}`), conveying the meaning of "liberal" or "generous." It appears three times in the biblical record, referring to two men in Ezra who participated in the difficult act of putting away foreign wives ([[Ezra 10:33]], [[Ezra 10:37]]), and one priest/Levite in Nehemiah's time ([[Nehemiah 12:19]]). In the Ezra accounts, the name's meaning subtly reinforces the idea of costly, "liberal" obedience and sacrifice for covenant fidelity. In Nehemiah, it points to a life dedicated as a "gift" in service to God. The name Mattᵉnay thus encapsulates the theological concept of divine giving met by human response, where lives and acts of obedience can be considered a "gift" offered back to God.
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