or מַתַּנְיָהוּ; from מַתָּן and יָהּ; gift of Jah; Mattanjah, the name of ten Israelites; Mattaniah.
Transliteration:Mattanyâh
Pronunciation:mat-tan-yaw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name Mattanyâh (מַתַּנְיָה, `{{H4983}}`) is a compound theophoric name, meaning "Gift of Yahweh" or "Gift of the Lord." It is derived from two primary elements: מַתָּן (mattan, `{{H4976}}`), meaning "gift" or "present," and יָהּ (yah), a shortened form of the divine name Yahweh. The alternative form, מַתַּנְיָהוּ (Mattanyâhu), explicitly includes the fuller divine element, reinforcing the meaning. This name belongs to a category of biblical names that express a theological statement about God's nature or action, specifically His generosity and beneficence towards humanity. The semantic range is tightly focused on this core meaning, emphasizing divine bestowal and the concept of a person being a divinely given blessing.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Mattanyâh appears numerous times in the Hebrew Bible, attributed to at least ten different individuals, primarily in the post-exilic period, reflecting a common desire to acknowledge God's providence in naming children.
The most prominent figure bearing this name is Zedekiah, the last king of Judah, whose original name was Mattaniah ([[2 Kings 24:17]]). Nebuchadnezzar changed his name from Mattaniah to Zedekiah ("My Righteousness is Yahweh") upon installing him as a vassal king. This change, ironically, did not alter the king's character, as he ultimately rebelled against Babylon, leading to the destruction of Jerusalem. In this context, the name "Gift of Yahweh" stands in stark contrast to Zedekiah's unfaithful and disastrous reign, highlighting the tragic irony of a divine gift misused or a life that fails to honor its divine origin.
Other individuals named Mattaniah include:
* A Levite, son of Micah, a descendant of Asaph, mentioned among those who returned from exile ([[1 Chronicles 9:15]], [[Nehemiah 11:17]], [[Nehemiah 12:25]], [[Nehemiah 12:35]]). He is notably described as the chief of the choir who led the thanksgiving at prayer ([[Nehemiah 11:17]], [[Nehemiah 12:8]]).
* A son of Heman, one of the three chief musicians appointed by David ([[1 Chronicles 25:4]], [[1 Chronicles 25:16]]).
* A Levite, a descendant of Asaph, who participated in King Hezekiah's purification of the temple ([[2 Chronicles 29:13]]).
* Several individuals listed in Ezra as having taken foreign wives during the post-exilic period, who were then required to put them away ([[Ezra 10:26]], [[Ezra 10:27]], [[Ezra 10:30]], [[Ezra 10:37]]).
Across these various contexts, the name consistently points to the individual as a "gift" from God, whether they lived up to that calling (like the Levites serving in worship) or tragically fell short (like King Zedekiah and those who transgressed the law regarding foreign wives). The frequent appearance of the name among Levites and musicians suggests a particular reverence for their role as instruments of divine service, perhaps viewing their very existence and calling as a "gift" to the community for worship.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for Mattanyâh is to the Hebrew word מַתָּן (mattan, `{{H4976}}`), which denotes a "gift" or "present." This root is also found in related terms such as מַתָּנָה (mattânâh, `{{H4979}}`), which specifically refers to a "gift" often from God or a divine offering. The verb form, נָתַן (nathan, `{{H5414}}`), "to give," undergirds the concept.
The "Yah" component links Mattanyâh to the divine name Yahweh, thereby connecting it to a broader semantic field of divine attributes and actions. Concepts such as divine grace, sovereignty, providence, and blessing are inherently tied to names that invoke God's personal name. Other biblical names similarly express God's giving nature, though perhaps with different nuances (e.g., Jonathan - "Yahweh has given," Elnathan - "God has given"). The very act of naming a child "Gift of Yahweh" reflects a deep-seated theological understanding that children are a heritage from the Lord ([[Psalm 127:3]]) and that all blessings flow from His hand.
### Theological Significance
The name Mattanyâh carries profound theological significance, serving as a constant reminder of God's character as the ultimate Giver. It underscores the biblical truth that all life, and indeed all good things, are ultimately gifts from God ([[James 1:17]]). To name a child "Gift of Yahweh" is an act of theological confession, acknowledging divine paternity and the providential hand of God in the family's life.
Even in instances where the individual bearing the name did not live up to its inherent meaning, such as King Zedekiah, the name itself still testifies to God's initial grace and the potential for a life lived in accordance with divine purpose. It highlights the tension between God's gracious bestowal and human responsibility. For the Levites and musicians named Mattaniah, their lives of service in the temple and their leadership in worship perfectly embody the name's meaning, as they themselves were "gifts" to the community, facilitating the worship of the Giver of all gifts. The name thus serves as a theological statement about human dependence on God's grace and the call to live lives that reflect the honor of the Giver.
### Summary
Mattanyâh (מַתַּנְיָה, `{{H4983}}`), meaning "Gift of Yahweh," is a significant Hebrew personal name found frequently in the Old Testament. Derived from the word for "gift" and the divine name "Yahweh," it encapsulates a foundational biblical truth: God is the source of all blessings and the ultimate Giver. While borne by diverse individuals, including the unfaithful King Zedekiah and various Levites and musicians, the name consistently points to God's generosity and the concept of human life as a divine endowment. It serves as a powerful theological statement, acknowledging God's providential hand in human existence and reminding all who hear it of the divine origin of every good and perfect gift.
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