feminine of מַתָּן abbreviated form; a present; gift.
Transliteration:mattâth
Pronunciation:mat-tawth'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word mattâth (מַתָּת, `{{H4991}}`) is a feminine noun signifying "a present" or "a gift." It is noted as an abbreviated form of mattān (מַתָּן, `{{H4976}}`), both stemming from the verbal root nātan (נָתַן, `{{H5414}}`), meaning "to give." The core semantic range of mattâth is tightly focused on the concept of something freely bestowed by one party upon another. This bestowal can be an act of generosity, a tribute, or an offering, emphasizing the unsolicited or non-reciprocal nature of the transfer. While its range is narrow, the contexts in which it appears imbue it with significant meaning, particularly concerning divine beneficence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term mattâth (מַתָּת) appears a handful of times in the Hebrew Bible, each instance providing valuable contextual insight:
* **Proverbs 25:14**: "Like clouds and wind without rain is a man who boasts of a gift [mattâth] he does not give." Here, mattâth refers to a promised or boasted present that remains unfulfilled. The context highlights the emptiness and deceit of unkept promises, likening them to a deceptive weather phenomenon that offers no true refreshment. It underscores the ethical dimension of giving, where the true nature of a gift lies in its actual bestowal.
* **Ecclesiastes 3:13**: "Also that every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labor—it is the gift [mattâth] of God." In this profound verse, mattâth explicitly identifies the ability to find enjoyment and satisfaction in one's work and daily life as a direct divine endowment. It elevates the simple pleasures of existence beyond mere human achievement, attributing them to God's gracious provision.
* **Ecclesiastes 5:19**: "As for every man to whom God has given riches and wealth, and given him power to eat of it, to receive his portion and rejoice in his labor—this is the gift [mattâth] of God." Similar to [[Ecclesiastes 3:13]], this passage reiterates that material prosperity, and more importantly, the capacity to enjoy it, are not solely the result of human effort but are a mattâth from God. This perspective challenges a purely materialistic or self-reliant view of success.
* **Ezekiel 46:16-17**: These verses describe specific laws concerning the prince's ability to distribute gifts from his inheritance:
* [[Ezekiel 46:16]]: "Thus says the Lord God: If the prince gives a gift [mattâth] of his inheritance to any of his sons, it shall belong to his sons; it is their possession by inheritance." Here, mattâth refers to a permanent transfer of property within a family, establishing clear ownership.
* [[Ezekiel 46:17]]: "But if he gives a gift [mattâth] from his inheritance to one of his servants, then it shall be his until the year of liberty; after that it shall return to the prince. Only his inheritance shall be for his sons; it shall belong to them." This distinguishes between gifts to sons (permanent) and gifts to servants (temporary, reverting at the year of jubilee), illustrating the legal and social implications of mattâth in the context of Israelite property law and the jubilee system.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of mattâth is enriched by its relationship to other Hebrew terms for "gift" or "offering," and broader theological concepts:
* **mattān (מַתָּן, `{{H4976}}`):** As its masculine counterpart, mattān shares the core meaning of "gift." While mattān often appears in contexts of tribute, offerings, or specific endowments (e.g., priestly portions in [[Numbers 18:11]]), mattâth in Ecclesiastes particularly emphasizes the gratuitous nature of divine provision for human enjoyment. The distinction, if any, might be subtle, perhaps mattâth leaning towards a more general or spontaneous bestowal.
* **minḥāh (מִנְחָה, `{{H4503}}`):** This term broadly denotes an "offering," "tribute," or "gift," often in a formal or sacrificial context, such as a grain offering to God or a tribute to a superior. While mattâth can be a general gift, minḥāh often carries a more ritualistic or deferential connotation.
* **śay (שַׁי, `{{H7862}}`):** Another word for "present" or "gift," often used in contexts of diplomatic or conciliatory gifts, as seen in [[Psalm 68:29]] and [[Isaiah 18:7]].
* **nātan (נָתַן, `{{H5414}}`):** The foundational verb "to give," from which mattâth is derived. Understanding the active process of "giving" inherent in nātan illuminates mattâth as the *result* or *object* of that divine or human act.
* **Divine Provision and Grace:** The usage of mattâth in Ecclesiastes directly aligns with the pervasive biblical theme of God as the ultimate source of all good things. This concept is foundational to understanding divine grace, where blessings are bestowed not based on human merit but on God's sovereign will and benevolence.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of mattâth is profound, particularly in its portrayal of God's relationship with humanity:
* **God as the Benevolent Giver:** The most striking theological implication of mattâth comes from its repeated use in Ecclesiastes, where the capacity to enjoy life, labor, and wealth is explicitly declared a "gift of God" ([[Ecclesiastes 3:13]], [[Ecclesiastes 5:19]]). This underscores a foundational biblical truth: true human flourishing and contentment are not solely the product of human striving or wisdom, but are ultimately a gracious mattâth from the Creator. This perspective fosters humility and reliance on divine provision.
* **Challenging Human Autonomy:** In a book like Ecclesiastes, which often grapples with the vanity of human pursuits "under the sun," the concept of mattâth serves as a crucial theological anchor. It redirects the seeker's gaze from self-sufficiency and the fleeting nature of earthly achievements to the unchanging source of all good. The enjoyment of life is not earned but received, a gratuitous bestowal from heaven.
* **Ethical Dimension of Giving:** Proverbs 25:14, by contrasting a genuine mattâth with an empty boast, highlights the ethical imperative of integrity in promises and actions. It speaks to the character of the giver and the importance of sincerity in human interactions, reflecting a divine expectation for truthfulness.
* **Divine Order and Justice:** In Ezekiel, mattâth operates within the legal framework of inheritance and property, demonstrating God's concern for order, justice, and the proper distribution of resources within society. The distinction between gifts to sons and servants reflects principles of ownership and the unique provisions of the jubilee system, all under divine oversight.
* **Gratitude and Stewardship:** If enjoyment, wealth, and even life itself are a mattâth from God, then humanity is called to a posture of profound gratitude and responsible stewardship. This perspective transforms possessions and experiences from entitlements into blessings to be cherished and managed according to divine will.
### Summary
The Hebrew word mattâth (מַתָּת, `{{H4991}}`) consistently denotes "a present" or "a gift," stemming from the verb "to give." While limited in its biblical occurrences, its usage is highly significant. In Proverbs, it highlights the ethical imperative of genuine giving over empty boasts. Most profoundly, in Ecclesiastes, mattâth describes the enjoyment of life, labor, and wealth as a direct, benevolent mattâth from God, emphasizing divine sovereignty as the ultimate source of all true blessings and challenging human self-sufficiency. In Ezekiel, it functions within the legal framework of inheritance, demonstrating its role in societal order and property transfer. The theological weight of mattâth thus centers on God as the ultimate, gracious Giver, prompting a posture of humility, gratitude, and responsible stewardship for all that is received as a divine endowment.
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