The Hebrew name Mattattâh, represented by H4992, translates to "gift of Jah." This name appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible, where it identifies a specific Israelite named Mattathah.
The sole appearance of H4992 is in a genealogical list within the book of Ezra. The verse states, "Of the sons H1121 of Hashum; Mattenai H4982, Mattathah H4992, Zabad H2066, Eliphelet H467, Jeremai H3413, Manasseh H4519, and Shimei H8096" Ezra 10:33. This context places Mattathah as an individual within a group identified as the descendants of Hashum.
The context of Mattattâh connects it to several other individuals who are named in the same list:
- H1121 bên (son): This word establishes the genealogical framework, identifying the men in the list as "sons" of Hashum Ezra 10:33.
- H4982 Mattenai (liberal): An Israelite listed directly before Mattathah as another of Hashum's sons Ezra 10:33.
- H2066 Zâbâd (giver): An Israelite mentioned in the same list of Hashum's descendants Ezra 10:33.
- H467 ʼĔlîypheleṭ (God of deliverance): Another individual named among the sons of Hashum Ezra 10:33.
- H3413 Yᵉrêmay (elevated): An Israelite listed alongside Mattathah Ezra 10:33.
- H4519 Mᵉnashsheh (causing to forget): An individual also named as a son of Hashum in this passage Ezra 10:33.
- H8096 Shimʻîy (famous): The final name listed in this group of Hashum's sons Ezra 10:33.
The significance of H4992 is primarily historical and documentary.
- Individual Identification: The name Mattattâh serves to identify a specific person, preserving his place in the biblical record as one of the "sons of Hashum" Ezra 10:33.
- Theological Naming: The meaning of the name itself, "gift of Jah," reflects a common practice of incorporating faith statements into personal names, in this case acknowledging God as the giver.
- Genealogical Record: Its inclusion in the list in Ezra 10:33 places Mattathah within a specific family line, underscoring the importance of documenting lineage in the biblical narrative.
In summary, H4992 Mattattâh is a personal name that appears once in Scripture. Its meaning, "gift of Jah," and its context within a list of the "sons of Hashum" in Ezra 10:33, highlight its function in preserving the record of a specific Israelite. While not a major theological term, it demonstrates the biblical practice of documenting individuals as part of the larger history of God's people.
TRV