for מַתִּתְיָה; gift of Jah; Mattattah, an Israelite; Mattathah.
Transliteration:Mattattâh
Pronunciation:mat-tat-taw'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma מַתַּתָּה (Mattattâh), Strong's H4992, is presented as a proper noun, a personal name. Its base definition explicitly states it is "for מַתִּתְיָה (Mattithyah)," Strong's `{{H4993}}`, and carries the profound meaning "gift of Jah." The element "Jah" is a shortened, poetic form of Yahweh, the covenant name of God. Thus, the core meaning of Mattattâh is "gift of Yahweh" or "gift of the LORD." As a proper noun, its semantic range is primarily tied to its etymological meaning, signifying a divine bestowal or a person perceived as a divine present.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Mattattâh (`{{H4992}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the book of Ezra.
* **[[Ezra 10:33]]**: "Of the sons of Hashum: Mattattah, Zabad, Eliphelet, Jeremai, Manasseh, Shimei."
In this context, Mattattâh is listed among the men of Israel who, during the time of Ezra's reforms, had taken foreign wives. The passage in Ezra 10 details the assembly of the people and the confession of their sin regarding intermarriage, followed by a resolution to put away these wives. Mattattâh's appearance is purely within a genealogical or administrative list, providing no further narrative detail about his personal actions or character beyond his inclusion in this group of transgressors. The significance here lies more in the name's meaning rather than the individual's specific role in the narrative.
### Related Words & Concepts
The definition of Mattattâh (`{{H4992}}`) directly links it to מַתִּתְיָה (Mattithyah), Strong's `{{H4993}}`, which shares the identical etymological meaning of "gift of Yahweh." This root concept of "gift" (מַתָּן, mattan, `{{H4976}}`) or "given" is prevalent in other biblical names, underscoring a common theological theme:
* נָתָן (Nathan, `{{H5416}}`), meaning "He gave."
* יְהוֹנָתָן (Yehonathan, `{{H3083}}`), or Jonathan, meaning "Yahweh has given."
* נְתַנְאֵל (Nethanel, `{{H5417}}`), or Nathanael, meaning "God has given."
These names collectively highlight the biblical understanding of divine bestowal, often regarding children as direct gifts from God. The concept extends beyond individuals to divine provision and grace, where God is consistently portrayed as the ultimate Giver.
### Theological Significance
The name Mattattâh, meaning "gift of Yahweh," carries profound theological significance despite the limited biblical mention of the individual bearing it.
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Benevolence**: The name inherently declares God as the ultimate Giver. It reflects a worldview where life, and specifically the birth of a child, is not merely a natural occurrence but a direct, benevolent act of divine provision. This aligns with passages like [[Psalm 127:3]], which states, "Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward."
2. **Affirmation of God's Character**: Naming a child "gift of Yahweh" serves as a perpetual testimony to God's generous and giving nature. It underscores His character as the source of all good things ([[James 1:17]]).
3. **Theological Paradox**: While the name itself speaks to God's graciousness, the only biblical figure named Mattattâh is found in a list of those who transgressed by marrying foreign women. This creates a subtle tension: a name proclaiming God's goodness bestowed upon an individual whose actions were contrary to divine command. This paradox does not diminish the name's inherent theological truth but rather highlights the human capacity for deviation even when surrounded by reminders of God's grace. The name remains a theological statement about God, independent of the individual's choices.
### Summary
Mattattâh (`{{H4992}}`) is a Hebrew proper noun, a personal name meaning "gift of Yahweh." It appears only once in [[Ezra 10:33]] as one of the men who had married foreign wives during the post-exilic period. Etymologically linked to `{{H4993}}` (Mattithyah) and conceptually related to other names signifying divine giving (e.g., Jonathan, Nathan), the name profoundly reflects the biblical understanding of children as divine gifts and God as the ultimate benevolent Giver. Despite the individual's inclusion in a list of those who transgressed, the name itself stands as a testament to God's sovereign and generous character.
TRV