or מַתִּתְיָהוּ; from מַתָּת and יָהּ; gift of Jah; Mattithjah, the name of four Israelites; Mattithiah. n
Transliteration:Mattithyâh
Pronunciation:mat-tith-yaw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma מַתִּתְיָה (Mattithyâh, `{{H4993}}`), sometimes found as מַתִּתְיָהוּ (Mattithyahu), is a compound proper noun bearing profound theological significance. Its etymology is transparent, deriving from two distinct elements: מַתָּת (mattath, `{{H4979}}`), meaning "gift" or "present," and יָהּ (Yah, `{{H3050}}`), a shortened form of the divine name Yahweh (the LORD). Thus, the name's core meaning is "Gift of Yahweh" or "Gift of the LORD." As a personal name, its semantic range is precisely circumscribed by this etymological definition, functioning as a declarative statement about the individual's origin and the Giver of their life. It reflects a worldview in which human existence and blessings are not merely coincidental but are actively bestowed by the divine.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Mattithiah (or Mattithjah) appears in the Old Testament for several distinct individuals, primarily within the post-exilic period and among those associated with temple service:
* **A Levite in Charge of Offerings:** In [[1 Chronicles 9:31]], Mattithiah is identified as one of the Levites, a firstborn of Shallum the Korahite, who had the responsibility of preparing the baked offerings (מַעֲשֵׂה הַחַבִּתִּים). This role highlights a practical, priestly service, suggesting that his very existence and service were seen as a divine endowment.
* **A Musician and Gatekeeper:** Two separate passages in 1 Chronicles refer to a Mattithiah who was a musician.
* In [[1 Chronicles 15:18]] and [[1 Chronicles 15:21]], Mattithiah is listed as one of the Levite gatekeepers and a musician playing lyres set to the Sheminith (an octave lower). He is further mentioned in [[1 Chronicles 16:5]] among those appointed to minister before the ark, praising, thanking, and lauding the LORD. His musical skill and dedicated service in worship underscore the idea that his talent was a "gift of Yahweh" to be employed in sacred liturgy.
* In [[1 Chronicles 25:3]] and [[1 Chronicles 25:21]], another Mattithiah, a son of Jeduthun, is counted among the temple musicians who prophesied with the lyre. He is assigned the ninth lot in the division of musicians. This further emphasizes the concept of divinely inspired talent and service, where musical prophecy is itself a gift from God.
* **One Who Married Foreign Wives:** In [[Ezra 10:43]], Mattithiah is listed among the sons of Nebo who had taken foreign wives during the period of post-exilic reform. This occurrence, while not detailing his specific role, places the individual within the context of the community's struggle for purity and adherence to covenant law. Even in the context of repentance and reform, the name "Gift of Yahweh" could serve as a poignant reminder of God's enduring grace and the gift of restoration.
Across these occurrences, the name consistently points to the pervasive understanding within Israelite society that life, talent, and even the opportunity for repentance are ultimately divine endowments.
### Related Words & Concepts
The name מַתִּתְיָה (Mattithyâh, `{{H4993}}`) is intrinsically linked to several key Hebrew terms and theological concepts:
* **מַתָּת (mattath, `{{H4979}}`)**: The noun "gift" itself, which forms the first part of Mattithiah's name. This word frequently appears in contexts of offerings, presents, or divine bestowals.
* **נָתַן (nathan, `{{H5414}}`)**: The verbal root "to give," from which mattath is derived. This foundational verb is crucial for understanding God's active role as Giver throughout scripture.
* **יָהּ (Yah, `{{H3050}}`)**: The shortened form of the Tetragrammaton, Yahweh, signifying the divine source of the gift. This element is common in many biblical names (e.g., Isaiah, Jeremiah, Zechariah).
* **Related Theophoric Names**: The concept of "God has given" is prevalent in other Hebrew names, illustrating a common theological perspective among parents:
* יוֹנָתָן (Yonatan, `{{H3083}}`, Jonathan): "Yahweh has given."
* נָתָן (Natan, `{{H5416}}`, Nathan): "He (God) has given."
* אֶלְנָתָן (Elnathan, `{{H4955}}`): "God has given."
These names collectively underscore the pervasive belief in divine providence and the recognition of children as blessings from God. The concept extends to all good things, as articulated in [[James 1:17]], "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights."
### Theological Significance
The name Mattithiah is a profound theological statement embedded within the fabric of Israelite identity. It encapsulates several core biblical doctrines:
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Benevolence**: The name explicitly declares God as the ultimate Giver. It acknowledges that life itself, along with all talents, abilities, and opportunities, originates from the benevolent hand of Yahweh. This counters any notion of self-sufficiency or chance, placing all human existence under divine authorship.
2. **Children as a Heritage from the Lord**: The naming of a child "Gift of Yahweh" powerfully affirms the biblical truth found in [[Psalm 127:3]], "Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward." It reflects the parents' faith and gratitude, recognizing their offspring not merely as biological descendants but as precious, divinely bestowed treasures.
3. **Stewardship of Gifts**: For those bearing the name, it served as a constant reminder of their identity and purpose. Their very name called them to consider their lives and abilities as divine endowments, to be used in service to the Giver. This is particularly evident in the instances of Mattithiahs who were musicians and temple servants, whose artistic and administrative skills were consecrated to God's worship. Their "gifts" were literally used in the "gift" of worship.
4. **Grace and Unmerited Favor**: The concept of a "gift" inherently implies something given freely, not earned. Thus, the name subtly points to God's grace – His unmerited favor and generosity towards humanity. Even in the context of sin and repentance (as with the Mattithiah in Ezra), the name could serve as a powerful testament to God's enduring willingness to offer grace and restoration.
### Summary
The Hebrew name מַתִּתְיָה (Mattithyâh, `{{H4993}}`), transliterated as Mattithiah or Mattithjah, carries the profound meaning "Gift of Yahweh." This etymology reveals a foundational theological conviction that life, talents, and blessings are not self-generated but are direct, benevolent endowments from the sovereign God. Appearing for several individuals in the Old Testament, particularly among Levites and temple musicians, the name underscores the sacred nature of human existence and the call to dedicate divinely given abilities back to the Giver in worship and service. It serves as a constant reminder of God's character as the ultimate Benefactor, highlighting themes of divine providence, grace, and the preciousness of every life as a heritage from the Lord.
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