### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Mattithyâh**, represented by `{{H4993}}`, translates to **gift of Jah**. It appears **8 times** across **8 unique verses** in the Bible. This name is given to four different Israelites, primarily associated with significant roles in Levitical service and worship during the eras of King David and Ezra.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, individuals named Mattithiah are consistently found in positions of sacred duty. Several were Levites involved in the musical worship established by David. One was appointed as a **porter** `{{H7778}}` of the **second** `{{H4932}}` degree [[1 Chronicles 15:18]] and was also a musician appointed to **excel** `{{H5329}}` with **harps** `{{H3658}}` ([[1 Chronicles 15:21]], [[1 Chronicles 16:5]]). Another Mattithiah, a **son** `{{H1121}}` of **Jeduthun** `{{H3038}}`, was set apart to **prophesy** `{{H5012}}` with a **harp** `{{H3658}}` and give **praise** `{{H1984}}` to the **LORD** `{{H3068}}`; his service was assigned as the **fourteenth** `{{H702}}``{{H6240}}` lot ([[1 Chronicles 25:3]], [[1 Chronicles 25:21]]). A different Mattithiah is identified as the **firstborn** `{{H1060}}` of **Shallum** `{{H7967}}` the **Korahite** `{{H7145}}`, who held a **set office** `{{H530}}` over things **made** `{{H4639}}` in **pans** `{{H2281}}` for the sanctuary [[1 Chronicles 9:31]]. Centuries later, a man named Mattithiah stood at the **right hand** `{{H3225}}` of **Ezra** `{{H5830}}` the **scribe** `{{H5608}}` during the public reading of the Law [[Nehemiah 8:4]]. Another is listed among the **sons** `{{H1121}}` of **Nebo** `{{H5015}}` who had taken foreign wives [[Ezra 10:43]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help illuminate the context surrounding the name Mattithiah:
* `{{H1060}}` **bᵉkôwr** (firstborn): This title is applied to one Mattithiah, the son of Shallum, highlighting his position of responsibility and honor within his family of **Korahites** `{{H7145}}` [[1 Chronicles 9:31]].
* `{{H3881}}` **Lêvîyîy** (Levite): This term identifies the tribal lineage of the Mattithiah who served in the sanctuary, placing him within the tribe set apart for religious duties [[1 Chronicles 9:31]].
* `{{H5012}}` **nâbâʼ** (to prophesy): This describes the inspired ministry of Mattithiah, son of Jeduthun, who used music as a means to **give thanks** `{{H3034}}` and **praise** `{{H1984}}` God [[1 Chronicles 25:3]].
* `{{H2148}}` **Zᵉkaryâh** (Jah has remembered): Meaning "Jah has remembered," Zechariah is a name that frequently appears alongside Mattithiah in the lists of musicians and leaders, showing a community of men whose identities were tied to God ([[1 Chronicles 15:18]], [[Nehemiah 8:4]]).
* `{{H3658}}` **kinnôwr** (harp): This musical instrument is directly associated with the service of the men named Mattithiah, used to **praise** `{{H1984}}` the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` and **excel** `{{H5329}}` in worship ([[1 Chronicles 15:21]], [[1 Chronicles 25:3]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H4993}}` is rooted in its meaning and the roles of those who bore the name.
* **A Gift for Service:** The name itself, "gift of Jah," suggests that individuals and their talents for serving God are divinely granted. The lives of the Mattithiahs show this principle in action, as their skills were dedicated to the worship of the **LORD** `{{H3068}}`.
* **Organized Worship:** The various duties of the Mattithiahs—as musicians, **porters** `{{H7778}}`, and officials—demonstrate the importance of order and dedication in the life of the worshiping community, both in the tabernacle and the temple ([[1 Chronicles 9:31]], [[1 Chronicles 15:18]]).
* **Covenant Affirmation:** The presence of a Mattithiah standing with **Ezra** `{{H5830}}` at the reading of the Law signifies a public affirmation of the covenant and a commitment to the spiritual renewal of God's people [[Nehemiah 8:4]].
* **Human Frailty and Repentance:** The inclusion of a Mattithiah among those who repented of taking foreign wives shows that even those with names dedicated to God are called to faithfulness and purity [[Ezra 10:43]].
### Summary
In summary, **Mattithyâh** `{{H4993}}` is more than just a historical name; it embodies the concept of being a "gift of Jah." The four individuals who carry this name are primarily depicted as faithful Levites dedicated to the service of God through music, administration, and support of covenantal leadership. Their stories collectively illustrate that God equips individuals for specific roles within His worship and calls His people to serve Him with dedication and praise.
TRV