מַטְרִי
𐤌𐤈𐤓𐤉
Materi
H4309 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Maṭrîy (מַטְרִי) is a personal or clan name designating a specific lineage or family group within the tribe of Benjamin. The term appears as a gentilic (inhabitant or member of a group or place), meaning 'descendant of Matri' or 'of the clan/house of Matri.' In the biblical context, it is not a descriptive term but functions solely as a proper noun identifying a familial lineage.
Semantic Range
patronymic or gentilic clan name ('of Matri', 'descendant of Matri'), no lexical use beyond personal/family designation
Root / Etymology
The name Maṭrîy derives from the root מ־ט־ר (מָטַר, 'to rain'). The formation suggests 'belonging to Matri,' with the final -îy (י) suffix indicating patrimonial or collective identity, i.e., 'descendant of Matri.' The connection between the root meaning ('to rain') and the personal name is not explicit, and the specific significance of the name in its original socio-historical context is uncertain. It may originally have connoted 'rainy' or been connected to qualities associated with rainfall (such as blessing or fertility), or simply reflected a common naming pattern without further meaning. Thus, the precise etymology of Maṭrîy as a proper name is uncertain beyond its derivation from the root.
Historical & Contextual Notes
Maṭrîy is attested in the genealogical description of Benjaminite clans (see 1 Samuel 10:21, with textual variants and possible reference in early manuscripts or traditions). The name marks descent from a progenitor named Matri, but there is little information about the historical figure of Matri or the distinctiveness of the Maṭrîy clan. Later Israelite and post-exilic sources do not preserve much detail about this lineage, and no later equivalents exist in the Second Temple period documents. English translations sometimes obscure the personal or clan significance by treating Maṭrîy merely as a proper name. 'Matri' in translation typically refers to a clan or family group, not an individual, distinguishing it from personal names. The existence of this clan reflects the early tribal and familial organization of Israelite society, particularly within Benjamin. The semantic connection to rain is not explicit in usage. The term does not carry over to period designations such as 'Jew' or 'Judean'; it is strictly an early tribal/familial designation.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from מָטַר; rainy; Matri, an Israelite; Matri.
Bantu Hebrew
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מטר (m-ṭ-r) — to rain, send rain, bestow abundantly
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4309-01 |
הַ/מַּטְרִ֑י | hamateri | HTd/Ngmsa |
of the Matrites | the Matrite | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4309-01 |
1 Samuel 10:21 | הַ/מַּטְרִ֑י | hamateri | HTd/Ngmsa |
of the Matrites | the Matrite |