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מַתָּן

𐤌𐤕𐤍

mattân

H4976 noun

SILEX Entry

Root נתן to give, grant, bestow

Definition

A gift; something given voluntarily without expectation of return, often as an expression of loyalty, honor, or respect. In proper noun usage, Mattan designates a personal name. The noun may refer to a concrete offering, ceremonial or cultic gifts, or a token of goodwill.

Semantic Range

gift, present, offering, reward, bribe, personal name

Root / Etymology

From the root נתן (n-t-n), meaning 'to give.' מַתָּן is a nominal formation (noun) from this verb, denoting the object or result of the act of giving – a 'gift' or 'present.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

The term מַתָּן appears in several different contexts in the Hebrew Bible. As a common noun, it designates a physical or figurative gift, such as offerings presented to a deity, gifts between individuals or nations, or symbolic acts of generosity or bribes (see Prov 18:16, 19:6). Its range thus bridges both positive and transactional connotations, depending on context. In proper noun use, Mattan appears as the name of a Baal priest (2 Kings 11:18; 2 Chr 23:17), demonstrating its function as a personal name. Compared to related terms, such as שַׁי (shay, a tribute or present especially to a superior or deity) and תְּרוּמָה (terumah, an elevated offering in cultic ritual), מַתָּן is a more general term with less specific cultic or hierarchical nuance. In post-exilic and later periods, similar-sounding Aramaic and Hebrew words continue usage with comparable meaning, and the noun is found as a personal name in later Jewish and Samaritan onomastic traditions. While English translations often render מַתָּן as 'gift' or 'present,' the term can carry broader connotations, particularly relating to diplomacy, cult, or social relationships within ancient Israelite society. The English term 'gift' sometimes obscures the transactional or honorific aspects in biblical contexts.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from נָתַן; a present; gift, to give, reward.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

נתן (n-t-n) — to give, grant, bestow

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H3129 יוֹנָתָן in Yahweh-has-given
H4977 מַתָּן Gift
H4978 מַתְּנָא gifts
H4979 מַתָּנָה with their gifts
H4980 מַתָּנָה Gift-place

Word Forms

3 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H4976-01 מַתָּ֣ן matan HNcmsc gift Mattan 3
H4976-03 וּ/מַתָּ֔ן umatan HC/Ncmsa and gift and a gift 1
H4976-02 מַתָּנָ֗/ם matanam HNcmsc/Sp3mp of their gift their gift 1

Occurrences in Scripture

5 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H4976-03 Genesis 34:12 וּ/מַתָּ֔ן umatan HC/Ncmsa and gift and a gift
H4976-02 Numbers 18:11 מַתָּנָ֗/ם matanam HNcmsc/Sp3mp of their gift their gift
H4976-01 Proverbs 18:16 מַתָּ֣ן matan HNcmsc gift Mattan
H4976-01 Proverbs 19:6 מַתָּֽן matan HNcmsa who gives gifts Mattan
H4976-01 Proverbs 21:14 מַתָּ֣ן matan HNcmsa gift Mattan
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