הַ/מַּטּ֖וֹת
𐤄/𐤌𐤈𐤅𐤕
hamatot
of the tribes
or (feminine) מַטָּה; from נָטָה; a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance), or walking (a staff; figuratively, a support of life, e.g. bread); rod, staff, tribe.
Joshua 21:1 · Word #15
Lexicon H4294
| Lemma | מַטֶּה |
| Lemma (Paleo) | 𐤌𐤈𐤄 |
| Transliteration | maṭṭeh |
| Strong's | H4294 |
| In-context | of the tribes |
Morphology HTd/Ncmpa
All morphology codes
| Part of Speech | N — Noun — A person, place, thing, or idea |
| Subtype | c — Common — Common noun |
| Gender | m — Masculine — Masculine |
| Number | p — Plural — Plural |
| State | a — Absolute — The noun stands independently |
SIBI-P1 H4294-05
the branch-tribes
| Root | נטה (n-ṭ-h) |
| Core Meanings | to stretch out, extend, spread, incline, bend |
| Semantic Range | branch, rod, staff, sceptre, tribal division, clan lineage |
| Conceptual Significance | The term expresses Israel’s self-understanding as extended branches from the patriarchal root, emphasizing both shared origin and distinct tribal identity. It also carries associations of authority and leadership through its connection to the rod or sceptre as a symbol of rule. |
| Morphological Notes | Noun common masculine plural absolute with prefixed definite article (הַ־); from מַטֶּה (maṭṭeh). |
| Rendering Rationale | מַטֶּה derives from the root נטה (“to stretch out, extend”), originally referring to something extended like a branch or rod. In its figurative sense it denotes a tribal branch extending from a common ancestor. The form הַמַּטּוֹת is masculine plural absolute with the definite article, hence "the branch-tribes." |
AI-generated (openai/gpt-5.2-chat-latest)
Words from Root נטה (to stretch out, extend, spread, incline, bend)
| SILEX Code | Transliteration | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
H5186-01 |
at | I have stretched out |
H5186-02 |
ateh | I will stretch out |
H4294-01 |
bamateh | in the staff |
Word Usage (252 occurrences of H4294)
| Location | Form | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Genesis 38:18 | וּ/מַטְּ/ךָ֖ | umatekha | and your staff |
| Genesis 38:25 | וְ/הַ/מַּטֶּ֖ה | vehamateh | and the staff |
| Exodus 4:2 | מַטֶּֽה | mateh | a staff |