מָתַח
𐤌𐤕𐤇
mâthach
H4969 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To stretch, extend, or spread out, generally referring to an action that lengthens or lays something flat or makes it taut. This verb is used both literally (e.g., stretching out a line, tent, or hand) and, less commonly, in figurative or metaphorical contexts (e.g., determining or measuring by means of stretching). In most cases, it denotes a specific physical act involving the elongation or expansion of an object.
Semantic Range
to stretch out, to spread out, to extend, to draw tight, to lay out (as a line for measurement); to elongate; to arrange or prepare by stretching
Root / Etymology
Root: מתח. The root מתח conveys the idea of pulling or extending lengthwise, resulting in tension or spread. The verb form מָתַח reflects primarily the sense of a physical action: to stretch something by pulling, to draw out, or to lay flat from a contracted or gathered position. The semantic development remains closely tied to this central sense across its attested uses. There is no evidence for derivation from another Semitic root.
Historical & Contextual Notes
The verb מָתַח appears in various prose and poetic contexts, consistently describing the literal act of stretching or extending, such as stretching a measuring line (Isaiah 44:13; Zechariah 1:16), extending a tent (Isaiah 54:2), or spreading out hands (Isaiah 33:23). The oldest attestations are found in prophetic and poetic passages, where it often associates with planning, marking, or preparing space (e.g., in construction or measuring for building). The word does not acquire the broader figurative connotations seen with more common verbs for 'spreading' (such as פָּרַשׂ), and remains technical rather than poetic. In post-biblical Hebrew, the use narrows, typically relating to measurement or technical stretching. English translations like 'to stretch' or 'to spread out' generally capture the physical nuance but may miss technical uses related to laying out measurements or materials.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
a primitive root; to stretch out; spread out.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
מתח (m-t-ḥ) — to stretch, extend, spread out, draw tight
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H572 | אַמְתַּחַת | stretched-out sack of |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4969-01 |
וַ/יִּמְתָּחֵ֥/ם | vayimetachem | HC/Vqw3ms/Sp3mp |
and-he-spreads-them | and he stretched them | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4969-01 |
Isaiah 40:22 | וַ/יִּמְתָּחֵ֥/ם | vayimetachem | HC/Vqw3ms/Sp3mp |
and-he-spreads-them | and he stretched them |