מַתָּן
𐤌𐤕𐤍
mattân
H4976 noun
SILEX Entry
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.
Translation Consistency
Most natural and common English equivalent for מַתָּן, matching the typical sense of a voluntary offering, present, or token of goodwill. It reflects the dominant renderings (4 of 5) and covers ceremonial offerings and rewards in ordinary language while remaining simple and consistent across all forms.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from נָתַן; a present; gift, to give, reward.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot 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 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4976-01 |
מַתָּ֣ן | matan | HNcmsc |
gift | Mattan | Mattan (gift) | 3 |
H4976-03 |
וּ/מַתָּ֔ן | umatan | HC/Ncmsa |
and gift | and a gift | and the gift | 1 |
H4976-02 |
מַתָּנָ֗/ם | matanam | HNcmsc/Sp3mp |
of their gift | their gift | their gift | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
5 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4976-03 |
Genesis 34:12 | וּ/מַתָּ֔ן | umatan | HC/Ncmsa |
and gift | and a gift | and the gift |
H4976-02 |
Numbers 18:11 | מַתָּנָ֗/ם | matanam | HNcmsc/Sp3mp |
of their gift | their gift | their gift |
H4976-01 |
Proverbs 18:16 | מַתָּ֣ן | matan | HNcmsc |
gift | Mattan | Mattan (gift) |
H4976-01 |
Proverbs 19:6 | מַתָּֽן | matan | HNcmsa |
who gives gifts | Mattan | giver of gifts |
H4976-01 |
Proverbs 21:14 | מַתָּ֣ן | matan | HNcmsa |
gift | Mattan | Mattan (gift) |