מַטְאֲטֵא (mat.a.te)
mat.a.te
broom
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew word matʾăṭê refers specifically to a broom or besom, an implement used for sweeping. It appears only once in the entire Old Testament, in Isaiah 14:23. In this context, it is part of a vivid metaphor describing the total destruction of Babylon. The text declares that God will sweep the city out with the "broom of destruction," leaving it completely empty and uninhabitable.
This rare term emphasizes thoroughness and finality. Unlike a gentle dusting, a broom implies a vigorous action that removes everything in its path. By using this concrete image, the prophet conveys that no trace of Babylon’s power or presence will remain. The word serves as a stark visual for absolute judgment and cleansing.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word matʾăṭê appears only once in Scripture, in Isaiah 14:23. It describes a broom used for sweeping away debris. In this verse, God uses the image to show how completely He will remove Babylon’s power. The picture is not of gentle cleaning, but of total removal.
This imagery reminds us that God sees injustice and pride clearly. When evil reaches its peak, He acts with finality. For believers, this offers comfort. It shows that no system built on oppression lasts forever. God’s justice is thorough.
While the context focuses on judgment against a proud nation, the underlying truth applies to our lives. We can trust that God clears away what harms His people. He removes obstacles that block His will. This assurance helps us rest in His sovereignty during difficult times.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- with/ a broom of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- בְּ/מַטְאֲטֵ֣א1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 14:23
“I will also make it a possession for the porcupine, and pools of water. I will sweep it with the broom of destruction,” says Yahweh of Armies.
This verse uses the broom to depict the absolute and irreversible removal of Babylon's influence, emphasizing that God's judgment leaves no trace of its former power.