מְנָת (me.nat)
me.nat
portion
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Definition
Definition
Brown-Driver-Briggs
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word menat simply means a portion or share. It describes what is assigned to someone, whether it is material goods like food and land, or spiritual standing before God. In the Old Testament, this term often appears in the context of providing for those who serve in the temple, such as priests and Levites. It highlights a system of care where the community supports its leaders so they can focus on their sacred duties.
For your faith life, this word reminds us that God provides for His people and expects them to provide for one another. When we see Israel giving portions to the Levites, it shows an act of trust and obedience. It is not just about money; it is about recognizing that everyone has a role in God’s plan. This shared responsibility fosters unity and ensures that those serving in spiritual roles are not burdened by daily needs.
Even when the text speaks of a portion being given to the wicked, it underscores the seriousness of our choices. Your life is not random; you have a place and a purpose in God’s hands. Trusting in Him means resting in the portion He has measured out for you, knowing that His plans are good and steady.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [the] portions of3×
- [the] portion of3×
- and/ [the] portion of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מְנָת\־1×
- מְנָי֥וֹת1×
- מְנָי֛וֹת1×
- מְנָא֣וֹת1×
- מְנָ֥ת1×
- מְנָ֣ת1×
- וּ/מְנָת֩1×
Key Verses
-
II Chronicles 31:4
Moreover he commanded the people who lived in Jerusalem to give the portion of the priests and the Levites, that they might give themselves to Yahweh’s law.
This verse shows the community actively giving portions to support priests and Levites so they could focus on studying God's law.
-
Nehemiah 13:10
I perceived that the portions of the Levites had not been given them, so that the Levites and the singers, who did the work, had each fled to his field.
Here, the failure to give the Levites their portion led to neglect of temple service, showing how practical care affects spiritual work.
-
Jeremiah 13:25
This is your lot, the portion measured to you from me,” says Yahweh, “because you have forgotten me, and trusted in falsehood.”
The prophet uses 'portion' metaphorically to describe the consequences God measures out for those who trust in falsehood.