מׇתְנַ֫יִם (mo.ten)
mo.ten
loin
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 31 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew word matnayim refers to the loins or hips, specifically the lower back region. It appears in the plural form and is rooted in a concept of slenderness or strength associated with that part of the body. In Scripture, this term often denotes the seat of physical power and readiness for action, as seen when Elijah girds his loins to run ahead of Ahab’s chariot (1 Kings 18:46) or when God instructs Moses to prepare for departure by girding his loins (Exodus 12:11).
Translators sometimes render matnayim as "side" or "hips," depending on context. For instance, in Ezekiel’s visions, the term describes the lower part of a divine figure’s form (Ezekiel 1:27). The word also carries emotional weight, appearing in Isaiah to describe intense anguish where pain grips the loins (Isaiah 21:3). Unlike words for thighs or legs, matnayim focuses on the core area that supports movement and strength.
One notable usage occurs in Proverbs 30:31, where it appears alongside a term for a greyhound. Scholars debate whether this refers to an extinct animal or uses matnayim metaphorically to describe a confident stride. This rare pairing highlights how the word can extend beyond anatomy into imagery of dignity and motion.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word matnayim refers to the loins or hips, the central area of physical strength and movement. In ancient culture, this was not just an anatomical term but a symbol of readiness for action. When Scripture speaks of girding one’s loins, it describes preparing oneself mentally and physically for a task ahead. This image reminds us that faith often requires active engagement rather than passive waiting.
God uses this concept to encourage His people when they face difficult challenges. Whether it is Moses preparing to lead Israel out of Egypt or Elijah running ahead of a chariot, the act of tightening the belt signifies focus and determination. It suggests that divine strength flows through our willingness to step forward in obedience.
In times of distress, the loins can also represent deep emotional pain, as seen when anguish grips the body. Yet even in suffering, this word points to resilience. You are invited to trust that God sustains your strength when you feel weak, offering peace and endurance for every season of life.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 31 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- loins/ your6×
- loins4×
- on/ loins/ their2×
- on/ loins/ his2×
- more than/ [the] loins of2×
- loins/ my2×
- loins/ his2×
- on/ loins/ our1×
- on/ hips/ our1×
- loins/ her1×
- hips/ your1×
- hips/ his1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מָתְנָ֑י/ו2×
- מָתְנֶ֗י/ךָ2×
- מָתְנֶ֔י/ךָ2×
- מָתְנֶ֑י/ךָ2×
- מִ/מָּתְנֵ֥י2×
- בְּ/מָתְנָ֑י/ו2×
- מָתְנָי/ו֙1×
- מָתְנָֽ/י\׃\ \ס1×
- מָתְנַ֧יִם1×
- מָתְנַ֣יִם1×
- מָתְנַ֙יִם֙1×
- מָתְנַ֖יִם1×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 12:11
This is how you shall eat it: with your belt on your waist, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and you shall eat it in haste: it is Yahweh’s Passover.
This verse establishes the loins as a place of readiness for urgent obedience during the Passover meal.
-
I Kings 18:46
Yahweh’s hand was on Elijah; and he tucked his cloak into his belt and ran before Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel.
Elijah girding his loins demonstrates how divine empowerment enables extraordinary physical effort.
-
Isaiah 21:3
Therefore my thighs are filled with anguish. Pains have seized me, like the pains of a woman in labor. I am in so much pain that I can’t hear. I am so dismayed that I can’t see.
Here the term shifts to describe intense personal anguish, showing its connection to deep emotional pain.
-
Jeremiah 1:17
“You therefore put your belt on your waist, arise, and say to them all that I command you. Don’t be dismayed at them, lest I dismay you before them.
God commands Jeremiah to gird his loins as a call to courage in delivering a difficult prophetic message.