מַתָּן (mat.tan)
mat.tan
Mattan
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Mattan, derived from the Hebrew root meaning "gift," appears only three times in the Old Testament, marking two distinct individuals during the turbulent era of the Divided Monarchy. In both instances, the bearers are closely associated with the political and religious conflicts surrounding Jerusalem’s final days.
One Mattan served as a priest of Baal in Jerusalem during the reign of Athaliah, playing a role in the pagan worship practices that King Joash later helped dismantle (2 Kings 11:18). The other is identified simply as the father of Shephatiah, who appears alongside other officials in Jeremiah’s narrative (Jeremiah 38:1; 2 Chronicles 36:14). These sparse references highlight how names reflecting divine favor or human provision could belong to figures on opposing sides of Israel’s spiritual struggle.
The recurrence of this name among men involved in high-stakes religious and political affairs underscores the irony often present in biblical naming. While "gift" suggests blessing, these individuals are entangled in the nation’s decline, reminding readers that names carry meaning but do not guarantee faithfulness to God.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Mattan means "gift," yet the Bible records it on men involved in Israel’s deepest crises. One bearer was a priest of Baal, killed when the temple was restored to Yahweh. Another was the father of an official who opposed the prophet Jeremiah. These brief mentions remind us that names carry weight, but they do not guarantee faithfulness.
God’s gifts are often given to those who turn away, or to those caught in the crossfire of spiritual conflict. This reality invites humility. We cannot assume that our position, our heritage, or even our name ensures our standing with God. Instead, we are called to respond to His grace with active loyalty.
When you read these accounts, notice how God’s justice and mercy intersect. He removes false worship, yet He still works through history to preserve His people. Your own life may feel like a mix of blessings and struggles. Trust that God is sovereign over both, and that your true identity is found in Him, not in the titles or roles you hold.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Mattan3×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מַתָּן֙2×
- מַתָּ֗ן1×
Key Verses
-
II Kings 11:18
All the people of the land went to the house of Baal, and broke it down. They broke his altars and his images in pieces thoroughly, and killed Mattan the priest of Baal before the altars. The priest appointed officers over Yahweh’s house.
This verse records the violent end of Mattan the priest of Baal, showing how the restoration of true worship involved dismantling the old pagan structures.
-
II Chronicles 23:17
All the people went to the house of Baal, broke it down, broke his altars and his images in pieces, and killed Mattan the priest of Baal before the altars.
The parallel account in Chronicles confirms the public nature of this judgment, emphasizing that the people actively participated in rejecting false gods.
-
Jeremiah 38:1
Shephatiah the son of Mattan, Gedaliah the son of Pashhur, Jucal the son of Shelemiah, and Pashhur the son of Malchijah heard the words that Jeremiah spoke to all the people, saying,
Here Mattan is mentioned only as the father of Shephatiah, one of the officials who opposed Jeremiah, illustrating how even those named "gift" could align against God’s prophets.