מַתְּנָא (mat.t.na)
mat.t.na
gift
A:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:N-F
Word Overview
The Aramaic noun mat.t.na simply means a gift or present. It appears only three times in the Hebrew Bible, all within the book of Daniel, reflecting the language of the Babylonian and Persian courts where such terms were common in administrative and diplomatic contexts.
This word is the direct Aramaic equivalent of the Hebrew mat.t.nah (H4979). In Daniel 5:29, it describes the royal garments and gold chain given to Daniel after he interpreted the writing on the wall. The term highlights the tangible nature of the reward, emphasizing the physical bestowal of honor by the king.
Its limited usage underscores its role in specific historical narratives rather than broad theological concepts. Translators consistently render it as "gift," capturing the straightforward exchange of items that signifies favor or status within the ancient Near Eastern world depicted in these chapters.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
In the book of Daniel, the Aramaic word for gift appears in moments where human wisdom meets divine revelation. When Daniel interprets the king’s dreams or the mysterious writing on the wall, he does not seek these rewards for himself. Instead, he points to God as the true source of understanding and honor.
This word reminds us that our abilities come from above. We are called to serve with integrity, whether we receive recognition or not. The gifts given by earthly rulers were temporary, but the wisdom Daniel received reflected a lasting trust in God’s sovereignty over all nations.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- gifts/ your1×
- gifts1×
- and/ gifts1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מַתְּנָתָ/ךְ֙1×
- מַתְּנָ֤ן1×
- וּ/מַתְּנָ֨ן1×
Key Verses
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Daniel 5:17
Then Daniel answered before the king, “Let your gifts be to yourself, and give your rewards to another. Nevertheless, I will read the writing to the king, and make known to him the interpretation.
This verse shows Daniel refusing royal gifts to emphasize that his insight comes from God, not the king.
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Daniel 2:48
Then the king made Daniel great and gave him many great gifts, and made him rule over the whole province of Babylon and to be chief governor over all the wise men of Babylon.
Here the king gives many great gifts to Daniel after he reveals the dream, showing how divine wisdom leads to earthly honor.
-
Daniel 2:6
But if you show the dream and its interpretation, you will receive from me gifts, rewards, and great honor. Therefore show me the dream and its interpretation.”
The king offers gifts and rewards to those who can interpret his dream, highlighting the high value placed on this specific knowledge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew/Aramaic word mat.t.na mean?
Why is this word important in Daniel 5:17?
How is mat.t.na different from other words for gift?
Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)
Daniel 3 verses
But if you show the dream and its interpretation, you will receive from me gifts, rewards, and great honor. Therefore…
Daniel 2:48Then the king made Daniel great and gave him many great gifts, and made him rule over the whole province of Babylon and…
Daniel 5:17Then Daniel answered before the king, “Let your gifts be to yourself, and give your rewards to another. Nevertheless, I…