מַתָּנָה (mat.ta.nah)
mat.ta.nah
Mattanah
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun matanah simply means "gift" or "present." In the Old Testament, it appears only twice, both times as a proper name for a specific location rather than a general concept. The word is formed from the root natan, meaning "to give," combined with the feminine suffix that turns it into a concrete noun.
These two occurrences are found in Numbers 33:26 and Joshua 13:20. In both contexts, matanah identifies a station of the Israelites during their journey east of the Jordan River. The name likely reflects the theological view that this place was a gift from God to His people, marking a stage in their wandering as they approached the land of Canaan.
While the word itself is common in Hebrew literature for any kind of offering or present, its use as a place name is rare. It serves as a reminder that even geographical locations in the biblical narrative were often named to reflect divine provision or specific events in Israel's history.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Mattanah means "gift." It appears in the Bible as a specific stop on Israel’s journey through the wilderness. This reminds us that every stage of our walk with God is a gift, even when the path feels uncertain or difficult.
When we look at Numbers 21:18-19, we see this place named after an act of digging and sharing water. It shows that God provides for His people in practical ways. We can trust that He gives us what we need for each day, just as He gave water to Israel.
May you feel encouraged today, knowing that your life is held by a God who gives good gifts. Rest in the peace that comes from trusting His provision.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ from/ Mattanah1×
- Mattanah1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מַתָּנָֽה\׃1×
- וּ/מִ/מַּתָּנָ֖ה1×
Key Verses
-
Numbers 21:18
the well, which the princes dug, which the nobles of the people dug, with the scepter, and with their poles.” From the wilderness they traveled to Mattanah;
This verse marks the transition to Mattanah, linking the place name directly to the communal effort of digging a well.
-
Numbers 21:19
and from Mattanah to Nahaliel; and from Nahaliel to Bamoth;
Here Mattanah is listed as a starting point for the next leg of the journey, showing its role in the sequence of Israel's travels.