מַתַּנְיָ֫הוּ (mat.tan.yah)
mat.tan.yah
Mattaniah
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 16 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Mattaniah means "gift of Jehovah" and appears sixteen times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily within the historical books that record the lives of Israel’s leaders and temple workers. It is a personal name rather than a common noun, identifying specific individuals across different eras of Jewish history.
Its most famous bearer was the last king of Judah before the Babylonian exile, who was renamed Zedekiah by the conqueror Nebuchadnezzar (2 Kings 24:17). The name also surfaces frequently among the Levites. In Chronicles and Nehemiah, several men named Mattaniah served as musicians or leaders in temple worship, such as those who blew trumpets or led choirs during the dedication of Jerusalem’s walls.
Additionally, the name appears in Ezra among men who took decisive steps to dissolve marriages with foreign wives, reflecting a period of religious reform and community purification. The recurrence of this name highlights its significance as a declaration of divine favor, linking royal history with the dedicated service of temple personnel.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Mattaniah carries a simple but profound meaning: "gift of Jehovah." In the Hebrew Bible, this name appears sixteen times, attached to men who held significant roles in Israel’s history. From kings to temple musicians, these individuals remind us that every person and every talent is a gift from God.
When we read about Mattaniah leading thanksgiving songs or serving as a gatekeeper, we see ordinary people offering their lives in faithful service. The name itself points away from human achievement and toward divine generosity. It invites us to recognize the gifts we have received—whether talents, time, or opportunities—as trusts from God.
Reflecting on this name can deepen our gratitude. Whether you are leading a choir or managing household duties, your work is part of a larger story of God’s provision. May you see your own life as a gift to be used for good, and may you find peace in knowing that every ability comes from Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 16 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Mattaniah13×
- and/ Mattaniah3×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מַתַּנְיָ֥ה2×
- מַתַּנְיָ֣ה2×
- מַתַּנְיָ֑ה2×
- מַתַּנְיָה֙1×
- מַתַּנְיָ֧ה1×
- מַתַּנְיָ֤ה1×
- מַתַּנְיָ֡הוּ1×
- מַתַּנְיָ֛ה1×
- מַתַּנְיָ֖ה1×
- מַתַּנְיָ֔הוּ1×
- וּ/מַתַּנְיָה֙1×
- וּ/מַתַּנְיָֽהוּ\׃\ \ס1×
Key Verses
-
II Kings 24:17
The king of Babylon made Mattaniah, Jehoiachin’s father’s brother, king in his place, and changed his name to Zedekiah.
This verse identifies Mattaniah as the last king of Judah before the exile, highlighting how God’s gifts can be reshaped by history.
-
Nehemiah 11:17
and Mattaniah the son of Mica, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, who was the chief to begin the thanksgiving in prayer, and Bakbukiah, the second among his brothers; and Abda the son of Shammua, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun.
Here Mattaniah is appointed chief to begin thanksgiving in prayer, showing the name’s connection to worship and gratitude.
-
II Chronicles 20:14
Then Yahweh’s Spirit came on Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, the Levite, of the sons of Asaph, in the middle of the assembly;
Jahaziel, a Levite named Mattaniah’s ancestor, receives the Spirit of prophecy, linking the name to divine inspiration.
-
Ezra 10:26
Of the sons of Elam: Mattaniah, Zechariah, Jehiel, Abdi, Jeremoth, and Elijah.
Mattaniah is listed among those who dissolved foreign marriages, illustrating the name’s presence in times of religious reform.