מַתִּתְיָ֫הוּ (mat.tit.yah)
mat.tit.yah
Mattithiah
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 8 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Mattithiah, meaning "gift of Jehovah," appears eight times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily within the historical books of Chronicles, Ezra, and Nehemiah. It identifies several distinct Levites who played significant roles during the period of the Exile and the subsequent Return to Jerusalem. The sources distinguish between individuals with similar names, ensuring clarity about which figure is being referenced in each context.
One notable bearer of this name was appointed by King David to lead musical service before the ark (1 Chronicles 15:17-19), highlighting a connection to worship and celebration. Another Mattithiah is recorded as presiding over offerings (1 Chronicles 9:31), indicating administrative responsibility in the restored temple community. A third figure, mentioned in Ezra 2:43 and Nehemiah 7:46, belonged to the family of Nebo and was among those who had married foreign wives, a issue that required careful resolution during the post-exilic reforms.
The recurrence of this name reflects its theological significance, emphasizing God's generosity as a defining characteristic of His servants. These individuals, though often mentioned only in genealogical or administrative lists, contributed to the spiritual and communal restoration of Israel. Their roles in music, temple service, and civic reform illustrate the diverse ways Levites served during this critical era.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Mattithiah means "gift of Jehovah." It appears eight times in the Old Testament, mostly in lists of Levites who served during the return from exile. These men were not famous kings or prophets, but ordinary servants dedicated to worship and temple duties. Their story reminds us that God values faithful service in every role, whether leading music or managing supplies.
When we read about Mattithiah and his brothers, we see a community rebuilding its life around God. They handled sacred tasks with care, from playing instruments before the ark to overseeing food preparations. This shows that spiritual restoration involves both prayer and practical work. Every contribution matters when offered with a willing heart.
Your own gifts, however small they may seem, are part of God’s larger plan. Just as these Levites served in their specific roles, you too have a place in the body of Christ. Trust that your faithful presence and service bring glory to God, even if no one notices but Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 8 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Mattithiah5×
- Mattithiah3×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מַתִּתְיָה֙1×
- מַתִּתְיָ֡ה1×
- מַתִּתְיָ֔הוּ1×
- וּ/מַתִּתְיָהוּ֩1×
- וּ/מַתִּתְיָה֙1×
- וּ/מַתִּתְיָ֣הוּ1×
- וּ/מַתִּתְיָ֡ה1×
- וּ/מַתִּתְיָ֜הוּ1×
Key Verses
-
I Chronicles 15:18
and with them their brothers of the second rank: Zechariah, Ben, Jaaziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Benaiah, Maaseiah, Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed-Edom, and Jeiel, the doorkeepers.
This verse places Mattithiah among the doorkeepers and musicians appointed by David to lead worship before the ark, highlighting his role in corporate praise.
-
I Chronicles 25:3
Of Jeduthun, the sons of Jeduthun: Gedaliah, Zeri, Jeshaiah, Shimei, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah, six, under the hands of their father Jeduthun, who prophesied in giving thanks and praising Yahweh with the harp.
Here Mattithiah is listed as a son of Jeduthun who prophesied while playing the harp, showing that musical service was viewed as a form of prophecy and thanksgiving.
-
Ezra 10:43
Of the sons of Nebo: Jeiel, Mattithiah, Zabad, Zebina, Iddo, Joel, and Benaiah.
This entry identifies Mattithiah as part of the family of Nebo who had married foreign wives, illustrating the complex social reforms required during the post-exilic restoration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Mattithiah mean?
Who was Mattithiah in the Bible?
Why is Mattithiah mentioned in Ezra and Nehemiah?
Every Occurrence (8 verses across 3 books)
I Chronicles 6 verses
Mattithiah, one of the Levites, who was the firstborn of Shallum the Korahite, had the office of trust over the things…
I Chronicles 15:18and with them their brothers of the second rank: Zechariah, Ben, Jaaziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Benaiah,…
I Chronicles 15:21and Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed-Edom, Jeiel, and Azaziah, with harps tuned to the eight-stringed lyre, to…
I Chronicles 16:5Asaph the chief, and second to him Zechariah, then Jeiel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Mattithiah, Eliab, Benaiah, Obed-Edom,…
I Chronicles 25:3Of Jeduthun, the sons of Jeduthun: Gedaliah, Zeri, Jeshaiah, Shimei, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah, six, under the hands of…
I Chronicles 25:21for the fourteenth, Mattithiah, his sons and his brothers, twelve;