Lexical Summary Matred: Matred Original Word: מַטְרֵד Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Matred From tarad; propulsive; Matred, an Edomitess -- Matred. see HEBREW tarad NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom tarad Definition an Edomite woman NASB Translation Matred (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs מְטְרֵד proper name, feminine mother-in-law of Hadar (Hadad) Genesis 36:39 ᵐ5 Ματρ(α)ε(ι)θ (ᵐ5 here, not in Chronicles, makes ׳מ son of Mezahab, i.e. proper name, masculine) = 1 Chronicles 1:50, ᵐ5 Ματραδ, Ματρηθ. טרה (√ of following; compare Arabic Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrences and ContextMatred appears twice in Scripture, both times within the parallel genealogical lists of the kings of Edom (Genesis 36:39; 1 Chronicles 1:50). The Berean Standard Bible reads: “And his wife’s name was Mehetabel, daughter of Matred, the daughter of Mezahab” (Genesis 36:39b; cf. 1 Chronicles 1:50b). In each passage she is introduced only as the mother of Mehetabel, who became the wife of the Edomite king Hadad (also called Hadar). Unlike many female figures in the Old Testament, Matred is neither directly linked to Israel nor described in any narrative action; her entire biblical role is genealogical. Genealogical Importance The Edomite lists in Genesis 36 and 1 Chronicles 1 trace the line of Esau apart from Israel. By including Matred, the inspired writer provides a specific matrilineal link that connects Mezahab (“mezahab” meaning “waters-of-gold”) to Hadad’s royal household. These details anchor the Edomite monarchy in real families and places, complementing the patriarchal records of Israel and underscoring the historical reality of both nations (cf. Genesis 25:23). Cultural and Historical Setting Edom’s kingship arose before Israel requested a human king (Genesis 36:31), showing that Esau’s descendants formed an organized monarchy centuries prior to Saul. Matred’s placement in that royal lineage reveals the cultural practice of recording prominent women as custodians of dynastic legitimacy. Her daughter Mehetabel (“God makes happy”) bears a theophoric name, hinting that—even in Edom—acknowledgment of the true God had not been entirely forgotten. Theological Reflections 1. Providence in Peripheral Lines Although Matred stands outside the covenant line of Jacob, her brief mention affirms that God’s providence extends to all peoples. The precision of the record demonstrates that God oversees the rise and fall of nations (Psalm 22:28). 2. Scripture’s Trustworthiness Minor names like Matred validate the text’s historical integrity. Archaeological discoveries of Edomite sites such as Bozrah and Teman corroborate the period and geography described, lending weight to the genealogies that include her. 3. Foreshadowing the Global Scope of Redemption Edom often symbolizes the nations opposed to Israel (Obadiah 1). Yet even within Edom’s lineage we find individuals whose names point to God. Matred’s inclusion hints at the eventual incorporation of “all families of the earth” into blessing through Abraham’s seed (Genesis 12:3). Lessons for Faith and Ministry • Value Every Name: Congregational ministry should echo Scripture’s care for seemingly obscure individuals, affirming that every believer’s account matters to God (1 Corinthians 12:22). Matred’s two brief appearances serve as a quiet testimony to the comprehensive scope of God’s Word—every name, even in foreign genealogies, contributes to the unfolding redemptive narrative. Forms and Transliterations מַטְרֵ֔ד מטרד maṭ·rêḏ matRed maṭrêḏLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 36:39 HEB: מְהֵֽיטַבְאֵל֙ בַּת־ מַטְרֵ֔ד בַּ֖ת מֵ֥י NAS: the daughter of Matred, daughter KJV: the daughter of Matred, the daughter INT: was Mehetabel the daughter of Matred daughter of Mezahab 1 Chronicles 1:50 2 Occurrences |
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