Original Word: מַתָּן
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: mattan
Pronunciation: mat-tawn'
Phonetic Spelling: (mat-tawn')
KJV: gift, to give, reward
NASB: gift, gifts
Word Origin: [from H5414 (נָתַן - give)]

1. a present

gift, to give, reward

From nathan; a present -- gift, to give, reward.

see HEBREW nathan

Word Origin
from nathan
Definition
a gift
NASB Translation
gift (4), gifts (1).

I. מַתָּן noun masculine^{Proverbs 18:16}

collective gift(s); — absolute ׳מ Genesis 34:12 2t.; construct id. Proverbs 18:16 (see Baer^{on the passage} Ges^{§ 92g} Kö^{ii 1, 98}); suffix מַתָּנָם Numbers 18:11; — marriage-gifts Genesis 34:12 (J; + מֹהַר); offerings Numbers 18:11 (P; ׳תְּרוּמַת מ); elsewhere Generally, gifts, presents, Proverbs 18:16; Proverbs 21:14 ("" שֹׁחַד); אִישׁ מַתָּן Proverbs 19:6 = a giver of gifts.

Definition and Conceptual Range

מַתָּן describes a tangible gift, present, or offering extended from one person to another. In Scripture it moves along a spectrum that includes bride-price, priestly portions, and diplomatic or conciliatory presents. In every setting the term underscores the relational dynamics created by giving—honor, obligation, favor, and reconciliation.

Occurrences in Scripture

1. Genesis 34:12
2. Numbers 18:11
3. Proverbs 18:16
4. Proverbs 19:6
5. Proverbs 21:14

These texts fall naturally into three thematic groups: bridal negotiations, priestly provisions, and social interaction within wisdom literature.

Mattan as Bridal Payment: Genesis 34:12

After the violation of Dinah, Shechem pleads with Jacob’s sons, “‘Demand a high dowry and gift, and I will pay whatever you ask’” (Genesis 34:12). Here מַתָּן functions beside the dowry to secure marital rights. The narrative reveals a cultural norm in which a father’s honor and a daughter’s future are safeguarded through tangible compensation. Yet the offer, though lavish, fails to remedy the moral injustice because the brothers discern motive rather than amount (Genesis 34:13-17). The passage warns that gifts, however costly, cannot substitute for repentance or covenant faithfulness.

Mattan in Priestly Provision: Numbers 18:11

“This portion of the gifts presented to the LORD belongs to you and your sons and your daughters…” (Numbers 18:11). Here מַתָּן identifies portions of Israel’s offerings that are transferred from lay worshipers to the priestly household. The giving underscores three principles:
• God claims the first and best.
• God then shares His portion with those set apart for sacred service.
• The congregation sustains its spiritual leaders by acts of generosity.

Mattan in this context models how divine grace flows outward: what is presented to the LORD becomes a means of provision for His ministers, preserving both holiness and pastoral care.

Mattan as Social Grace: Proverbs 18:16; 19:6; 21:14

“A man’s gift opens doors for him and brings him before great men” (Proverbs 18:16).

“Many curry favor with a ruler, and everyone is a friend of the man who gives gifts” (Proverbs 19:6).

“A gift given in secret soothes anger, and a covert bribe pacifies great wrath” (Proverbs 21:14).

In wisdom literature מַתָּן is observed empirically. Gifts can grant audience, secure goodwill, or defuse hostility. The proverbs neither celebrate corruption nor condemn all giving; rather, they record practical outcomes. The ethical evaluation rests on motive and context: a discreet present may reconcile parties (21:14), but an ingratiating gift may merely expose human fickleness (19:6). Thus, discernment is essential both for the giver and the recipient.

Theological Themes

1. Grace Reflected: Material gifts mirror God’s own initiative to give—first in creation, then in covenant.
2. Responsibility and Stewardship: Whether in sanctuary or society, presenting a מַתָּן carries accountability before God.
3. Mediation: Gifts often serve as tangible mediators to repair relationships, foreshadowing the ultimate mediation accomplished through Christ’s self-offering (Ephesians 5:2).

Historical and Cultural Background

In the Ancient Near East, exchange of gifts was a lingua franca of diplomacy, marriage alliances, and cultic worship. Matan frequently accompanied bride-price transactions, sealed treaties, or constituted the priest’s livelihood. Israel’s law codified these customs, transforming common practice into covenant expression—every gift now measured against the holiness of God.

Application for Ministry Today

• Financial Support of Servants: Numbers 18:11 guides churches to honor those who labor in Word and doctrine (1 Timothy 5:17-18).
• Peacemaking: Discreet, thoughtful giving can mend offenses when paired with integrity and humility (Matthew 5:23-24).
• Guarding Motives: The Proverbs warn that generosity manipulated for selfish gain erodes trust and justice; therefore, transparent stewardship is essential.

Christological Reflections

Every legitimate מַתָּן points to “the indescribable gift” (2 Corinthians 9:15), Jesus Christ. He fulfills the ideals hinted at in Genesis, the priestly provision of Numbers, and the reconciling power described in Proverbs. In Him, God not only gives but becomes the Gift, securing eternal favor for those who believe.

וּמַתָּ֔ן ומתן מַתָּ֣ן מַתָּֽן׃ מַתָּנָ֗ם מתן מתן׃ מתנם mat·tā·nām mat·tān matTan mattān mattaNam mattānām ū·mat·tān umatTan ūmattānInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts