Original Word: מַתָּת
Part of Speech: Noun Feminine
Transliteration: mattath
Pronunciation: mat-tath'
Phonetic Spelling: (mat-tawth')
KJV: gift
NASB: gift, give, gifts, reward
Word Origin: [feminine of H4976 (מַתּתָּן - gift) abbreviated form]

1. a present

gift

Feminine of mattan abbreviated form; a present -- gift.

see HEBREW mattan

Word Origin
from nathan
Definition
a gift
NASB Translation
gift (2), gifts (1), give (2), reward (1).

[מַתַּת] noun feminine id.; — absolute מַתָּ֑ת 1 Kings 13:7; construct מַתַּת Proverbs 25:14 4t.; — gift = reward 1 Kings 13:7; מַתַּת יָדוֺ the gift of his hand, i.e. of his power, what he is able to give Ezekiel 46:5,11 (compare מַתָּנָה and יָד

2); אֱלֹהִים ׳מ Ecclesiastes 3:13 the gift of God (of the enjoyment of man), so Ecclesiastes 5:18; שָׁ֑קֶר ׳מ Proverbs 25:14 a gift of falsity, i.e. one promised and not given.

Meaning and Scope

The term denotes a tangible or material “gift,” “present,” or “reward” that is voluntarily transferred from one party to another. While it can describe a benevolent provision from God, it can also depict human generosity—or the pretense of it—thus allowing the Scriptures to explore both the blessings and potential abuses connected with gift-giving.

Occurrences in Scripture

1 Kings 13:7; Proverbs 25:14; Ecclesiastes 3:13; Ecclesiastes 5:19; Ezekiel 46:5; Ezekiel 46:11.

Patterns of Usage

1. Royal Reward (1 Kings 13:7). King Jeroboam tries to compensate the man of God: “Come home with me and refresh yourself, and I will give you a reward.” The prophet declines, underscoring that true servants of the Lord cannot be bought.
2. False Promises (Proverbs 25:14). “Like clouds and wind without rain is the man who boasts of gifts never given.” Scripture condemns empty pledges; credibility before God and people is tied to faithfully delivering what one promises.
3. Divine Provision (Ecclesiastes 3:13; 5:19). Twice Qoheleth calls the enjoyment of labor and wealth “the gift of God,” framing everyday blessings as gracious endowments rather than mere human achievement.
4. Cultic Offering (Ezekiel 46:5; 46:11). Within the millennial-temple vision, the prince brings grain offerings “as much as he is able to give,” portraying gifts as acts of worship integrated into regular and festival liturgies.

Historical and Cultural Background

In the Ancient Near East, presents could seal treaties, honor prophets, or curry favor with royalty. Israel’s law regulated such practices to prevent bribery (Exodus 23:8) and to highlight that every perfect gift ultimately proceeds from God (compare James 1:17). Prophets often refused payment to safeguard the purity of their message (2 Kings 5:15-16).

Theology of Divine Provision

Ecclesiastes roots human satisfaction in God’s benevolent initiative. Work, food, and wealth are not ends in themselves but reminders of the Creator’s generosity. Recognizing them as gifts fosters gratitude, combats envy, and nurtures contentment (1 Timothy 6:6-8).

Warnings Against Empty Promises

Proverbs 25:14 contrasts ostentatious speech with the barrenness of unfulfilled rainclouds. Social stability depends on trustworthy speech; false pledges erode communal confidence and mock the character of the God who never lies (Numbers 23:19).

Sacrificial Offerings and Worship

Ezekiel envisions gifts woven into temple ritual. The quantity is flexible—“as much as he is able to give”—affirming that acceptable worship is measured by willing generosity rather than fixed amounts (compare 2 Corinthians 9:7). The inclusion of grain and oil highlights God’s sovereignty over daily bread and agricultural prosperity.

Implications for Christian Ministry

• Integrity: Ministers guard against commodifying the gospel (Acts 8:18-20).
• Stewardship: Believers view income and ability as divine gifts to be managed for kingdom purposes (1 Peter 4:10).
• Generosity: The church reflects God’s character by tangible giving, supporting the needy and advancing mission (2 Corinthians 9:11-15).
• Gratitude: Recognizing life’s basics as God’s gift nurtures worship that extends beyond formal services into everyday labor.

Christological Significance

All Old Testament gifts prefigure the supreme gift: “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15). The Father’s giving culminates in the Son, whose sacrificial offering grants eternal life (John 3:16). Authentic Christian giving therefore springs from receiving the gift of Christ, transforming every material present into an echo of divine grace.

Summary

Across six appearances, the term paints a multifaceted portrait of gifts—royal, deceptive, divine, and cultic. Together they teach that true giving flows from God’s generosity, demands personal integrity, enriches worship, and ultimately points to the gospel’s climactic gift in Jesus Christ.

בְּמַתַּת־ במתת־ מַתַּ֣ת מַתַּ֥ת מַתָּֽת׃ מתת מתת׃ bə·mat·taṯ- bemattat bəmattaṯ- mat·taṯ mat·tāṯ matTat mattaṯ mattāṯInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts