Lexical Summary metab: Goodness, welfare, benefit Original Word: מֵיטָב Strong's Exhaustive Concordance best From yatab; the best part -- best. see HEBREW yatab NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom yatab Definition the best NASB Translation best (6). Brown-Driver-Briggs (מֵיטָב) noun [masculine] the best, only construct מֵיטַב and as superlative; the best of a thing: ׳שָׂדֵהוּ וּמ ׳מ כָּרְמוֺ Exodus 22:4 (JE) the best of his field and the best of his vineyard (choicest fruit); הַצּאֹן ׳מ the best of the sheep 1 Samuel 15:9,15; הָאָרֶץ ׳בְּמ in the best of the land Genesis 47:6,11 (P). יֻטָּה, יוּטָה see below נטה. יְטוּר see below טוּר. יין (√ of following; meaning unknown; regarded as loan-word by LagArmen. Stud. § 484 and others; HomZMG 1889, 653 ff.; Aufsätze, 1892, 102 compare Georgian g'wino, wine whence also (according to him) Armenian gini, Greek οῖνος, Latin vinum; compare on the other hand Jenl.c. below) Topical Lexicon Overview מֵיטָב (Strong’s Hebrew 4315) expresses the concept of “the very best,” the choicest part of land, produce, or livestock. Its six appearances form a coherent witness that the Lord is worthy of excellence, expects righteousness in economic dealings, and discerns the difference between wholehearted and half-hearted obedience. Biblical Distribution • Genesis 47:6 Patriarchal Provision (Genesis 47:6, 11) Pharaoh tells Joseph, “The land of Egypt is before you; settle your father and brothers in the best of the land” (Genesis 47:6). Joseph then “granted them property in the best part of the land, the district of Rameses” (Genesis 47:11). Here מֵיטָב underscores covenantal favor: the budding nation of Israel receives Egypt’s choicest territory, prefiguring the Lord’s later gift of Canaan. The word highlights God’s providence in famine and His ability to turn foreign powers into instruments of blessing. Covenant Legislation (Exodus 22:5) The restitution law requires an offender to repay with “the best of his own field or vineyard”. The demand for מֵיטָב protects the victim and deters negligence by making wrongdoing costly. It also reinforces the truth that justice in Israel was to reflect God’s own character—generous, equitable, and protective of the vulnerable. By insisting on quality, the law teaches that true repentance offers more than a token gesture. Royal Disobedience (1 Samuel 15:9, 15) Saul spares “the best of the sheep and cattle” from Amalek, claiming the intention “to sacrifice to the LORD” (1 Samuel 15:15). What appears as zeal for worship is unmasked as selective obedience. מֵיטָב becomes the pivot of the narrative: what should have been devoted to destruction is retained, exposing Saul’s heart. The episode contrasts sharply with David’s later resolve, “I will not offer to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing” (2 Samuel 24:24). Where Saul withholds the finest, faithful worshipers surrender it. Theological Themes 1. Divine Generosity—God delights to bestow the best on His people (Genesis 47). Historical and Cultural Background In agrarian economies, the “best” of land or produce carried tangible value: superior soil fertility, greater yield, or prime livestock breeding stock. Granting or forfeiting מֵיטָב had economic and social consequences. Pharaoh’s generosity elevated immigrant shepherds; Israel’s law restrained exploitation; Saul’s action threatened the stability of the kingdom by inviting divine rejection. Ministry and Discipleship Implications • Stewardship—Believers are called to honor the Lord with the first and finest portions (Proverbs 3:9). Conclusion מֵיטָב threads through the Torah and the Former Prophets as a subtle yet powerful reminder: God gives His best, commands our best, and discerns whether we truly yield it. To receive His generosity, enact His justice, and offer Him wholehearted devotion is the enduring call of Scripture. Forms and Transliterations בְּמֵיטַ֣ב בְּמֵיטַ֥ב במיטב וּמֵיטַ֥ב ומיטב מֵיטַ֣ב מֵיטַ֤ב מֵיטַ֥ב מיטב bə·mê·ṭaḇ bemeiTav bəmêṭaḇ mê·ṭaḇ meiTav mêṭaḇ ū·mê·ṭaḇ umeiTav ūmêṭaḇLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 47:6 HEB: לְפָנֶ֣יךָ הִ֔וא בְּמֵיטַ֣ב הָאָ֔רֶץ הוֹשֵׁ֥ב NAS: and your brothers in the best of the land, KJV: [is] before thee; in the best of the land INT: your disposal he the best of the land settle Genesis 47:11 Exodus 22:5 Exodus 22:5 1 Samuel 15:9 1 Samuel 15:15 6 Occurrences |
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