Lexical Summary mattena: gifts Original Word: מַתְּנָא Strong's Exhaustive Concordance gift (Aramaic) corresponding to mattanah -- gift. see HEBREW mattanah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) corresponding to mattanah Definition a gift NASB Translation gifts (3). Brown-Driver-Briggs [מַתְּנָא] noun feminine gift; — plural absolute מַתְּנָן Daniel 2:6,48; suffix מַתְּנָתָךְ Daniel 5:17. Topical Lexicon Overview מַתְּנָא denotes a tangible gift or present bestowed by a superior upon a servant or dependent. All three occurrences fall within the Aramaic sections of Daniel, portraying the practice of royal largesse in the courts of Babylon and Medo-Persia. The term highlights the contrast between earthly reward and divine favor. Historical Setting The Babylonian and Persian courts were renowned for extravagant generosity toward magi, sages, and officials who rendered valuable service. Gifts functioned as both remuneration and political strategy, binding recipients in loyalty to the throne. In Daniel’s narrative, מַתְּנָא appears in pivotal moments when divine revelation intersects with imperial power. Occurrences and Narrative Function 1. Daniel 2:6: Nebuchadnezzar promises “gifts and rewards and great honor” to any wise man who can recount and interpret his dream. The offer magnifies the impossible nature of the task, underscoring that only God can reveal mysteries (Daniel 2:28). Theological Themes Gift versus Revelation: In every instance, מַתְּנָא is secondary to the divine revelation that precedes it. Earthly gifts cannot purchase insight into God’s mysteries; they follow only after He chooses to disclose truth (cf. Proverbs 2:6). Integrity under Pressure: Daniel accepts or rejects gifts in accordance with prophetic calling. Acceptance (Daniel 2:48) serves God’s purpose of placing a faithful servant in a position of influence. Refusal (Daniel 5:17) safeguards the message from any suspicion of flattery or bribery. Transience of Earthly Treasure: Belshazzar’s doomed kingdom shows that gifts from a dying empire cannot secure lasting security. The passage anticipates Jesus’ teaching, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth” (Matthew 6:19). Ministry Implications Discernment about Material Reward: Servants of God must weigh whether accepting compensation will advance or hinder their testimony. Paul exercised similar discernment, sometimes declining support to prevent misunderstanding (1 Corinthians 9:12). Stewardship of Influence: When gifts bring promotion, as with Daniel, believers are accountable to leverage their new authority for the welfare of others and the glory of God (compare Esther 4:14). Maintaining Prophetic Independence: The refusal of gifts models an undiluted proclamation of truth, free from financial entanglement (Micah 3:11; 2 Corinthians 2:17). Christological Foreshadowing Daniel’s posture prefigures Christ, who likewise resisted offers of earthly splendor that would compromise divine mission (Matthew 4:8-10). The ultimate “gift of God” is not royal treasure but eternal life through Jesus Christ (Romans 6:23). Related New Testament Parallels Acts 8:20 — Peter to Simon: “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money!” Ephesians 2:8 — Salvation described as the “gift of God,” inherently unearned. James 1:17 — “Every good and perfect gift is from above,” grounding all legitimate giving in God’s character. Summary מַתְּנָא, though few in occurrences, vividly contrasts the fleeting allure of royal favors with the surpassing worth of divine wisdom and faithfulness. Daniel’s measured responses to such gifts instruct believers in integrity, stewardship, and the supremacy of God’s unfailing reward. Forms and Transliterations וּמַתְּנָ֨ן ומתנן מַתְּנָ֤ן מַתְּנָתָךְ֙ מתנן מתנתך mat·tə·nā·ṯāḵ mat·tə·nān matteNan mattənān mattənāṯāḵ mattenatoCh ū·mat·tə·nān umatteNan ūmattənānLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Daniel 2:6 HEB: וּפִשְׁרֵהּ֙ תְּֽהַחֲוֹ֔ן מַתְּנָ֤ן וּנְבִזְבָּה֙ וִיקָ֣ר NAS: you will receive from me gifts and a reward KJV: of me gifts and rewards and great INT: interpretation shew gifts reward honor Daniel 2:48 Daniel 5:17 3 Occurrences |
    |