Mattaniah
Mattaniah in the Bible — King of Judah, uncle of Jehoiachin (2KI 24:17). Referenced in 8 scripture passages.
Name meaning: “gift, or hope, of the Lord”
Profile
- Gender
- male
- Scripture References
- 8 references
- Known Names
- 5 names
- Relationships
- 3 connections
Biography
Mattaniah was a male king of Judah and the uncle of Jehoiachin. His reign is marked by evil deeds committed in the sight of the LORD, reflecting a failure to uphold God's standards for leadership. His role as king situates him within the complex history of Judah's monarchy during a turbulent period.
Names & Titles
The name Mattaniah means 'gift of y-h-v-h,' highlighting a theistic element in his identity. He is also known as Zedekiah, which means 'y-h-v-h is [my] righteousness,' and held the title King of Judah. These names and titles emphasize his royal status and connection to the LORD, though his actions did not align with the righteousness his name suggests.
Family
Mattaniah was the son of Josiah and Hamutal, and the father of Malchijah. He was also the uncle of Jehoiachin, establishing his place within the Davidic lineage and the royal family of Judah. Scripture provides these familial connections, underscoring his role in the dynastic succession.
Significance
Mattaniah's significance lies in his kingship over Judah during a critical era, as well as his failure to live according to God's commands, which is explicitly noted in Scripture. His reign is a part of the biblical narrative illustrating the consequences of disobedience to God by Israel's leaders. The duality of his names reflects both a divine gift and a tragic departure from righteousness, serving as a sober reminder of the importance of faithfulness in leadership.
Names & Labels (5)
- Hebrew
- מַתַּנְיָה
- Transliteration
- matanəyah
- Meaning
- gift of y-h-v-h
- Greek
- Μαθθανιαν
- Reference
- 2KI 24:17
- Strong's
- H4983
- Hebrew
- צִדְקִיָּהוּ
- Transliteration
- tsidəqyahu
- Meaning
- y-h-v-h is [my] righteousness
- Greek
- Σεδεκια
- Reference
- 2KI 24:17
- Strong's
- H6667
- Hebrew
- מֶלֶךְ צִדְקִיָּהוּ
- Transliteration
- melek tsidəqyahu
- Meaning
- king Zedekiah
- Greek
- βασιλέως Σεδεκιου
- Reference
- 2KI 25:2
- Strong's
- H6667
- Hebrew
- מֶלֶך יְהוּדָה
- Transliteration
- melek yəhudah
- Meaning
- king of Judah
- Greek
- βασιλέως Ιουδα
- Reference
- JER 1:3
- Strong's
- H4428, H3063
- Hebrew
- נְשִׂיא יִשְׂרָאֵל
- Transliteration
- nəsiy yisrael
- Meaning
- prince [of] Israel
- Greek
- [none]
- Reference
- EZK 21:25
- Strong's
- H5387, H3478
Notes
He did evil in the sight of the LORD (2KI 24:19)
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Mattaniah in the Bible?
Mattaniah was a male king of Judah and the uncle of Jehoiachin. His reign is marked by evil deeds committed in the sight of the LORD, reflecting a failure to uphold God's standards for leadership. His role as king situates him within the complex history of Judah's monarchy during a turbulent period.
What does the name Mattaniah mean?
The name Mattaniah means “gift, or hope, of the Lord” according to Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary.