Mattaniah(5)
Mattaniah in the Bible — descendant of Elam who had married a foreign wife (EZR 10:26). Referenced in 2 scripture passages.
Name meaning: “gift, or hope, of the Lord”
Profile
- Gender
- male
- Scripture References
- 2 references
- Known Names
- 1 name
- Relationships
- 1 connection
Biography
Mattaniah was a male descendant of Elam noted in the book of Ezra for having married a foreign wife. The tribe and additional personal details about Mattaniah are not recorded in Scripture. His mention highlights the challenges faced by the post-exilic community in maintaining covenantal purity.
Names & Titles
The name Mattaniah means "gift of YHWH," reflecting a theophoric element that acknowledges God's gracious provision. This proper name is recorded in Ezra 10:26 without indication that it was given directly by God.
Family
Scripture explicitly identifies Mattaniah as a descendant of Elam. Beyond this lineage, no other family relationships are documented in the biblical text.
Significance
Mattaniah's significance lies in his representation of the issue of intermarriage with foreign wives among the returned exiles. His inclusion in Ezra 10:26 underscores the community's effort to restore faithfulness to God's covenant by addressing such marriages. This episode serves as a reminder of the importance of holiness and obedience in God's redemptive plan.
Names & Labels (1)
- Hebrew
- מַתַּנְיָה
- Transliteration
- matanəyah
- Meaning
- gift of y-h-v-h
- Greek
- Μαθανια
- Reference
- EZR 10:26
- Strong's
- H4983
Family & Relationships (1)
descendant
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Mattaniah in the Bible?
Mattaniah was a male descendant of Elam noted in the book of Ezra for having married a foreign wife. The tribe and additional personal details about Mattaniah are not recorded in Scripture. His mention highlights the challenges faced by the post-exilic community in maintaining covenantal purity.
What does the name Mattaniah mean?
The name Mattaniah means “gift, or hope, of the Lord” according to Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary.