Original Word: מַטָּרָא
Part of Speech: Noun Feminine
Transliteration: mattara'
Pronunciation: mat-taw-RAW
Phonetic Spelling: (mat-taw-raw')
Definition: a jail, an aim
Meaning: The term מַטָּרָא primarily denotes a "jail" or "prison," but it can also refer to an "aim" or "target," indicating a place or object of focus or attention.

Word Origin: Derived from the root נָטַר (natar), which means "to guard" or "to watch."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • G4649 (σκοπός, skopos): This Greek term means "a mark" or "goal," similar to the metaphorical sense of מַטָּרָא as an "aim" or "target." It is used in the New Testament to describe a point of focus or objective.
• G5438 (φυλακή, phylakē): This Greek word translates to "prison" or "guard," aligning with the primary meaning of מַטָּרָא as a place of confinement. It is used in the New Testament to describe physical imprisonment or the act of keeping watch.

In summary, מַטָּרָא is a multifaceted Hebrew term that encompasses both the physical reality of imprisonment and the abstract concept of having a specific aim or target. Its usage in the Hebrew Bible reflects themes of captivity, focus, and purpose, with corresponding Greek terms in the New Testament that further illuminate its meanings.

Usage: The word מַטָּרָא is used in the context of confinement or imprisonment, as well as in the sense of having a specific aim or target. It appears in the Hebrew Bible in contexts that involve physical imprisonment or metaphorical focus.

Context: • מַטָּרָא is a noun that appears in the Hebrew Bible, primarily in contexts related to imprisonment or confinement. It is used to describe a physical place where individuals are held captive, such as a jail or prison. This usage underscores the concept of being guarded or watched over, reflecting its root meaning.
• In a metaphorical sense, מַטָּרָא can also refer to an "aim" or "target," suggesting a focus or goal that one strives to reach. This dual usage highlights the word's versatility in conveying both physical and abstract concepts of being held or directed towards something.
• The term is found in passages that emphasize the themes of captivity, protection, and purpose. It serves as a reminder of the physical and spiritual dimensions of being confined or directed towards a particular end.

Word Origin
from natar
Definition
a guard, ward, prison, target, mark
NASB Translation
guard (6), guardhouse (7), target (3).

מַטָּרָה and (Lamentations 3:12) מַטָּרָא noun feminine 1. guard, ward, prison Nehemiah 3:25.

2 target, mark (as kept in the eye, watched, compare נָצַר Proverbs 23:26, and σκόπος (watcher, mark) from σκέπτομαι; perhaps Nabataean [רתא]מט Lzb³²³); — always absolute: —

1 guard, ward, prison, usually ׳חֲצַר הַמּ court of gaurd (see I. ׳חָצֵ) Jeremiah 32:2,8,12; Jeremiah 33:1; Jeremiah 37:21 (twice in verse); Jeremiah 38:6,13,28; Jeremiah 39:14,15; ׳שַׁעַר הַמּ Nehemiah 12:39.

2 target, mark Job 16:12 (figurative of ׳יs chastisement), כַּמַּטָּרָא לַחֵץ Lamentations 3:12 (simile id.); literally only 1 Samuel 20:20.

mark, prison

Or mattarah {mat-taw-raw'}; from natar; a jail (as a guard-house); also an aim (as being closely watched) -- mark, prison.

see HEBREW natar

הַמַּטָּרָ֑ה הַמַּטָּרָ֔ה הַמַּטָּרָ֖ה הַמַּטָּרָ֗ה הַמַּטָּרָֽה׃ הַמַּטָּרָה֒ המטרה המטרה׃ כַּמַּטָּרָ֖א כמטרא לְמַטָּרָֽה׃ למטרה׃ ham·maṭ·ṭā·rāh hammattaRah hammaṭṭārāh kam·maṭ·ṭā·rā kammattaRa kammaṭṭārā lə·maṭ·ṭā·rāh lemattaRah ləmaṭṭārāhInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts