מָתַי

properly, extent (of time); but used only adverbially (especially with other particle prefixes)

Definition

The Hebrew word מָתַי (mâthay) is a temporal interrogative adverb meaning 'when?' It is used to ask about the timing of an event, often expressing impatience, longing, or a demand for an answer. In most of its occurrences, it functions as a direct question, as in Exodus 8:9 when Moses asks Pharaoh, 'When shall I entreat for you?' It can also be used in indirect questions or relative clauses, as seen in Genesis 30:30, 'For when was it that I served you?', though this is less common. The word inherently carries a sense of expectancy about the future.

Biblical Usage

מָתַי appears 40 times in the Old Testament, primarily in narrative and poetic books. It is most frequently used in direct questions that express frustration, urgency, or a plea for divine action. For example, in Psalms it often voices the psalmist's cry for God's intervention: 'How long, O LORD?' (Psalm 6:3, though the specific word there is different, the sentiment is similar). Key examples include Moses's confrontations with Pharaoh (Exodus 8:9, 10:3, 10:7), Hannah's rebuke by Eli (1 Samuel 1:14), and the tense military parley in 2 Samuel 2:26, 'How long will it be before you order your men to stop pursuing their fellow Israelites?'

Etymology

מָתַי derives from an unused Hebrew root meaning 'to extend,' relating to the extent or duration of time. It is a primary interrogative adverb for time, similar to how 'אֵיפֹה' (ʾêphôh, H375) asks 'where?' and 'מִי' (mî, H4310) asks 'who?' Its form and function are specific to Hebrew and related Semitic languages, solidifying its role as a fundamental question word about temporal sequence.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it often frames humanity's cry to God regarding the timing of His justice, salvation, or answer to prayer. It captures the tension between human impatience and divine sovereignty. When biblical figures ask 'when?', they are engaging in raw, faithful dialogue with God, expressing dependence on His timetable. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches reading by highlighting the emotional and relational depth in prayers and prophetic challenges, reminding readers that questioning God 'when' is a legitimate part of a dynamic relationship with Him.

In ancient Israelite culture, direct questions about timing, especially to superiors or to God, could signify boldness, deep distress, or a call for accountability. The use of מָתַי in confrontations (e.g., with Pharaoh) or in laments reflects a cultural acceptance of forthright speech in certain contexts, differing from some modern preferences for indirectness. It underscores the value placed on clarity and resolution in matters of justice and divine promise.

עַד־מָתַי (ʿad-mâthay, H5704+H4970) — A compound phrase meaning 'until when?', intensifying the question of duration, often in lament. כַּמָּה (kammâh, H4100) — An interrogative meaning 'how much?' or 'how many?', primarily for quantity, not time. אָז (ʾāz, H227) — An adverb meaning 'then' or 'at that time', indicating a point in time rather than questioning it.

Word Details

Scripture References