The Hebrew name Ben-Chânân, represented by H1135, is defined as son of Chanan; Ben-Chanan, an Israelite. The name appears as Benhanan in its single occurrence in scripture. This name is found only 1 time across 1 unique verse, indicating its role is to identify a specific individual within a biblical genealogy.
The sole appearance of H1135 is within the genealogical records of the book of 1 Chronicles. In this context, Benhanan is listed as one of the sons of Shimon H7889. The verse establishes his immediate family, naming his brothers as Amnon H550, Rinnah H7441, and Tilon H8436. This specific mention serves to document a particular lineage 1 Chronicles 4:20.
The name Benhanan is connected to several other names and words by its structure and its context within its only appearance:
- H1121 bên: This is the foundational word of the name, meaning a son. It is used to establish a direct father-son relationship and is a common component in patronymic names.
- H7889 Shîymôwn: Listed as the father of Benhanan, directly establishing his paternal line 1 Chronicles 4:20.
- H550 ʼAmnôwn, H7441 Rinnâh, and H8436 Tûwlôwn: These individuals are explicitly named as the brothers of Benhanan.
- H1132 Ben-Zôwchêth: Mentioned in the same verse 1 Chronicles 4:20, this name means son of Zocheth. Its presence alongside Benhanan highlights the common biblical practice of using "Ben-" to denote ancestry.
- H3469 Yishʻîy: Identified in the same verse as the father of Zoheth H2105 and grandfather of Benzoheth H1132.
The significance of H1135 is rooted in its function within biblical historiography rather than in direct theological teaching.
- Genealogical Preservation: The primary purpose of this name's inclusion is to contribute to the meticulous ancestral records found in 1 Chronicles, affirming the importance of lineage and heritage.
- Patronymic Naming: The structure of the name itself—"son of Chanan"—is a clear example of the patronymic naming system used to establish identity and family connection in ancient Israel.
- Contextual Identity: Benhanan is identified exclusively by his relationship to his father, Shimon, and his brothers, showing that individual identity was often understood through the lens of family and clan.
In summary, H1135 Ben-Chânân is a proper name that appears once in scripture to identify a man named Benhanan. Its single mention in a genealogical list in 1 Chronicles 4:20 firmly places him as a son of Shimon. The name's importance lies not in any narrative action, but in its role in the careful documentation of Israel's ancestral lines and as an example of the "Ben-" prefix used to denote sonship.
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