from בַּעַל and חָנַן; possessor of grace; Baal-Chanan, the name of an Edomite, also of an Israelite; Baal-hanan.
Transliteration:Baʻal Chânân
Pronunciation:bah'-al khaw-nawn'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma בַּעַל חָנָן (Baʻal Chânân, `{{H1177}}`) is a compound proper noun derived from two distinct Hebrew roots. The first component, בַּעַל (baʻal, `{{H1167}}`), carries the primary meanings of "owner," "master," "lord," or "husband." While famously associated with the Canaanite deity Baal, in personal names, it often functions in its common noun sense, signifying "possessor of" or "master of." The second component is חָנָן (chanan, `{{H2603}}`), which means "to be gracious," "to show favor," or "to pity." Therefore, the name בַּעַל חָנָן literally translates to "possessor of grace" or "master of favor." This etymology suggests a person endowed with grace, either inherently or by divine bestowal, or one who is a source of favor to others.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Baʻal Chânân appears in the Hebrew Bible in two distinct contexts, referring to two different individuals:
1. **An Edomite King:** In the genealogical lists of Edomite kings, Baʻal Chânân is identified as the seventh king of Edom, succeeding Hadad and preceding Hadar (also known as Pau). He is mentioned in [[Genesis 36:38]] and [[1 Chronicles 1:49]]. The text provides no further details about his reign or character, merely stating his name and place of origin, Geder. His inclusion in these lists underscores the historical record-keeping of the Edomite lineage, demonstrating their established political structure. The presence of "Baʻal" in an Edomite king's name is not surprising, given the prevalence of Baal worship among nations neighboring Israel.
2. **An Israelite Official:** In [[1 Chronicles 27:28]], Baʻal Chânân the Gederite is listed among King David's chief officials. He is specifically noted as being "over the olive and sycamore trees in the Shephelah." This individual is an Israelite, serving in the administration of God's chosen king. His role highlights the economic significance of olive groves and sycamore trees in ancient Israel, likely related to oil production and timber. The fact that an Israelite bore a name containing "Baʻal" indicates that the component `{{H1167}}` was understood in its common noun sense ("master of" or "possessor of") rather than an endorsement of the Canaanite deity, or it may reflect a pre-monarchic naming convention that predated the more intense theological conflict with Baalism.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of בַּעַל חָנָן (Baʻal Chânân, `{{H1177}}`) naturally leads to an examination of its constituent parts and related concepts:
* **בַּעַל (baʻal, `{{H1167}}`):** This versatile word is crucial. Beyond its use as a proper noun for the Canaanite storm god, it functions as a common noun meaning "owner," "master," "lord," or "husband" (e.g., "owner of an ox" in [[Exodus 21:28]], "husband" in [[Exodus 21:22]]). Its appearance in personal names, such as Baʻal Chânân, often reflects this common noun usage, signifying "possessor of" or "master of" a particular quality or object (e.g., Jerubbaal, "Baal contends," or "let Baal contend" in [[Judges 6:32]]). The distinction is vital for understanding why an Israelite could bear such a name without necessarily being an idolater.
* **חָנָן (chanan, `{{H2603}}`):** This root is fundamental to the concept of grace and favor in the Old Testament. It denotes a compassionate inclination, a showing of favor, or an act of mercy. It is frequently used to describe God's disposition towards humanity (e.g., [[Psalm 6:2]], [[Psalm 51:1]]), signifying His unmerited favor. The noun form, חֵן (chen, `{{H2580}}`), means "grace" or "favor." The inclusion of this root in a name like Baʻal Chânân points to the high value placed on the quality of grace or favor in ancient thought.
* **Theology of Names:** In the ancient Near East, names were not merely labels but often conveyed meaning, hope, or even a prophecy about the individual's character or destiny (e.g., Isaac, "he laughs"; Jacob, "supplanter"). The name Baʻal Chânân, "possessor of grace," reflects a desire for the individual to be characterized by favor or to be a source of it.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Baʻal Chânân (`{{H1177}}`) lies primarily in the tension and resolution inherent in its components, particularly within an Israelite context.
Firstly, the presence of "Baʻal" in an Israelite name, as seen with David's official, highlights the nuanced understanding of the term `{{H1167}}`. It serves as a reminder that not every instance of "Baʻal" in the Old Testament refers to the pagan deity. Instead, it often functions as a common noun signifying "master" or "possessor." This distinction is crucial for interpreting the historical and cultural landscape of ancient Israel, demonstrating that some names, though sounding similar to pagan divine names, carried a different, more benign meaning within Israelite society. The name "possessor of grace" would have been an entirely positive and desirable attribute for an Israelite.
Secondly, the component "Chânân" (grace, favor) points to a core attribute of Yahweh. God is consistently depicted in Scripture as the ultimate source of grace and favor (e.g., [[Exodus 34:6]], [[Jonah 4:2]]). While the name Baʻal Chânân itself does not explicitly invoke Yahweh, the concept of grace it embodies is deeply rooted in biblical theology. It speaks to a universal human desire for favor and a recognition of the importance of benevolence, whether from human or divine sources.
Finally, the appearance of the name for both an Edomite king and an Israelite official subtly underscores God's sovereignty over all nations and peoples. Even outside the covenant community, concepts like "grace" (chanan) held meaning, and individuals, by divine providence, bore names that reflected such universal virtues.
### Summary
Baʻal Chânân (`{{H1177}}`) is a Hebrew proper noun meaning "possessor of grace" or "master of favor," derived from `{{H1167}}` (baʻal, "master," "owner") and `{{H2603}}` (chanan, "to be gracious," "to show favor"). This name appears in the biblical text referring to two distinct individuals: an Edomite king in [[Genesis 36:38]] and [[1 Chronicles 1:49]], and an Israelite official in King David's administration in [[1 Chronicles 27:28]]. The Israelite bearing this name illustrates the understanding of `{{H1167}}` in its common noun sense, distinguishing it from the pagan deity Baal. The name’s core meaning emphasizes the valued quality of grace and favor, a concept deeply significant in biblical theology as a primary attribute of Yahweh. The study of Baʻal Chânân offers insight into ancient naming conventions, the nuanced use of Hebrew vocabulary, and the pervasive theme of divine grace.
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