from דָּן and (apparently) יַעַן; judge of purpose; Dan-Jaan, a place in Palestine; Dan-jaan.
Transliteration:Dân Yaʻan
Pronunciation:dawn yah'-an
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H1842, דָּן יַעַן (Dân Yaʻan), is a proper noun, specifically a geographical place name. Its core meaning is derived from its constituent elements: `{{H1835}}` (Dân), meaning "judge," and `{{H3282}}` (Yaʻan), meaning "on account of," "because," or "purpose." Combined, the name is etymologically interpreted as "judge of purpose" or "Dan of the purpose." Unlike verbs or common nouns, a proper noun like Dan-Jaan possesses a very narrow semantic range, referring exclusively to this specific location. Its significance lies primarily in its geographical identification and the potential theological implications embedded within its name.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The place name Dan-Jaan (H1842) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in [[2 Samuel 24:6]]. This occurrence is within the narrative of King David's census, where Joab and his commanders are traversing the land of Israel to count the fighting men. The verse reads: "Then they came to Gilead, and to the land of Tahtim-hodshi; and they came to Dan-Jaan and around to Sidon."
In this context, Dan-Jaan functions as a geographical marker, indicating a point along the extensive route taken by Joab's census team. Its inclusion helps to delineate the vast territory being surveyed, stretching from the Transjordanian region (Gilead) westward and northward towards the Phoenician coast (Sidon). While its exact location remains a subject of scholarly debate, its placement in this itinerary suggests it was a recognizable landmark, likely situated in the northern reaches of Israelite territory, perhaps near or even synonymous with a northern extension of the tribal territory of Dan, or a place associated with the tribe. The primary function of the word in this sole occurrence is to provide a specific, albeit now obscure, point of reference in a comprehensive geographical description.
### Related Words & Concepts
As a compound proper noun, H1842 is inherently linked to its etymological roots. The first component, `{{H1835}}` (Dân), is famously the name of Jacob's fifth son and one of the twelve tribes of Israel. It is also the name of the northernmost city of Israel, Dan, often used in the proverbial phrase "from Dan to Beer-sheba" to denote the entire extent of the land. The second component, `{{H3282}}` (Yaʻan), is a more common Hebrew particle or noun signifying "reason," "cause," or "purpose."
The concept of "judging" (related to `{{H1777}}` / `{{H1779}}`) is central to the name's meaning. While Dan-Jaan itself is not a verb, the idea of a "judge of purpose" implicitly points to a divine attribute or a place where divine purpose or judgment might have been particularly evident or commemorated. The name thus subtly connects to broader biblical themes of divine sovereignty, God's purposeful action in history, and the administration of justice.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Dan-Jaan, a single-occurrence place name, is primarily derived from its etymological meaning: "judge of purpose." While it does not carry direct theological statements, its name can be seen as a subtle theological commentary. In a biblical worldview, God is the ultimate "Judge of purpose," the one who orchestrates all events according to His divine will and for His ultimate glory. Even the seemingly mundane act of a census, as recorded in [[2 Samuel 24:6]], is ultimately subject to God's overarching purpose and judgment, as evidenced by the subsequent plague that follows David's sin in commissioning the census.
The name Dan-Jaan, therefore, serves as a quiet reminder within the biblical text that even the geographical markers of the land are not without meaning. They can implicitly bear witness to the character of God—His purposeful nature, His just governance, and His sovereign hand in the affairs of humanity and the land He has appointed. It suggests that even in a specific location, there is an underlying divine intention and a principle of judgment at play.
### Summary
H1842, Dan-Jaan (דָּן יַעַן), is a unique Hebrew proper noun identifying a specific geographical location in ancient Palestine. Its etymological meaning, "judge of purpose," is derived from its constituent parts, `{{H1835}}` (Dan) and `{{H3282}}` (Yaʻan). The term appears only once in the biblical narrative, in [[2 Samuel 24:6]], where it serves as a geographical marker in the description of Joab's census route. While its exact location remains debated, its inclusion highlights the extent of David's kingdom. The theological significance of Dan-Jaan is indirect, stemming from its name, which subtly points to God as the ultimate "Judge of purpose," underscoring divine sovereignty and intentionality in all matters, even those concerning the land and its inhabitants.
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