### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew toponym **Dân Yaʻan**, represented by `{{H1842}}`, is defined as "judge of purpose." It identifies a specific place in Palestine. This name appears only **1 times** in **1 unique verses** in the Bible, marking it as a highly specific geographical reference rather than a commonly cited location.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single biblical appearance of **Dân Yaʻan** is in a passage that details a journey through several key regions. In the account, individuals first **came** `{{H935}}` to **Gilead** `{{H1568}}` and then **came** `{{H935}}` to **Dan-jaan** before proceeding toward **Zidon** `{{H6721}}`. This places `{{H1842}}` as a waypoint in a route that traverses a significant portion of the **land** `{{H776}}` described in the Old Testament [[2 Samuel 24:6]].
### Related Words & Concepts
The context of `{{H1842}}` is established by several other words that appear alongside it in its only verse of mention:
* `{{H1568}}` **Gilʻâd**: This name refers to **Gilead**, a significant region East of the Jordan. It serves as a landmark in the journey that leads to **Dan-jaan** [[2 Samuel 24:6]].
* `{{H6721}}` **Tsîydôwn**: This word identifies the major coastal city of **Zidon**, mentioned as the next destination after **Dan-jaan**. Its inclusion helps to map the trajectory of the travel being described [[2 Samuel 24:6]].
* `{{H935}}` **bôwʼ**: A primitive root meaning to "to go or come," this verb is used twice in the verse to describe the arrival at **Gilead** and then at **Dan-jaan**, marking the progression of the journey [[2 Samuel 24:6]].
* `{{H776}}` **ʼerets**: This general term for **land** or country provides the broad setting for the journey, emphasizing that these movements are taking place within a defined territory [[2 Samuel 24:6]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H1842}}` is primarily geographical and historical, marking a specific point in the biblical landscape.
* **Geographical Anchor:** As a place name, **Dan-jaan** serves to ground the biblical narrative in a specific, tangible location. Its inclusion in the itinerary provides a sense of realism and geographical precision to the account [[2 Samuel 24:6]].
* **Narrative Waypoint:** Its sole mention establishes it as a waypoint in a journey of consequence. The path from **Gilead** `{{H1568}}` through **Dan-jaan** and on toward **Zidon** `{{H6721}}` outlines a specific route, suggesting a systematic traversal of the territory.
* **Etymological Meaning:** The name itself is defined as "judge of purpose." While the scriptural text does not elaborate on this meaning, it hints at a potential characteristic or historical role of the location.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1842}}` or **Dân Yaʻan** is a unique place name in scripture whose importance is derived from its single appearance. It functions as a precise geographical marker in the biblical record, helping to map out a journey through the **land** `{{H776}}`. Though its intriguing name, "judge of purpose," is provided, its primary role in the text is to add detail and authenticity to a specific narrative event, anchoring it alongside more prominent locations like **Gilead** `{{H1568}}` and **Zidon** `{{H6721}}`.
TRV