from נוּחַ; permission of rest, i.e. quiet; release.
Transliteration:hănâchâh
Pronunciation:han-aw-khaw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun הֲנָחָה (hănâchâh, `{{H2010}}`) is derived from the root נוּחַ (nûaḥ, `{{H5117}}`), which fundamentally means "to rest," "to settle," or "to be quiet." The noun form, specifically in the Hiphil stem's nominalization, conveys the sense of "causing to rest" or "giving rest." Therefore, הֲנָחָה denotes a state of "permission of rest," "quiet," "relief," or "release." It signifies a cessation of activity, trouble, or burden, leading to a state of tranquility and peace. The semantic range extends from a physical cessation of labor to a profound spiritual and emotional respite from distress.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The noun הֲנָחָה (hănâchâh, `{{H2010}}`) appears only once in the entire Masoretic Text, making its single occurrence profoundly significant.
* **Esther 9:22**: "as the days on which the Jews got relief from their enemies, and as the month that had been turned for them from sorrow into joy and from mourning into a holiday; that they should make them days of feasting and gladness, and of sending portions one to another and gifts to the poor."
In this pivotal verse, הֲנָחָה (hănâchâh) is translated as "relief" (KJV, ESV, NASB) or "rest" (NIV). It describes the profound turning point for the Jewish people in the Persian Empire. Following the decree of King Ahasuerus instigated by Haman, the Jews faced imminent annihilation. However, through the courageous actions of Esther and Mordecai, and the providential hand of God, the tables were turned. The days that were intended for their destruction became days of victory and deliverance. The "relief" (הֲנָחָה) signifies the cessation of the existential threat, the end of their fear and mourning, and the establishment of a secure peace. It marks the transition from a state of terror and impending doom to one of celebration and safety, solidifying the reason for the annual observance of Purim.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the verbal root נוּחַ (nûaḥ, `{{H5117}}`), from which הֲנָחָה (hănâchâh) is derived. This root is rich in meaning, encompassing:
* **Physical rest**: As seen in the ark of Noah "resting" on the mountains of Ararat ([[Genesis 8:4]]).
* **Divine rest**: God "resting" on the seventh day after creation ([[Genesis 2:2-3]]), establishing the pattern for the Sabbath.
* **Rest in the land**: God promising to give Israel "rest" from their enemies in the promised land ([[Deuteronomy 12:10]]).
* **Spiritual rest**: The Spirit of God "resting" upon individuals, empowering them ([[Numbers 11:25-26]]).
Other related terms that convey similar concepts of peace, relief, or cessation of trouble include:
* מְנוּחָה (mᵉnûḥâh, `{{H4496}}`): A noun also from the root נוּחַ, meaning "resting place," "quietness," or "rest." It often refers to the Sabbath rest, the rest found in the land, or a state of tranquility. While similar, הֲנָחָה in Esther 9:22 specifically highlights the *permission* or *granting* of this rest after a period of distress.
* שָׁלוֹם (shālôm, `{{H7965}}`): "Peace," "completeness," "welfare," often encompassing a holistic sense of well-being and absence of conflict.
* רֶוַח (revaḥ, `{{H7309}}`): "Relief," "respite," "space," often implying a temporary break or breathing room from a difficult situation.
The concept of הֲנָחָה (hănâchâh) is deeply interwoven with themes of divine deliverance, the turning of sorrow into joy, and the cessation of hostility, all of which are prominent throughout the biblical narrative.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of הֲנָחָה (hănâchâh, `{{H2010}}`) in Esther 9:22 carries profound theological weight, particularly in the context of divine providence.
1. **Divine Intervention and Providence**: Though the book of Esther famously does not mention God's name explicitly, the "relief" described by הֲנָחָה is undeniably the result of God's hidden yet powerful intervention. He orchestrates events through human agents (Esther, Mordecai) to bring about salvation for His people. This "rest" is a testament to His faithfulness to His covenant and His unwavering care for Israel, even in exile.
2. **From Mourning to Joy**: The word encapsulates the dramatic reversal of fortune engineered by God. The day of impending mourning and destruction was transformed into a day of "feasting and gladness." This theological motif—God turning lament into dancing, sorrow into joy—is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, pointing to His redemptive power ([[Psalm 30:11]]). The הֲנָחָה is the tangible manifestation of this divine reversal.
3. **Anticipation of Ultimate Rest**: While the rest in Esther is specific to a historical deliverance, it foreshadows the greater, ultimate rest that God provides for His people. This includes the spiritual rest found in Christ from the burden of sin and the ultimate eschatological rest from all toil, suffering, and enemies, which believers anticipate in the new heavens and new earth. The הֲנָחָה granted in Esther serves as a historical type of God's enduring commitment to provide peace and security for His own.
### Summary
The Hebrew word הֲנָחָה (hănâchâh, `{{H2010}}`), derived from the root נוּחַ (nûaḥ, `{{H5117}}`), signifies "permission of rest," "quiet," or "release." Its sole biblical occurrence in [[Esther 9:22]] is highly significant, marking the dramatic cessation of a deadly threat against the Jewish people. Here, הֲנָחָה describes the "relief" and "rest" granted by God's providential hand, transforming a day of impending sorrow into one of joyous celebration. This unique usage underscores God's active, though often unseen, intervention in human history to deliver His people and provide them with security and peace. The concept of הֲנָחָה thus serves as a powerful testament to divine faithfulness, turning mourning into joy, and foreshadowing the ultimate rest God provides for His beloved.
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