from זָנַח; rejected; Zanoach, the name of two places in Palestine; Zanoah.
Transliteration:Zânôwach
Pronunciation:zaw-no'-akh
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H2182}}` (Zânôwach) functions as a proper noun, designating a geographical location. Its core meaning is derived directly from its root, `{{H2186}}` (זָנַח - zanach), which carries the primary sense of "to reject," "to cast off," "to abandon," or "to spurn." Therefore, etymologically, Zânôwach means "rejected" or "cast off."
While the underlying root conveys an active verb of dismissal, when applied as a proper noun, `{{H2182}}` denotes a place name. The semantic range is thus confined to its denotative function as a geographical marker. The descriptive origin of the name may allude to some historical characteristic of the location—perhaps a place once abandoned, or situated in a "rejected" or isolated region—but in its biblical usage, it serves primarily to identify specific towns.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Zanoah appears in the Hebrew Bible in reference to two distinct locations, both within the territory of Judah.
1. **A City in the Shephelah:** The primary reference is to a city in the Shephelah (lowlands) of Judah.
* In [[Joshua 15:34]], Zanoah is listed as one of the cities allotted to the tribe of Judah, specifically grouped with Eshtaol, Zorah, and En-gannim. This context is part of the detailed geographical survey of the land inheritance, underscoring its established presence within the divinely appointed boundaries.
* Following the Babylonian exile, Zanoah is mentioned twice in the book of Nehemiah, indicating its continued habitation and significance. In [[Nehemiah 3:13]], "Hanun and the inhabitants of Zanoah" are credited with repairing a section of the wall of Jerusalem, specifically the Valley Gate and a thousand cubits of the wall. This highlights the active participation of its populace in the post-exilic restoration efforts.
* Further, [[Nehemiah 11:30]] lists Zanoah among the towns where the people of Judah settled after returning from exile, affirming its status as a viable and repopulated community.
2. **A City in the Hill Country:** There is also a less prominent mention of a Zanoah in the hill country of Judah, listed in [[Joshua 15:56]]. This suggests either a second distinct place with the same name or a scribal variant/error, though the Shephelah location is the more frequently referenced and historically identifiable site.
The consistent appearance of Zanoah in these diverse contexts—from land allotment to post-exilic rebuilding—demonstrates its enduring presence in the biblical landscape and the history of Judah. The participation of its inhabitants in the rebuilding of Jerusalem, despite the potentially negative connotation of its name ("rejected"), offers an interesting nuance to its historical role.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relation for `{{H2182}}` is its root, `{{H2186}}` (זָנַח - zanach), which means "to cast off," "to reject," or "to abandon." This root is used in various contexts to describe divine or human rejection (e.g., God rejecting a people or a person, or people rejecting God).
Other Hebrew words that convey similar concepts of rejection or abandonment, though not directly etymologically related to `{{H2182}}`'s root, include:
* `{{H3988}}` (מָאַס - ma'as): to reject, despise, scorn (e.g., [[1 Samuel 8:7]]).
* `{{H5203}}` (נָטַשׁ - natash): to abandon, forsake, leave (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 32:15]]).
* `{{H5190}}` (נָכַר - nakar): to disown, treat as foreign (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 32:27]]).
In terms of place names, Zanoah belongs to a category of geographical designations that are descriptive, often reflecting physical characteristics, historical events, or perceived qualities. While many place names are derived from common nouns or verbs, the specific derivation from "rejected" makes Zanoah unique and prompts deeper theological reflection on its inclusion in the sacred narrative.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Zanoah, as a proper noun, is primarily indirect, stemming from its inclusion in the biblical narrative of divine providence, land inheritance, and national restoration.
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Allotment:** Zanoah's presence in the detailed lists of Judah's inheritance in Joshua underscores God's meticulous and sovereign distribution of the Promised Land to His people. Even a place bearing a name that etymologically means "rejected" was part of God's specific and deliberate plan for Israel's dwelling. This highlights that God's comprehensive design encompasses all aspects of creation and territory, irrespective of their humanly perceived or named attributes.
2. **Restoration and Inclusion:** The mention of Zanoah's inhabitants participating in the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls during the time of Nehemiah is profoundly significant. It showcases the theme of post-exilic restoration, where communities from across Judah contributed to the re-establishment of the holy city. That a community from a place named "Rejected" actively engaged in this vital work can be seen as a subtle theological irony or a powerful testament to God's redemptive power: what might be "rejected" by human perception or circumstance is nonetheless embraced and utilized by God for His purposes of rebuilding and community. It speaks to the idea that no person or place is beyond God's capacity for inclusion and restoration within His covenant plan.
3. **Linguistic Echo of Rejection and Acceptance:** While the place itself is not presented as "rejected" by God (it is, after all, part of the inheritance), the name Zanoah serves as a linguistic echo of the broader biblical concept of rejection. This concept is central to understanding God's covenant relationship with Israel—His warning against their rejection of Him and His steadfast promise not to reject His chosen people (e.g., [[Psalm 94:14]], [[Romans 11:1-2]]). The name, therefore, implicitly invites reflection on the dynamic interplay between divine acceptance and human rejection throughout salvation history.
### Summary
`{{H2182}}`, Zânôwach, is a Hebrew proper noun designating two towns in ancient Palestine, primarily one in the Shephelah of Judah. Etymologically, it derives from the root `{{H2186}}` (זָנַח), meaning "to reject" or "to cast off," thus giving Zânôwach the literal sense of "rejected."
Biblically, Zanoah is first mentioned in [[Joshua 15:34]] as part of the tribal inheritance of Judah. Later, in the post-exilic period, it appears in [[Nehemiah 3:13]] and [[Nehemiah 11:30]], highlighting its continued habitation and the active role of its inhabitants in the rebuilding of Jerusalem.
Theologically, Zanoah's inclusion in the biblical narrative underscores God's meticulous providence in land allotment. Furthermore, the participation of its community in the restoration of Jerusalem, despite the name's underlying meaning of "rejection," subtly emphasizes themes of divine inclusion, restoration, and God's ability to use all for His purposes. The name itself provides a linguistic link to the broader biblical concept of divine and human rejection, inviting deeper contemplation on God's unwavering faithfulness.
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