from an unused root of uncertain signification; Chattush, the name of four or five Israelites; Hattush.
Transliteration:Chaṭṭûwsh
Pronunciation:khat-toosh'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H2407}}` (Chaṭṭûwsh) is a proper noun, specifically a personal name. Its base definition indicates that it derives "from an unused root of uncertain signification." This means that the precise etymological meaning of the name "Chaṭṭûwsh" is unknown to modern scholarship. Unlike many Hebrew names that carry discernible meanings reflecting hope, circumstances of birth, or divine attributes, Chaṭṭûwsh lacks a clear linguistic derivation. Therefore, its semantic range is limited to its function as an identifier for specific individuals within the biblical narrative. Despite the obscurity of its root, the significance of the name lies in the roles and lineage of the individuals who bore it, rather than in an inherent lexical meaning.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Chaṭṭûwsh (`{{H2407}}`) appears in several Old Testament passages, referring to at least four distinct individuals, primarily in the post-exilic period:
1. **A Descendant of David:** In [[1 Chronicles 3:22]], Chaṭṭûwsh is listed as a son of Shemaiah and a descendant of David through his son Hananiah. This places him in the royal line, though far removed from the direct succession. The precise purpose of this genealogy, beyond tracing the Davidic lineage, is to affirm the continuity of God's covenant with David, even after the monarchy's demise.
2. **A Priest Returning with Ezra:** [[Ezra 8:2]] identifies a Chaṭṭûwsh as a son of Shecaniah, of the sons of David. While the text here states "of the sons of David," many scholars interpret this as a scribal variant or an indication that this Shecaniah was also a descendant of David, possibly the same Shecaniah mentioned in [[1 Chronicles 3:21]]. This Chaṭṭûwsh is listed among the heads of fathers' houses who returned with Ezra from Babylon to Jerusalem. His inclusion underscores the participation of priestly and prominent families in the restoration.
3. **A Wall Builder:** [[Nehemiah 3:10]] mentions a Chaṭṭûwsh, son of Hashabniah, who repaired a section of the wall of Jerusalem. This individual played a direct, practical role in the physical restoration of the city under Nehemiah's leadership. His contribution highlights the corporate effort required for the rebuilding project, with various families and individuals taking responsibility for specific sections.
4. **A Signer of the Covenant:** In [[Nehemiah 10:4]], a priest named Chaṭṭûwsh is listed among those who sealed the covenant of faithfulness to God and His Law. It is possible, and indeed likely, that this Chaṭṭûwsh is the same individual as the priest mentioned in [[Ezra 8:2]] or [[Nehemiah 12:2]]. The act of sealing the covenant was a solemn commitment by the leaders of the community to adhere to the Mosaic Law, demonstrating a renewed spiritual dedication following the return from exile.
5. **A Priest in the Days of Joiakim:** [[Nehemiah 12:2]] lists a Chaṭṭûwsh among the priests who returned with Zerubbabel and Jeshua, the high priest. This passage details the priestly lines in the generation following the initial return. This Chaṭṭûwsh could be the same as the one who returned with Ezra (as Ezra's return was later than Zerubbabel's, but the listing here might be retrospective or refer to a family line) or the one who sealed the covenant. The repetition of names underscores the limited pool of names within certain families or the prevalence of particular names during this period.
Across these occurrences, the name Chaṭṭûwsh is consistently associated with individuals involved in the crucial post-exilic period of restoration—whether through maintaining the Davidic lineage, participating in the return, rebuilding the city, or renewing the covenant.
### Related Words & Concepts
Given that `{{H2407}}` is a proper noun with an uncertain root meaning, there are no direct linguistic cognates or synonyms in the typical sense of a word study. However, its usage connects to several significant biblical concepts:
* **Genealogy and Lineage:** The inclusion of Chaṭṭûwsh in the Davidic line ([[1 Chronicles 3:22]]) emphasizes the importance of lineage in biblical thought, particularly for the messianic hope. The meticulous recording of names, even those of lesser-known individuals, underscores God's faithfulness to His covenant promises and His preservation of the chosen lines.
* **Restoration and Rebuilding:** The association of Chaṭṭûwsh with the return from exile ([[Ezra 8:2]], [[Nehemiah 12:2]]) and the rebuilding of Jerusalem's wall ([[Nehemiah 3:10]]) links the name to the broader theme of divine restoration. These individuals were active participants in God's work of re-establishing His people and their dwelling place.
* **Covenant Fidelity:** The participation of a Chaṭṭûwsh in sealing the covenant ([[Nehemiah 10:4]]) points to the concept of corporate and individual commitment to God's Law. Even if the name's meaning is obscure, the person's actions demonstrate a clear dedication to the Lord.
* **The Significance of Names:** While the specific meaning of Chaṭṭûwsh is lost, the very act of naming and recording individuals in Scripture is significant. It affirms that every person, regardless of their fame or the known meaning of their name, is known to God and has a place in His redemptive plan. This concept is echoed in passages like [[Isaiah 43:1]], where God declares, "I have called you by name; you are Mine."
### Theological Significance
The study of `{{H2407}}` Chaṭṭûwsh, despite the linguistic obscurity of its root, offers several theological insights. First, it highlights God's meticulous preservation of His people and their genealogies. The inclusion of Chaṭṭûwsh in the Davidic line in Chronicles affirms the unbroken continuity of the royal lineage, which ultimately culminates in the Messiah, Jesus Christ. This demonstrates God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, even through periods of exile and apparent decline.
Second, the various individuals named Chaṭṭûwsh illustrate God's use of ordinary people in extraordinary ways. These were not necessarily major prophets or kings, but individuals who played vital roles in the post-exilic restoration: returning from captivity, rebuilding the physical structures of Jerusalem, and renewing the spiritual covenant. Their participation underscores the truth that God accomplishes His purposes through the collective obedience and dedication of His people, each contributing according to their place and ability. The fact that their names are recorded, even if their etymological meaning is unknown, testifies to God's remembrance of every individual who serves Him.
Finally, the very obscurity of the name's meaning can be seen as a theological lesson. It reminds us that God's plan unfolds not always through overtly symbolic names or grand figures, but often through the quiet faithfulness of those whose personal significance might be overlooked by human standards. God knows each of His children by name, and their lives, though perhaps unheralded by the world, are deeply significant in His divine economy.
### Summary
`{{H2407}}` (Chaṭṭûwsh) is a Hebrew proper noun, a personal name whose etymological meaning is unknown due to an unused and uncertain root. Despite this linguistic obscurity, the name appears in the Old Testament referring to at least four distinct Israelites, predominantly in the post-exilic period. These individuals include a descendant of David in [[1 Chronicles 3:22]], a priest who returned with Ezra in [[Ezra 8:2]] and is likely the same Chaṭûwsh who sealed the covenant in [[Nehemiah 10:4]] and is listed among the priests in [[Nehemiah 12:2]], and a wall builder in [[Nehemiah 3:10]]. The biblical occurrences of Chaṭûwsh consistently place him among those actively involved in the crucial work of restoration—whether maintaining the Davidic line, returning from exile, rebuilding Jerusalem, or renewing the covenant with God. Theologically, the study of Chaṭûwsh underscores God's faithfulness in preserving His people and their lineage, His use of ordinary individuals in His grand redemptive plan, and the profound significance of every person known and remembered by God, even when the meaning of their name remains a mystery to us.
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