from חֶמֶד; pleasant; Chemdan, an Idumaean; Hemdan.
Transliteration:Chemdân
Pronunciation:khem-dawn'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew proper noun חֶמְדָּן (Chemdân), Strong's number `{{H2533}}`, derives from the root חֶמֶד (chemed, `{{H2530}}`), which carries the core meaning of "desire," "delight," "preciousness," or "pleasantness." As a personal name, חֶמְדָּן thus signifies "pleasant," "desirable," or "delightful." It is a name embodying a quality of attractiveness or value. Unlike common nouns or verbs, the semantic range of a proper noun like Chemdân is fixed to the individual it identifies, but its etymological root imbues the name with a specific connotation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name חֶמְדָּן (Chemdân) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, within the extensive genealogies of 1 Chronicles:
* **[[1 Chronicles 1:41]]**: "The sons of Dishon: Hemdan, Eshban, Ithran, and Cheran." This verse lists Chemdân as one of the sons of Dishon, who is identified as a Horite chief, a descendant of Seir the Horite, residing in the land of Edom. The context is purely genealogical, tracing the lineage of the Edomite tribes. The purpose of its inclusion is not to describe any actions or theological significance of Chemdân himself, but rather to provide a comprehensive record of the peoples and chiefs of Edom, adjacent to and often in conflict with Israel. Its placement within these lists underscores the biblical record's meticulous attention to the origins and relationships of nations, even those outside the direct covenant line of Abraham.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the root noun חֶמֶד (chemed, `{{H2530}}`), from which חֶמְדָּן is derived. This root appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament, denoting:
* **Desire/Longing:** As in things desired or longed for (e.g., [[Psalm 19:10]] regarding God's ordinances being "more to be desired" than gold).
* **Preciousness/Value:** Referring to valuable or precious items (e.g., [[Lamentations 1:10]] where adversaries plunder Jerusalem's "precious things").
* **Delight/Pleasure:** Indicating something that brings joy or delight (e.g., [[Isaiah 53:2]] speaking of the Servant having no "beauty that we should desire Him").
Other derivatives include חֶמְדַּת (chemdat, `{{H2532}}`), often translated as "desire of" or "preciousness of," as in "the desire of nations" ([[Haggai 2:7]]). The concept of names carrying inherent meaning is prevalent throughout Scripture, from Adam ("man") to Jesus ("Yahweh saves"). While Chemdân is an Edomite name, it participates in this broader biblical practice of naming.
### Theological Significance
Given that חֶמְדָּן (Chemdân) is a proper noun for a single, non-Israelite individual mentioned only in a genealogical list, its direct theological significance is limited. However, several indirect points can be considered:
* **Divine Sovereignty over All Nations:** The meticulous recording of Edomite genealogies, including names like Chemdân, demonstrates God's comprehensive knowledge and sovereign oversight of all peoples, not just Israel. Even the lineage of nations often hostile to Israel is within the scope of divine record.
* **The Meaning of Names:** The name "pleasant" or "desirable" reflects a universal human aspiration for what is good and esteemed. While not directly tied to God's character or covenant, it illustrates how even pagan cultures imbued names with qualities they valued. In contrast, many Israelite names pointed to Yahweh's character or acts.
* **Historical Context of Edom:** The inclusion of Edomite chiefs like Chemdân serves to ground the biblical narrative in historical reality, acknowledging the existence and structure of nations with whom Israel interacted, often in complex and fraught ways. It underscores the historical backdrop against which God's covenant with Israel unfolded.
### Summary
חֶמְדָּן (Chemdân, `{{H2533}}`) is a Hebrew proper noun, a personal name meaning "pleasant," "desirable," or "delightful," derived from the root חֶמֶד (chemed, `{{H2530}}`). It appears once in the biblical text, in [[1 Chronicles 1:41]], identifying one of the sons of Dishon, a Horite chief in Edom. Its significance is primarily genealogical, contributing to the comprehensive record of nations and lineages in the Old Testament. While the individual Chemdân holds no specific theological role, his name reflects a universal human appreciation for qualities of pleasantness, and his inclusion in Scripture highlights God's overarching sovereignty and meticulous record-keeping concerning all peoples, even those outside the direct covenant line of Israel.
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