from חָנַן; graciousness, i.e. subjective (kindness, favor) or objective (beauty); favour, grace(-ious), pleasant, precious, (well-) favoured.
Transliteration:chên
Pronunciation:khane
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word חֵן (chên), Strong's number `{{H2580}}`, derives from the verb חָנַן (chānan, `{{H2603}}`), meaning "to be gracious, show favor, pity." Consequently, *chên* fundamentally conveys the concept of "graciousness" or "favor." Its semantic range extends to both subjective and objective dimensions. Subjectively, it denotes kindness, goodwill, or the act of showing favor. This is often seen as unmerited benevolence, a gift freely given. Objectively, *chên* can describe the pleasantness, attractiveness, or beauty of a person or thing, which elicits favor or admiration from others. It is the quality that makes one "well-favored" or "precious" in the eyes of another. Thus, *chên* encapsulates the idea of a pleasing quality that draws favor, whether from God or from humans.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term *chên* appears frequently throughout the Old Testament, illuminating its diverse applications:
1. **Divine Favor:** A prominent use of *chên* describes God's unmerited favor toward individuals. The most foundational instance is Noah, who "found favor in the eyes of the LORD" ([[Genesis 6:8]]), leading to his preservation from the flood and the continuation of humanity. Similarly, Moses repeatedly sought and received God's favor, which was crucial for his leadership and the people of Israel ([[Exodus 33:12-17]]). God's *chên* is often associated with His covenant faithfulness and His willingness to hear prayers and provide salvation ([[Psalm 84:11]], [[Jeremiah 31:2]]).
2. **Human Favor:** *Chên* frequently describes the favor one person shows to another. This can be a superior to a subordinate, as when Joseph found favor with Potiphar ([[Genesis 39:4]]) and later with the prison keeper ([[Genesis 39:21]]). It can also be between equals or a subordinate seeking favor from a superior, such as Ruth finding favor in the eyes of Boaz ([[Ruth 2:10]]) or Esther finding favor with King Ahasuerus ([[Esther 2:17]]). In these contexts, *chên* often leads to protection, provision, or promotion.
3. **Attractiveness/Beauty:** The objective sense of *chên* refers to physical attractiveness or inherent pleasantness. For example, a "gracious woman" ([[Proverbs 11:16]]) is contrasted with one who lacks such a quality, implying an appealing demeanor or beauty. The "graciousness of lips" ([[Proverbs 22:11]]) refers to the pleasantness and wisdom of speech. This aspect often carries a moral dimension in wisdom literature, suggesting that true beauty or attractiveness stems from virtuous character.
4. **Figurative Use:** *Chên* can also refer to the favor or pleasantness associated with certain actions or objects, such as the "favor" of a crown ([[Proverbs 4:9]]) or the "pleasantness" of a dwelling ([[Proverbs 24:3]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for *chên* is its root verb, חָנַן (chānan, `{{H2603}}`), which means "to be gracious, show favor, or pity." This verbal root emphasizes the active dispensing of favor. Other related terms in the Hebrew Bible that often appear in conjunction with or complement *chên* include:
* **חֶסֶד (chesed, `{{H2617}}`):** Often translated as "loyal love," "steadfast love," or "kindness." While *chên* emphasizes unmerited favor, *chesed* highlights covenant faithfulness and enduring loyalty. God's *chesed* often motivates His *chên*. For instance, God is described as "abounding in *chesed* and truth" and showing *chên* to thousands ([[Exodus 34:6-7]]).
* **רַחֲמִים (rachamim, `{{H7355}}`):** "Compassion" or "mercy." This term often describes God's deep, visceral pity, akin to a parent's love for a child. While distinct, *rachamim* often undergirds the manifestation of God's *chên*.
* **חַנּוּן (channun, `{{H2604}}`):** An adjective meaning "gracious," frequently used to describe God's character ([[Psalm 111:4]], [[Jonah 4:2]]). This adjective directly derives from the same root as *chên* and reinforces the concept of God as the ultimate dispenser of favor.
These terms together paint a rich picture of God's benevolent character and His interactions with humanity, emphasizing His free, unmerited, and compassionate favor.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of *chên* is profound, particularly in its application to God's character and actions:
1. **Divine Initiative and Sovereignty:** *Chên* underscores that God's favor is not earned but freely given. It is an act of His sovereign will and benevolence. This concept is foundational to understanding salvation and blessing as gifts, not achievements. Noah's finding favor ([[Genesis 6:8]]) is the first explicit mention of divine *chên* in the Bible, setting a precedent for God's gracious intervention in human history.
2. **Foundation for Deliverance and Blessing:** God's *chên* is often the catalyst for deliverance from judgment or the bestowal of significant blessings. It is the reason individuals like Noah, Moses, and the nation of Israel received special divine attention and provision. Without God's favor, humanity would face destruction; with it, there is hope and new beginnings.
3. **Relationship with Covenant:** While *chên* can be spontaneous, it also plays a vital role within the covenant relationship. God's favor enables the covenant to be established and maintained, providing the basis for His continued interaction with His people despite their failures. Moses' plea for God's *chên* in the wilderness ([[Exodus 33:12-17]]) highlights its necessity for God's presence and guidance.
4. **Ethical Implications:** In human interactions, the concept of *chên* encourages kindness, generosity, and the showing of favor to others, reflecting God's own character. Wisdom literature, particularly Proverbs, teaches that a person who lives righteously and speaks wisely will "find favor" with both God and people ([[Proverbs 3:4]], [[Proverbs 22:11]]), implying that a virtuous life attracts favor.
5. **Anticipation of New Testament Grace:** The Old Testament concept of *chên* prefigures the New Testament concept of *charis* (grace, `{{G5485}}`). Both terms emphasize unmerited favor as the basis for God's saving work and His relationship with humanity, culminating in the grace revealed through Jesus Christ.
### Summary
The Hebrew word חֵן (chên, `{{H2580}}`) is a rich and multifaceted term signifying "favor," "grace," or "pleasantness." Rooted in the verb "to be gracious," it encompasses both the subjective act of showing kindness and the objective quality of attractiveness that elicits favor. Biblically, *chên* prominently describes God's unmerited benevolence toward humanity, as seen in the narratives of Noah and Moses, where it serves as the foundation for divine intervention, preservation, and blessing. It also denotes the favor shown between humans, often leading to protection or advancement. In wisdom literature, *chên* can refer to the beauty or pleasantness derived from virtuous living. Theologically, *chên* underscores God's sovereign initiative, His compassionate character, and His unearned provision, laying conceptual groundwork for the New Testament understanding of divine grace.
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