the same as חֵן; grace; Chen, a figurative name for an Israelite; Hen.
Transliteration:Chên
Pronunciation:khane
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term חֵן (Chên), Strong's H2581, is primarily identified as a proper noun, specifically a personal name. Its base definition indicates it is "the same as חֵן (H2580)," which is the more common noun meaning "grace," "favor," "charm," or "beauty." Thus, the proper name חֵן (Chen/Hen) literally embodies the concept of grace or favor. While H2580 refers to the abstract quality, H2581 refers to an individual named after this quality, suggesting that the person either possessed or was associated with grace, or that their birth was seen as an act of divine favor. Its singular occurrence as a proper noun in the biblical text suggests a unique, possibly symbolic, significance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The proper name חֵן (Chên, H2581) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible:
* [[Zechariah 6:14]]: "And the crowns shall be to Helem, and to Tobijah, and to Jedaiah, and to Hen the son of Zephaniah, for a memorial in the temple of the LORD."
In this passage, the prophet Zechariah describes a symbolic act where crowns are placed upon the head of Joshua the high priest, signifying the coming of the Messiah, "the Branch." Following this, the crowns are to be given to four individuals—Helem, Tobijah, Jedaiah, and Hen the son of Zephaniah—to be kept as a "memorial" in the Temple. These men are likely representatives of the exiles who returned from Babylon, possibly those who contributed gold and silver for the crowns mentioned in the preceding verse. The inclusion of "Hen" ("Grace") among these individuals is notable. The names themselves often carry significance in prophetic contexts. "Tobijah" means "Yahweh is good," and "Jedaiah" means "Yahweh knows." The presence of "Hen" among them suggests that "grace" itself is to be remembered and honored within the sacred space of the Temple, perhaps as a foundational principle of God's dealings with His people and the coming messianic era. The memorial serves as a perpetual reminder of God's gracious provision and the hope of the future.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word to חֵן (H2581) is its root, חֵן (H2580), which functions as a common noun meaning "grace," "favor," "charm," or "beauty." This is a foundational concept throughout the Old Testament, often referring to:
1. **Divine Favor:** God's unmerited favor towards humanity, as seen in Noah finding חֵן in the eyes of the Lord ([[Genesis 6:8]]). This is a central aspect of God's character and His covenant relationship with Israel.
2. **Human Favor:** Favor shown by one person to another, such as Joseph finding חֵן in the eyes of Potiphar ([[Genesis 39:4]]).
3. **Physical Charm/Beauty:** The attractive quality of a person or object, as in [[Proverbs 31:30]] where "favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain."
The verbal root from which חֵן (H2580) derives is חָנַן (H2603), meaning "to be gracious," "to show favor," or "to have pity." This verb underscores the active nature of showing grace. Other related terms include חֶסֶד (H2617), "steadfast love" or "covenant loyalty," which often appears alongside חֵן ([[Psalm 84:11]]). While חֵן emphasizes unmerited favor, חֶסֶד highlights enduring, covenantal faithfulness.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of the proper name חֵן (H2581) is deeply intertwined with the broader biblical concept of grace. In [[Zechariah 6:14]], the inclusion of "Hen" among those designated to hold the crowns in the Temple points to the indispensable role of divine grace in God's redemptive plan. The crowns symbolize royalty and priestly authority, ultimately pointing to the Messiah. That "Grace" (Hen) is among the names associated with this memorial suggests that:
1. **Grace is foundational:** God's work of restoration and the establishment of His kingdom are rooted in His unmerited favor, not human merit.
2. **Grace is remembered:** The "memorial" in the Temple ensures that future generations will recall the gracious acts of God and the individuals who played a part in the prophetic vision.
3. **Grace is embodied:** The person named "Hen" serves as a living representation of this divine attribute, underscoring that God's grace is not merely an abstract concept but is manifested through individuals and their participation in His purposes.
This passage, therefore, subtly underscores that the future glory of God's people and the coming of the Messiah are entirely dependent on God's sovereign grace.
### Summary
חֵן (Chên, H2581) is a rare but significant proper noun found once in [[Zechariah 6:14]], where it refers to an individual named "Hen" or "Grace." This name directly derives from the common Hebrew noun חֵן (H2580), meaning "grace," "favor," or "charm." In its sole biblical appearance, "Hen" is one of four individuals entrusted with crowns to be kept as a memorial in the Temple, a symbolic act pointing to the coming Messiah and the restoration of God's people. The inclusion of "Grace" among these names highlights the theological truth that God's redemptive plan, the establishment of His kingdom, and the future hope of His people are all rooted in and sustained by His unmerited divine favor. The name serves as a subtle yet profound reminder that grace is not merely an abstract concept but a tangible reality embedded within God's dealings with humanity and central to His eschatological purposes.
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