### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Channâh**, represented by `{{H2584}}`, means **favored**. It appears 13 times across 11 unique verses in the Bible. The name belongs to a specific Israelitess, Hannah, whose story of sorrow, prayer, and divine favor is a significant narrative in the Old Testament.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, **Channâh** `{{H2584}}` is one of two wives of Elkanah and was initially barren, a source of great sorrow [[1 Samuel 1:2]]. Despite being loved by her husband, the LORD had shut up her womb [[1 Samuel 1:5]]. In her distress, she went to the temple and prayed, pouring out her soul before the LORD [[1 Samuel 1:15]]. Her silent, heartfelt prayer was so intense that Eli the priest mistook her for being drunk [[1 Samuel 1:13]]. The narrative's turning point comes when the LORD remembered Hannah [[1 Samuel 1:19]]. She then conceived and bore a son, whom she named Samuel, saying, "Because I have asked him of the LORD" [[1 Samuel 1:20]]. After weaning him, she fulfilled her vow by dedicating him to lifelong service to the LORD [[1 Samuel 1:22]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words illuminate the central themes of Hannah's experience:
* `{{H1058}}` **bâkâh** (to weep): This word captures Hannah's initial state of grief. Her husband asks her, "why weepest thou?" in response to her sorrow over her childlessness [[1 Samuel 1:8]].
* `{{H6419}}` **pâlal** (to pray): This is Hannah's active response to her suffering. Her story begins with her prayer of supplication and culminates in a prayer of rejoicing [[1 Samuel 2:1]].
* `{{H2142}}` **zâkar** (to remember): This signifies the divine response to Hannah's prayer. The narrative pivots when "the LORD remembered her," leading to the fulfillment of her desire for a child [[1 Samuel 1:19]].
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (son): This represents the fulfillment of God's promise and the answer to Hannah's prayer. She bore a **son** [[1 Samuel 1:20]], and was later blessed with three more **sons** and two daughters [[1 Samuel 2:21]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2584}}` is expressed through several key themes in Hannah's story.
* **From Sorrow to Joy:** Hannah's journey is a powerful model of faith. She begins as a "woman of a sorrowful spirit" [[1 Samuel 1:15]] but is filled with joy, proclaiming, "My heart rejoiceth in the LORD" after her prayer is answered [[1 Samuel 2:1]].
* **The Efficacy of Prayer:** The narrative underscores the power of heartfelt supplication. Hannah does not resort to bitterness but pours out her soul to the LORD [[1 Samuel 1:15]]. Her fervent prayer is heard and answered, demonstrating that God responds to the cries of His people.
* **Divine Reversal and Favor:** The story illustrates God's sovereignty in reversing human circumstances. He is the one who had "shut up her womb" [[1 Samuel 1:5]] and He is the one who "visited Hannah" to give her children [[1 Samuel 2:21]], reflecting the meaning of her name, **favored**.
* **Faithfulness and Dedication:** Hannah's integrity is shown in her commitment to her vow. After receiving her long-awaited son, she gives him back to the LORD for a lifetime of service, bringing him to "abide there for ever" [[1 Samuel 1:22]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2584}}` Channâh represents a complete biblical account of faith in action. The name is inextricably linked to a narrative of moving from deep anguish and barrenness to joyful fulfillment through persistent, heartfelt prayer. Hannah's story serves as a timeless illustration of God's ability to remember and visit His people, reverse desperate situations, and honor those who dedicate their greatest blessings back to Him.
TRV