from חָנַן; favored; Chanun, the name of an Ammonite and of two Israelites; Hanun.
Transliteration:Chânûwn
Pronunciation:khaw-noon'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word H2586, "Chânûwn" (חָנוּן), functions exclusively as a proper noun in the biblical text. It is derived from the root verb H2587, "חָנַן" (chânan), which carries the core meaning "to be gracious," "to show favor," "to pity," or "to implore favor." As a passive participle, "Chânûwn" signifies "one who is favored," "one who has received grace," or "graced." The name therefore inherently carries the connotation of being a recipient of kindness, benevolence, or unmerited favor, whether from divine or human sources. Its semantic range is tightly bound to the concept of grace and favor, reflecting either a parental hope for the child's life or a recognition of a person's state of being favored.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word "Chânûwn" (H2586) appears in the Hebrew Bible exclusively as the name of three distinct individuals:
1. **Hanun, King of the Ammonites:** This is the most significant and detailed occurrence, found in [[2 Samuel 10:1-5]] and [[1 Chronicles 19:1-5]]. He was the son and successor of Nahash, King of Ammon. When David sent messengers to express condolences and show kindness (חֶסֶד, `{{H2603}}`) to Hanun upon his father's death, Hanun's advisors convinced him that David's gesture was a ruse for espionage. In a profound act of insult and disrespect, Hanun shaved off half the beards of David's servants and cut off their garments in the middle, exposing them. This egregious act led directly to a major war between Israel and Ammon, resulting in a decisive defeat for the Ammonites and their Syrian allies. The irony of a king named "Favored" or "Graced" rejecting an offer of favor and initiating a conflict that brought about his own downfall is striking. His actions demonstrate a lack of wisdom and an inability to discern genuine intentions, leading to catastrophic consequences.
2. **Hanun, a repairer of the Valley Gate:** Mentioned in [[Nehemiah 3:13]]. This Hanun, along with the inhabitants of Zanoah, was responsible for repairing a section of the wall of Jerusalem, specifically the Valley Gate, during Nehemiah's rebuilding efforts. His inclusion in this list highlights his participation in the communal effort to restore the holy city, indicating a role of service and dedication.
3. **Hanun, son of Zalaph, a repairer of the Corner Gate:** Mentioned in [[Nehemiah 3:30]]. This individual also participated in the extensive rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls, specifically a section near the Corner Gate. Like the other Hanun in Nehemiah, his name appears in the context of diligent service and commitment to the restoration of God's people and city.
### Related Words & Concepts
"Chânûwn" is deeply connected to several key Hebrew terms and theological concepts:
* **H2587 (חָנַן - chânan):** The root verb, meaning "to be gracious, show favor, pity, implore favor." This is the foundational term for understanding "Chânûwn." It describes both God's disposition towards humanity and humanity's plea for divine or human favor.
* **H2589 (חֵן - chen):** A noun derived from the same root, meaning "grace," "favor," or "charm." This word frequently appears in phrases like "to find favor in the eyes of" (e.g., [[Genesis 6:8]], "Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord"). It denotes the unmerited goodwill or acceptance extended by one party to another.
* **H2603 (חֶסֶד - chesed):** Often translated as "steadfast love," "mercy," or "kindness." While distinct from "favor" (chen), *chesed* is frequently the active demonstration of favor or grace, particularly within covenantal relationships. David's initial overture to King Hanun was an act of *chesed*.
* **Divine Grace (חֶסֶד and חֵן):** The concept of God's unmerited favor and steadfast love is a central theme throughout the biblical narrative. While "Chânûwn" is a human name, its etymology points to this profound theological reality, reminding us of the source of all true favor.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of "Chânûwn" is primarily illuminated through the narrative of King Hanun of Ammon. His story serves as a powerful cautionary tale and a stark theological contrast:
* **The Rejection of Grace and Its Consequences:** King Hanun, whose name means "favored," tragically rejected a genuine offer of favor and kindness from David. This act of contempt led not to the favor implied by his name, but to war, defeat, and national humiliation. The narrative underscores the profound consequences of misinterpreting or actively spurning overtures of grace, whether human or divine. It highlights the human capacity for pride and suspicion that can blind one to genuine goodwill.
* **The Irony of Names and Character:** In ancient Israel, names often carried prophetic or descriptive significance. The irony of King Hanun's name contrasting so sharply with his actions serves as a theological lesson on the disconnect that can exist between one's given identity (or potential) and one's actual character and choices. It emphasizes that true favor is not merely a bestowed status but often requires a humble and discerning reception.
* **Response to Divine Providence:** While the encounter with David was human, it can be seen as a reflection of how one responds to opportunities for peace and blessing. Hanun's failure to discern and accept the "favor" offered to him resulted in judgment.
* **Faithfulness and Service:** In contrast, the two Hanuns in Nehemiah embody the positive potential of the name. Their participation in the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls signifies their faithful service and dedication to God's purposes. They are "favored" in the sense that they are blessed to contribute to a divinely ordained work, demonstrating that receiving favor often manifests in devoted action.
### Summary
The Hebrew word "Chânûwn" (H2586) is a proper noun meaning "favored" or "graced," derived from the root "חָנַן" (H2587), "to be gracious." Its most prominent biblical appearance is King Hanun of Ammon, who, despite his name, infamously rejected David's offer of "chesed" (`{{H2603}}`) in [[2 Samuel 10]], leading to a devastating war. This narrative serves as a powerful theological illustration of the dire consequences of rejecting grace and the profound irony between a name's meaning and an individual's actions. Conversely, two other individuals named Hanun are mentioned in [[Nehemiah 3]] as diligent participants in the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls, embodying the positive aspect of the name through their faithful service. The study of "Chânûwn" thus highlights the biblical themes of divine favor, human response to grace, and the significance of character in fulfilling or contradicting the meaning of one's identity.
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