from חָנַן (in the sense of prayer); supplication; be gracious, intreated.
Transliteration:channôwth
Pronunciation:klan-noth'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma חַנּוֹת (channôwth), Strong's number `{{H2589}}`, is derived from the root חָנַן (chanan), `{{H2603}}`. The root חָנַן fundamentally means "to be gracious," "to show favor," "to pity," or "to have mercy." From this root, חַנּוֹת (channôwth) is understood to carry the semantic range of "supplication," "the act of being gracious," or "the state of being entreated." It encapsulates the dynamic of seeking unmerited favor or grace, as well as the act of bestowing it. While the root חָנַן is widely attested in various verbal forms and derived nouns, חַנּוֹת itself appears to represent a specific nominal or infinitive construct form that, in this precise morphological presentation, is not directly attested in the Masoretic Text as a standalone word. Rather, its definition points to the *concept* and *function* derived from its root, particularly in the context of prayer and divine interaction.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
It is important to note that the specific form חַנּוֹת (channôwth) as defined by Strong's `{{H2589}}` does not appear as a direct, standalone word in the Hebrew Bible. Lexical resources and concordances typically do not list specific verse occurrences for this particular entry, suggesting it may represent a theoretical or less common grammatical derivation from the root that is not textually present in this exact form.
However, the *concept* of "supplication" and "being gracious/entreated" is abundantly present through the root חָנַן (chanan) `{{H2603}}` and its more common derivatives. For instance, the noun תַּחֲנוּן (taḥănûn), `{{H8467}}`, which means "supplication" or "plea for favor," is frequently used throughout the Old Testament. Examples include:
* [[1 Kings 8:28]]: "Yet have regard to the prayer of Your servant and to his supplication, O Lord my God, to listen to the cry and to the prayer which Your servant prays before You today." Here, *taḥănûn* refers to the earnest plea of the worshiper.
* [[Psalm 28:2]]: "Hear the voice of my supplications when I cry to You for help, when I lift up my hands toward Your holy sanctuary." This verse highlights the act of humble petition.
* [[Daniel 9:20]]: "Now while I was speaking and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before the Lord my God in behalf of the holy mountain of my God." This illustrates the deep, penitential nature of supplication.
The verb חָנַן (chanan) `{{H2603}}` itself is used to describe both God's gracious action and humanity's plea for that grace:
* [[Psalm 6:2]]: "Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am languishing; heal me, O Lord, for my bones are troubled." (Here, "be gracious" is a form of חָנַן).
* [[Proverbs 28:27]]: "He who gives to the poor will not lack, but he who hides his eyes will get many a curse." (Some translations render a form of חָנַן here as "pleads for mercy" or "shows favor").
Thus, while חַנּוֹת itself is not directly attested, its meaning is fully embodied in the linguistic family of חָנַן, demonstrating a core biblical concept of humble petition and divine responsiveness.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of חַנּוֹת is rich with related terms, all stemming from the same root חָנַן (chanan) `{{H2603}}`:
* **חָנַן (chanan) `{{H2603}}`**: The verbal root meaning "to be gracious," "to show favor," "to pity," "to implore." This is the foundational concept from which חַנּוֹת derives its meaning.
* **חֵן (ḥēn) `{{H2580}}`**: A common noun meaning "grace," "favor," "charm." This word often describes the unmerited favor bestowed by God or by a person of authority. Examples include finding "favor in the eyes of the Lord" ([[Genesis 6:8]]) or "favor in the sight of men" ([[Proverbs 3:4]]).
* **תַּחֲנוּן (taḥănûn) `{{H8467}}`**: A noun meaning "supplication," "earnest plea for favor." This word directly conveys the act of petitioning for grace, as seen in numerous psalms and prophetic books. It represents the human side of the interaction implied by חַנּוֹת.
* **חֲנִינָה (ḥănînāh) `{{H2593}}`**: A rare noun meaning "favor" or "compassion."
These words collectively paint a picture of the relationship between a supplicant and the one from whom favor is sought, particularly in the divine-human encounter. Concepts such as mercy (חֶסֶד, `{{H2617}}`), compassion (רַחֲמִים, `{{H7356}}`), and prayer (תְּפִלָּה, `{{H8605}}`) are also closely intertwined with the idea of supplication and the granting of grace.
### Theological Significance
The concept embodied by חַנּוֹת, through its root חָנַן and its derivatives, is profoundly significant in biblical theology. It speaks to the very nature of God and the appropriate posture of humanity before Him.
1. **Divine Grace (חֵן):** At its core, the word group highlights God's character as gracious. He is not obligated to show favor, yet He chooses to do so out of His sovereign will and compassion. This unmerited favor is foundational to the covenant relationship and salvation. God's willingness to "be gracious" (חָנַן) is a testament to His loving-kindness and faithfulness, even when humanity is undeserving.
2. **Human Supplication (תַּחֲנוּן):** The necessity of "supplication" underscores humanity's dependence on God. It is a humble acknowledgment of one's need and unworthiness, recognizing that any blessing or deliverance comes not from human merit but from divine condescension. Prayer, when it takes the form of supplication, is not a demand but a plea for grace, reflecting trust in God's benevolent character.
3. **The Dynamic of Prayer:** The interplay between God's graciousness and human supplication defines much of biblical prayer. It is a dialogue where the creature humbly entreats the Creator, confident in His readiness to "be entreated" (a sense implied by חַנּוֹת). This dynamic fosters a relationship built on trust, humility, and the experience of God's abundant mercy.
4. **Covenantal Faithfulness:** God's consistent demonstration of grace in response to supplication reinforces His covenantal faithfulness. Even when Israel failed, their cries for mercy (תַּחֲנוּן) often met with God's gracious intervention (חָנַן), demonstrating His enduring commitment to His promises.
### Summary
While the specific Hebrew word חַנּוֹת (channôwth) `{{H2589}}` is not directly attested in the biblical text, its meaning as "supplication" or "being gracious/entreated" is fully encapsulated by its root חָנַן (chanan) `{{H2603}}` and its numerous, frequently occurring derivatives, such as חֵן (ḥēn) `{{H2580}}` ("grace, favor") and תַּחֲנוּן (taḥănûn) `{{H8467}}` ("supplication"). This word group is central to understanding the biblical concept of divine grace—God's unmerited favor extended to humanity—and the appropriate human response of humble petition. It underscores the profound theological truth that humanity approaches God not on the basis of merit, but through earnest supplication for His compassion and unearned favor, confident in His character as the One who is always ready to "be gracious" and "be entreated."
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