from חָנַן and אֵל; favor of God; Channiel, the name of two Israelites; Hanniel.
Transliteration:Channîyʼêl
Pronunciation:khan-nee-ale'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew proper noun חַנִּיאֵל (Channîyʼêl), Strong's number `{{H2592}}`, is a theophoric name derived from two distinct Hebrew roots. The first element is from the verb חָנַן (chanan), Strong's number `{{H2603}}`, meaning "to be gracious," "to show favor," or "to pity." The second element is אֵל (el), Strong's number `{{H410}}`, meaning "God" or "god." Therefore, the name literally translates to "Favor of God," or "God has been gracious." As a proper noun, its semantic range is limited to its referents, but the inherent meaning of the name itself carries significant theological weight, serving as a declaration about the character and action of God. It signifies divine benevolence and unmerited kindness bestowed upon an individual or family.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Channiel appears twice in the Hebrew Bible, referring to two distinct individuals:
1. **A Leader of Manasseh:** In [[Numbers 34:23]], Channiel is identified as the prince (נָשִׂיא, nasi) from the tribe of Manasseh, appointed to assist in the division of the land of Canaan among the Israelite tribes. This context is crucial, as it places Channiel among those chosen by divine instruction (through Moses and Eleazar) to fulfill a vital role in the realization of God's covenant promises to Israel. His selection for such a significant task underscores a sense of divine favor or trust placed upon him, aligning perfectly with the meaning of his name. The process of land distribution was a direct act of God's grace and faithfulness, making the name "Favor of God" particularly fitting for one involved in its administration.
2. **A Son of Ulla of Asher:** In [[1 Chronicles 7:39]], Channiel is listed as one of the sons of Ulla, a descendant of Asher. This occurrence is found within the extensive genealogies of 1 Chronicles, which serve to establish the lineage and identity of the post-exilic community, connecting them to their tribal heritage and God's ongoing covenant with Israel. While the context here is purely genealogical, the presence of the name "Favor of God" within a lineage suggests a persistent theme of divine blessing and continuity within the families of Israel, perhaps reflecting the parents' acknowledgment of God's grace in granting them a child or in preserving their family line.
In both instances, the name Channiel is not merely an identifier but a statement, either about the individual's perceived standing before God or a testimony to God's gracious character as acknowledged by those who bore or bestowed the name.
### Related Words & Concepts
The name Channiel is deeply rooted in the concept of divine grace and favor. Its primary components are foundational:
* **חָנַן (chanan) `{{H2603}}`**: This verb is central to the biblical understanding of grace. It describes God's compassionate inclination towards humanity, often resulting in active benevolence, mercy, and unmerited favor. From this root also comes the noun חֵן (chen) `{{H2580}}`, meaning "grace" or "favor," as seen in phrases like "finding favor in someone's eyes."
* **אֵל (el) `{{H410}}`**: This is a common Semitic word for "God" or "deity," frequently used in the Hebrew Bible to refer to the one true God of Israel. Its inclusion in names emphasizes the divine source of the quality or action described.
Channiel belongs to a broader category of **theophoric names** in Hebrew, where a part of the name refers to God (e.g., -el, -yah, -yahu) and the other part describes an attribute or action of God, or a human's relationship with God. Other names stemming from the root חָנַן (chanan) include:
* **חַנָּה (Hannah) `{{H2584}}`**: Meaning "favor" or "grace," famously borne by the mother of Samuel, who received favor from God in bearing a child.
* **חֲנַנְיָה (Hananiah) `{{H2607}}`**: Meaning "Yah has been gracious," a common name in the Old Testament.
These related terms and names reinforce the pervasive biblical theme of God's active, benevolent grace as a fundamental aspect of His character and His interaction with His people.
### Theological Significance
The name Channiel, "Favor of God," carries profound theological significance, embodying several core biblical truths:
1. **Divine Initiative in Grace:** The name unequivocally points to God as the sole source of favor and grace. It is not something earned or merited by human effort but is freely bestowed by God's sovereign will. This underscores the unmerited nature of divine grace, a foundational concept throughout Scripture.
2. **God's Covenant Faithfulness:** In the context of [[Numbers 34:23]], Channiel's role in the land distribution highlights God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. The land was a gift of grace, and those chosen to oversee its division were themselves recipients of divine favor, signifying God's active involvement in fulfilling His word to His people.
3. **Testimony and Identity:** For the individuals bearing this name, and for their families, "Channiel" served as a constant testimony to God's specific graciousness in their lives. It embeds a declaration of faith directly into one's identity, reminding the bearer and those around them that their existence or particular blessing is a result of God's favor. In a broader sense, it reflects the theological conviction that all blessings and positions of responsibility ultimately derive from God's gracious hand.
4. **The Nature of God:** The name Channiel contributes to the rich biblical portrayal of God as merciful, gracious, and benevolent. It reinforces the consistent witness of Scripture that Yahweh is a God who delights in showing favor to His creation, especially to His covenant people.
### Summary
חַנִּיאֵל (Channîyʼêl), Strong's number `{{H2592}}`, is a Hebrew proper noun meaning "Favor of God" or "God has been gracious," derived from the roots חָנַן (chanan) `{{H2603}}` ("to be gracious") and אֵל (el) `{{H410}}` ("God"). It appears in the Bible as the name of a leader from the tribe of Manasseh involved in land distribution ([[Numbers 34:23]]) and a descendant of Asher ([[1 Chronicles 7:39]]). The name's occurrences, particularly in the context of divine appointment, underscore its theological weight. Channiel serves as a powerful declaration of God's unmerited grace and active benevolence towards His people, embedding a testament to divine favor directly into personal identity and historical record. It encapsulates the profound truth that God is the ultimate source of all blessing and favor.
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