### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **chănîynâh**, represented by `{{H2594}}`, means **graciousness** or **favour**. It is an exceedingly rare term, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible. Its significance comes from its singular, powerful use to describe the withdrawal of divine favour as an act of judgment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H2594}}` is in [[Jeremiah 16:13]], a prophecy of judgment against Judah. God declares He will **cast** `{{H2904}}` the people out of their own **land** `{{H776}}` and into a foreign one they do not **know** `{{H3045}}`. In this place of exile, they will be forced to **serve** `{{H5647}}` **other** `{{H312}}` **gods** `{{H430}}` continuously, **day** `{{H3119}}` and **night** `{{H3915}}`. The climax of this punishment is the declaration, "I will not **shew** `{{H5414}}` you **favour**" `{{H2594}}`, directly linking their suffering to the removal of God's grace.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of `{{H2594}}` is illuminated by the words surrounding it in its only context:
* `{{H5414}}` **nâthan** (to give): This verb is used to state that God will not "**shew**" or give favour. It emphasizes that graciousness is an active gift from God, and its withdrawal is a deliberate act [[Jeremiah 16:13]].
* `{{H2904}}` **ṭûwl** (to cast down or out): This word describes the physical action that accompanies the removal of favour. The people are not merely leaving; they are being **cast** out, highlighting the force of the judgment [[Jeremiah 16:13]].
* `{{H5647}}` **ʻâbad** (to serve): This defines the state of the people after losing God's favour. Instead of serving God in their own land, they are condemned to **serve** other gods in exile, marking a complete reversal of their covenant relationship [[Jeremiah 16:13]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2594}}` is concentrated in its specific context of divine judgment.
* **Favour as a Withheld Gift:** The term is defined by its absence. God's statement that He will "not **shew** `{{H5414}}` you **favour**" `{{H2594}}` portrays grace not as a default state but as a gift that can be rescinded as a consequence of sin [[Jeremiah 16:13]].
* **Judgment as Separation:** The loss of **favour** is inseparable from being **cast** `{{H2904}}` out of the promised **land** `{{H776}}` and away from God's presence. It is a sentence of alienation.
* **The Bondage of Idolatry:** The consequence of losing God's graciousness is servitude to **other** `{{H312}}` **gods** `{{H430}}`. This demonstrates that a life without God's favour inevitably leads to bondage under false deities [[Jeremiah 16:13]].
### Summary
In summary, **chănîynâh** `{{H2594}}` provides a stark and focused understanding of **favour** by illustrating the consequences of its removal. Though appearing only once, its placement in [[Jeremiah 16:13]] is a powerful theological statement. It reveals that God's **graciousness** is a precious gift, and its withdrawal constitutes the heart of judgment, resulting in exile, separation, and the bondage of serving false gods.
TRV