probably by orthographical variation for חֲנַנְאֵל; Chanamel, an Israelite; Hanameel.
Transliteration:Chănamʼêl
Pronunciation:khan-am-ale'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name חֲנַמְאֵל (Chănamʼêl, `{{H2601}}`) is a proper noun, referring to a specific individual in the biblical narrative. Its meaning is derived from its close orthographical and etymological relationship to חֲנַנְאֵל (Chanan'el, `{{H2605}}`). This latter form combines the verbal root חָנַן (chanan, `{{H2587}}`), meaning "to be gracious, show favor," with the divine name אֵל (El, `{{H410}}`), meaning "God." Thus, the name Hanameel signifies "God has been gracious" or "God is gracious." As a proper noun, its semantic range is fixed to this specific personal identity and the theological truth embedded within its meaning.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Hanameel (חֲנַמְאֵל, `{{H2601}}`) appears exclusively in the book of Jeremiah, specifically in the context of a pivotal prophetic act. He is introduced as the son of Shallum and the cousin of the prophet Jeremiah. His sole role in the biblical narrative is to offer Jeremiah the opportunity to purchase a field in Anathoth, as he possessed the right of redemption (the kinsman-redeemer's right) according to Israelite law ([[Jeremiah 32:6-8]]).
The context is critical: Jerusalem is under siege by the Babylonians, and Jeremiah himself is imprisoned ([[Jeremiah 32:2]]). In this dire situation, God commands Jeremiah to buy the field from his cousin Hanameel ([[Jeremiah 32:7]]). Jeremiah meticulously carries out the transaction, weighing out the silver, signing the deed, sealing it, and having witnesses ([[Jeremiah 32:9-12]]). This act, seemingly absurd given the imminent destruction and exile, is a powerful prophetic sign. God declares that "houses and fields and vineyards shall again be bought in this land" ([[Jeremiah 32:15]]), signifying a future restoration and return to the land, despite the impending judgment. Hanameel's legal claim and the subsequent transaction are essential to the prophetic message, grounding the divine promise in a tangible, legally verifiable act.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several key Hebrew words and concepts are intrinsically linked to Hanameel and the narrative in which he appears:
* **חָנַן (chanan, `{{H2587}}`):** The verbal root from which Hanameel's name derives, meaning "to be gracious, show favor." This root underscores the divine attribute of grace that is central to the name's meaning and the context of the prophetic act.
* **אֵל (El, `{{H410}}`):** The Hebrew word for "God," commonly used in theophoric names to denote a connection to the divine. Its presence in Hanameel's name highlights God's active role in demonstrating grace.
* **חֲנַנְאֵל (Chanan'el, `{{H2605}}`):** The probable original form of the name, meaning "God has been gracious." This close linguistic tie reinforces the theological significance of Hanameel's name.
* **גְּאֻלָּה (ge'ullah, `{{H1353}}`):** "Redemption, right of redemption." This concept is central to Hanameel's interaction with Jeremiah, as he offers the prophet his right as kinsman-redeemer ([[Leviticus 25:25]], [[Ruth 4:4]]). The act of redemption of land foreshadows God's redemption of His people.
* **נַחֲלָה (nachalah, `{{H5159}}`):** "Inheritance, possession." The field in Anathoth was an ancestral inheritance, subject to specific laws that allowed for its redemption by a close relative.
### Theological Significance
The name "Hanameel," meaning "God has been gracious," is profoundly significant in the context of Jeremiah's purchase of the field. This act, commanded by God during a time of national despair and impending judgment, serves as a powerful testament to God's enduring grace and faithfulness, even amidst severe discipline.
The very name of the one offering the land for purchase – "God has been gracious" – underscores the divine initiative behind the prophetic sign. It is God's unwavering grace, not human merit or current circumstances, that promises future restoration for His people. Jeremiah's obedience in purchasing the field, despite its apparent absurdity given the imminent exile, demonstrates profound faith in God's word and His ultimate plan of redemption.
The transaction itself, a legal act of redemption, carries deep theological weight. It foreshadows God's ultimate redemption of Israel from exile and, more broadly, points to the greater redemptive work accomplished through Christ. Hanameel, though a minor figure, plays an indispensable role in a pivotal prophetic act that highlights God's covenant faithfulness and the certainty of His promises, even when all human hope seems lost. His name serves as a constant reminder of the divine attribute that undergirds all of God's dealings with humanity: unmerited favor and steadfast love.
### Summary
Hanameel (חֲנַמְאֵל, `{{H2601}}`), whose name means "God has been gracious," is a significant, albeit briefly appearing, figure in the book of Jeremiah. As the prophet's cousin, he initiates a divinely orchestrated transaction, offering to sell a field in Anathoth to Jeremiah during the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem. This act, detailed in [[Jeremiah 32:6-15]], is not merely a legal proceeding but a profound prophetic sign. It embodies God's promise of future restoration and return to the land for Israel, even as they face imminent exile. Hanameel's role in facilitating this act of redemption, coupled with the meaning of his name, underscores the central theological theme of God's enduring grace and covenant faithfulness. His appearance highlights that even in the darkest moments of judgment, God's gracious purposes for His people remain steadfast and certain, providing a foundation for hope beyond present despair.
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