(Aramaic) corresponding to חָנַן; to favor or (causatively) to entreat; shew mercy, make supplication.
Transliteration:chănan
Pronunciation:khan-an'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic verb חֲנַן (chănan, `{{H2604}}`) serves as the direct linguistic and semantic equivalent to the more frequently occurring Hebrew verb חָנַן (chanan, `{{H2580}}`). At its core, חֲנַן signifies the act of showing favor, granting grace, or extending mercy. This primary meaning encompasses both the benevolent disposition of one who bestows favor and the active demonstration of that favor. Crucially, the word also carries a causative sense, meaning "to entreat" or "to make supplication." In this causative form, it describes the act of seeking or imploring favor, grace, or mercy from another, typically from a superior or divine being. Thus, its semantic range spans from the divine bestowal of unmerited favor to the humble human plea for such favor.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
As an Aramaic term, חֲנַן (chănan, `{{H2604}}`) appears exclusively in the Aramaic portions of the Old Testament, specifically in the books of Daniel and Ezra. Its usage in these contexts consistently reflects its dual semantic range:
In Daniel, the term frequently describes human supplication to God. For instance, in [[Daniel 2:18]], Daniel and his companions "desired mercies of the God of heaven" concerning the king's dream. Here, the verb clearly denotes the act of pleading for divine favor or understanding in a time of dire need. Similarly, in [[Daniel 6:11]] (often translated as "prayed" or "made supplication"), Daniel is depicted as "making supplication" before his God, emphasizing a consistent posture of dependence and request for divine intervention or grace, even in the face of persecution. This highlights the human response of seeking God's gracious intervention.
In Ezra, the focus shifts to God's active bestowal of grace. [[Ezra 9:8]] states, "And now for a little space grace hath been shewed from the LORD our God." Here, חֲנַן describes God's compassionate action in preserving a remnant of Israel, providing them a "nail in his holy place," and granting them a measure of light and revival amidst their bondage. This usage underscores God's initiative in extending unmerited favor and mercy to His people, even when they are in a state of vulnerability or judgment. The context here is one of divine providence and restorative grace.
Across these occurrences, whether it is humans entreating God or God showing favor to humanity, the underlying concept of unmerited kindness and compassionate response remains central.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct and significant related word is the Hebrew חָנַן (chanan, `{{H2580}}`), from which the Aramaic חֲנַן (chănan, `{{H2604}}`) derives its core meaning. The extensive usage of חָנַן in the Hebrew Bible provides a broader theological context for understanding its Aramaic counterpart, particularly in relation to God's character as gracious and merciful.
Other related concepts and terms include:
* **Grace (חֵן, chen, `{{H2580}}`):** Often derived from the same root, this noun signifies favor, grace, or charm, representing the outcome or essence of the verb's action.
* **Mercy/Compassion (רַחַם, racham, `{{H7355}}`):** While distinct, mercy is often an expression of grace and favor, indicating a deep, visceral pity or compassion.
* **Steadfast Love/Covenant Loyalty (חֶסֶד, chesed, `{{H2617}}`):** This crucial theological term often appears in conjunction with grace and mercy, denoting God's faithful, loving-kindness within the covenant relationship.
* **Supplication/Prayer (תְּפִלָּה, tephillah, `{{H8605}}`):** The act of making supplication, as seen in Daniel, is a form of prayer, a humble appeal for divine favor.
These interconnected terms collectively paint a rich picture of God's benevolent character and the human posture of dependence upon Him.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of חֲנַן (chănan, `{{H2604}}`) is profound, particularly within the post-exilic context of Daniel and Ezra. It highlights several key theological truths:
1. **God's Gracious Character:** The occurrences in Ezra emphasize God as the ultimate source of grace and favor. Even in their captivity and vulnerability, God extends His unmerited kindness to His people, preserving them and offering hope. This reinforces the consistent biblical portrayal of Yahweh as "gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness" (cf. [[Psalm 145:8]]).
2. **Human Dependence and Humility:** The usage in Daniel underscores the essential human posture of dependence on God. In times of crisis or need, the righteous respond by humbly "making supplication" for divine mercy and intervention. This act of entreaty is not a demand but a recognition of one's own limitations and God's sovereign power and benevolence. It is an act of faith that God hears and responds to the cries of His people.
3. **The Efficacy of Prayer:** The passages where humans "make supplication" demonstrate the belief that God is approachable and that prayer for favor is effective. Daniel's consistent prayer, despite the decree, reflects a deep conviction in God's willingness to show mercy.
4. **Covenant Faithfulness:** In Ezra, God's "showing grace" is an act of His covenant faithfulness. Despite Israel's failures, God does not utterly abandon them but extends grace to ensure their survival and the continuation of His redemptive plan.
Thus, חֲנַן serves as a powerful reminder of both God's inherent grace and the appropriate human response of humble reliance and supplication.
### Summary
The Aramaic verb חֲנַן (chănan, `{{H2604}}`) is the semantic equivalent of the Hebrew חָנַן (chanan, `{{H2580}}`), carrying the core meaning of showing favor, extending grace, or granting mercy. Its usage in the Aramaic portions of Daniel and Ezra illustrates a dual application: it describes both the act of humans "making supplication" or "entreating" God for favor (e.g., [[Daniel 2:18]], [[Daniel 6:11]]) and God's benevolent act of "showing grace" or "favor" to His people (e.g., [[Ezra 9:8]]). Theologically, חֲנַן underscores God's gracious and merciful character, the essential human posture of humble dependence and supplication, and the efficacy of prayer within the context of God's covenant faithfulness. It is a word that encapsulates the divine initiative of grace and the human response of seeking it.
TRV