from חָנַן; favor; Chanan, the name of seven Israelites; Canan.
Transliteration:Chânân
Pronunciation:khaw-nawn'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H2605}}`, transliterated as *Chânân*, is primarily a proper noun, designating a personal name. Its root derives directly from the verb `{{H2587}}` (חָנַן), which signifies "to be gracious," "to show favor," or "to have pity." Therefore, the name *Chânân* inherently carries the meaning of "gracious," "favored," or "one to whom favor is shown." It encapsulates the concept of divine or human benevolence, reflecting a hope or acknowledgment of grace. Unlike a common noun with a broad semantic range, `{{H2605}}` is a specific appellation, yet its etymological connection imbues it with profound theological and personal significance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name *Chânân* appears in the Hebrew Bible referring to several distinct individuals, primarily during the post-exilic period or in genealogical records. Each occurrence, while naming a specific person, subtly echoes the underlying meaning of favor or grace:
* **A Benjamite:** *Chânân* is listed as a son of Shashak, a Benjamite chief in Jerusalem, in the genealogies of the tribe of Benjamin ([[1 Chronicles 8:23]]).
* **A Descendant of Saul:** Another *Chânân* is identified as a son of Azel, a descendant of King Saul through Jonathan, appearing in the detailed genealogies ([[1 Chronicles 8:38]], [[1 Chronicles 9:44]]). This placement within royal lineage may subtly imply a family's continued favor, despite the decline of Saul's direct line.
* **One of David's Mighty Men:** *Chânân*, son of Maacah, is enumerated among the valiant men of David's army ([[1 Chronicles 11:43]]). His inclusion in such an esteemed list suggests he was a favored and trusted warrior.
* **A Group of Nethinim:** The "children of *Chânân*" are mentioned as Nethinim, temple servants who returned from Babylonian exile with Zerubbabel ([[Ezra 2:46]], [[Nehemiah 7:49]]). Their service in the temple, even in a subordinate role, could be seen as a form of divine favor enabling their participation in the restoration of Israelite worship.
* **A Levite in Ezra's Time:** During the reading of the Law by Ezra, a Levite named *Chânân* is among those who helped the people understand the Law ([[Nehemiah 8:7]]). This role as an interpreter and teacher of God's word highlights a position of spiritual favor and responsibility.
* **A Chief Who Sealed the Covenant:** A leader named *Chânân* is listed among the chiefs of the people who sealed the solemn covenant to walk in God's Law during Nehemiah's reforms ([[Nehemiah 10:10]]). His participation in this pivotal moment underscores his commitment and standing within the community.
* **An Administrator of Storehouses:** Finally, *Chânân* is appointed by Nehemiah along with others to oversee the temple storehouses, distributing portions to the Levites ([[Nehemiah 13:13]]). This role of trust and administration signifies a position of favor and reliability within the re-established community.
Across these diverse contexts, the name *Chânân* consistently points to individuals who held positions of importance, trust, or service within the community, often implying a measure of divine or human favor bestowed upon them.
### Related Words & Concepts
The proper noun `{{H2605}}` is intrinsically linked to the broader semantic field of "grace" and "favor" in Hebrew.
* **`{{H2587}}` (חָנַן - *ḥānan*):** This is the root verb from which *Chânân* is derived. It means "to be gracious," "to show favor," "to have mercy," or "to pity." It describes an active demonstration of benevolence, often from a superior to an inferior, or from God to humanity. For example, God "had compassion" on them ([[2 Kings 13:23]]).
* **`{{H2580}}` (חֵן - *ḥēn*):** This noun, also derived from `{{H2587}}`, directly translates to "grace," "favor," or "charm." It refers to the state of being favored or finding favor in someone's eyes. This is a foundational concept in the Old Testament, seen in phrases like "Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord" ([[Genesis 6:8]]).
* **`{{H2594}}` (חַנּוּן - *ḥannūn*):** An adjective meaning "gracious," often used to describe God's character, as in "The Lord is gracious and compassionate" ([[Psalm 111:4]]).
These related terms collectively paint a picture of God's character as one who is inherently gracious and whose nature is to bestow favor. The name *Chânân* thus serves as a personal echo of this divine attribute.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of the name *Chânân* lies not merely in its etymology but in its resonance with the pervasive biblical theme of divine grace and favor. Naming a child "Chânân" likely expressed a parent's hope that their son would be blessed with God's favor, or perhaps a thanksgiving for a past experience of grace.
The recurring presence of individuals named *Chânân* throughout various periods of Israelite history, particularly in roles of service (Levites, Nethinim, administrators) or honor (mighty men, covenant signers), subtly reinforces the idea that those who are "favored" are often called to significant responsibilities within God's plan. It suggests that divine favor is not merely a passive blessing but often an enablement for active participation in the community of faith.
Furthermore, the very existence of such a name points to the Israelite understanding of God as a gracious God. The concept of God's *ḥānan* (grace) is foundational to His covenant relationship with His people. It is by His unmerited favor that Israel was chosen, redeemed, and sustained. Thus, individuals bearing the name *Chânân* served as living reminders of this core theological truth: that God is the source of all favor and grace, and His people are recipients of His boundless loving-kindness.
### Summary
`{{H2605}}`, *Chânân*, is a Hebrew proper noun, a personal name meaning "gracious" or "favored," directly derived from the verb "to be gracious" (`{{H2587}}`). It designates several distinct individuals in the Old Testament, including Benjamite chiefs, a descendant of Saul, one of David's mighty men, temple servants, a Levite who explained the Law, a covenant signer, and a temple administrator. The consistent use of this name for individuals in positions of trust, service, or honor highlights the underlying concept of divine or human favor. Theologically, *Chânân* serves as a personal embodiment of the broader biblical themes of God's unmerited grace (`{{H2580}}`) and His gracious character (`{{H2594}}`), reminding believers of the foundational truth that all blessings and callings stem from the benevolent favor of the Lord.
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