from חָנַן and אֵל; God has favored; Chananel, probably an Israelite, from whom a tower of Jerusalem was named; Hananeel.
Transliteration:Chănanʼêl
Pronunciation:khan-an-ale'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word H2606, Chănanʼêl (חֲנַנְאֵל), is a compound proper noun derived from two significant Hebrew roots. The first component is חָנַן (chanan) `{{H2603}}`, which means "to be gracious," "to show favor," or "to pity." This root conveys the concept of unmerited kindness or benevolent disposition. The second component is אֵל (ʼEl) `{{H410}}`, meaning "God" or "Mighty One," referring to the divine name. Thus, the combined meaning of Chănanʼêl is "God has favored" or "God has shown grace." As a proper noun, its semantic range is restricted to the specific individual (if any) or, more commonly in biblical usage, the architectural landmark to which this name was affixed. The name itself, however, carries the inherent theological declaration of divine favor.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word Chănanʼêl occurs three times in the Hebrew Bible, each instance referring to a prominent tower in Jerusalem, known as the "Tower of Hananeel." This tower was a significant landmark, particularly on the northern side of the city wall.
1. **[[Nehemiah 3:1]]**: This verse describes the post-exilic rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls under Nehemiah's leadership. The priests, led by Eliashib, built the Sheep Gate and consecrated it "as far as the Tower of the Hundred and as far as the Tower of Hananel." This places the Tower of Hananeel as a key point on the northern wall, indicating its importance in defining the city's perimeter and defense.
2. **[[Nehemiah 12:39]]**: During the dedication of the rebuilt wall, the procession of Levites and priests passed "above the Gate of Ephraim, and by the Old Gate, and by the Fish Gate, and the Tower of Hananel, and the Tower of the Hundred, as far as the Sheep Gate." This passage reiterates the Tower of Hananeel's fixed and recognizable position along the northern stretch of the wall, serving as a clear marker in the city's topography.
3. **[[Jeremiah 31:38]]**: In a prophecy concerning the future restoration of Jerusalem, the Lord declares, "Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when the city shall be rebuilt for the Lord from the Tower of Hananel to the Gate of the Corner." Here, the Tower of Hananeel is used as a fixed point to delineate the future, divinely-ordained expansion and rebuilding of Jerusalem. Its mention in a prophetic context underscores its enduring significance as a symbol of the city's boundaries and its destiny.
In all contexts, the Tower of Hananeel functions as a geographical marker, crucial for understanding the layout of Jerusalem's defenses and the scope of its restoration. The name "God has favored" for such a defensive structure might subtly allude to divine protection and the favor shown to the city in its rebuilding and future security.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related words are the components of the name itself:
* חָנַן (chanan) `{{H2603}}`: This root is fundamental to understanding the concept of divine grace and favor throughout the Old Testament. It describes God's compassionate action towards humanity, often in response to supplication (e.g., [[Psalm 6:2]], [[Psalm 51:1]]).
* אֵל (ʼEl) `{{H410}}`: This generic term for God is often used in compound names to signify a divine connection or attribute (e.g., Daniel, "God is my judge"; Samuel, "Heard of God"; Israel, "He struggles with God").
Other related concepts include:
* **Divine Favor (חֵן - chen)** `{{H2580}}`: The noun form of חָנַן, explicitly denoting grace or favor, often bestowed by God upon individuals or His people (e.g., [[Genesis 6:8]], [[Exodus 33:17]]).
* **Restoration**: The contexts in Nehemiah and Jeremiah tie the Tower of Hananeel to the theme of Jerusalem's rebuilding and future restoration, signifying God's faithfulness to His covenant promises.
* **Security and Defense**: As a tower, it represents a point of strength and defense for the city, metaphorically linking God's favor to the security of His people.
### Theological Significance
The name "Chănanʼêl," meaning "God has favored," carries profound theological weight even when applied to a physical structure. The very existence and mention of the Tower of Hananeel in the biblical narrative, particularly in contexts of rebuilding and prophetic promise, serve as a tangible reminder of God's enduring grace and favor towards His chosen city, Jerusalem, and by extension, His people.
In the post-exilic period, the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls was a testament to God's favor, allowing the returnees to re-establish their identity and security. The Tower of Hananeel, a crucial part of this reconstructed defense, thus became a silent monument to divine grace in the face of immense challenges. Its inclusion in Nehemiah's account highlights that the physical restoration of the city was not merely human effort but divinely enabled.
Furthermore, in Jeremiah's prophecy of future restoration, the Tower of Hananeel marks the extent of the rebuilt city, signifying the comprehensive and certain nature of God's future work. This suggests that God's favor is not a fleeting act but an enduring commitment that guarantees the ultimate fulfillment of His promises. The tower, a symbol of strength and defense, named "God has favored," underscores the theological truth that true security and flourishing for God's people stem from His benevolent disposition and active intervention. It stands as a constant declaration that God's grace is the foundation upon which His people's existence and future are built.
### Summary
Chănanʼêl H2606 means "God has favored," a compound name derived from חָנַן `{{H2603}}` (to show favor) and אֵל `{{H410}}` (God). In the Bible, it exclusively refers to the "Tower of Hananeel," a prominent landmark on the northern wall of Jerusalem. Its occurrences in [[Nehemiah 3:1]] and [[Nehemiah 12:39]] place it as a key component in the post-exilic rebuilding of Jerusalem's defenses, while [[Jeremiah 31:38]] uses it as a boundary marker in a prophecy of the city's future restoration. Theologically, the Tower of Hananeel serves as a powerful symbol of God's enduring grace and favor towards Jerusalem and His people. Its name, "God has favored," implicitly declares that divine benevolence is the ultimate source of security, restoration, and the fulfillment of God's covenant promises, even in the face of adversity.
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