from חָנַן; gracious; Chanani, the name of six Israelites; Hanani.
Transliteration:Chănânîy
Pronunciation:khan-aw-nee'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word `{{H2607}}` (חֲנָנִי, Chănânîy), transliterated as Hanani, is a proper noun, specifically a personal name. Its meaning is directly derived from the verbal root `{{H2587}}` (חָנַן, ḥānan), which signifies "to be gracious," "to show favor," "to have pity," or "to be merciful." Therefore, the name Hanani inherently conveys the meaning "gracious," "merciful," or, more broadly, "Yahweh has been gracious" (a common implied theophoric element in Hebrew names, even when not explicitly stated in the base definition). As a proper noun, its semantic range is limited to its function as an identifier for individuals, but its etymological depth enriches our understanding of the character and experiences of those who bore it.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Hanani appears multiple times in the Old Testament, identifying distinct individuals:
* **1 Kings 16:1, 7; 2 Chronicles 16:7, 10**: Hanani the prophet. He courageously delivered God's word of judgment to King Baasha of Israel for his idolatry [[1 Kings 16:1, 7]]. Later, he rebuked King Asa of Judah for relying on the king of Aram rather than the Lord, leading to his imprisonment by the king [[2 Chronicles 16:7, 10]]. His name, "gracious," is poignant in this context, perhaps implying that even in divine judgment, there is an underlying grace calling for repentance.
* **Ezra 10:20**: Hanani, one of the sons of Immer, a priest, who was among those who had married foreign women during the post-exilic period and committed to putting them away in accordance with Ezra's reforms.
* **Nehemiah 1:2; 7:2**: Hanani, the brother of Nehemiah. He brought distressing news from Jerusalem to Nehemiah in Susa, informing him of the city's ruined walls and gates, which deeply moved Nehemiah and spurred his mission to rebuild [[Nehemiah 1:2]]. Later, Nehemiah appointed this same Hanani, along with Hananiah, as governors of Jerusalem, recognizing his faithfulness and fear of God above many [[Nehemiah 7:2]]. This highlights the positive character traits associated with the name's meaning.
* **Jeremiah 35:4**: Hanani, the son of Igdaliah, "the man of God." His chamber in the temple was used by the Rechabites, a group known for their steadfast obedience to their ancestor's commands. This Hanani is associated with a place of worship and a faithful community.
* **1 Chronicles 25:25**: Hanani, a son of Heman, who was a Levitical musician appointed by lot for temple service. This Hanani's role was in the sacred worship of God, further connecting the name to divine favor and praise.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the root from which `{{H2607}}` is derived:
* **`{{H2587}}` (חָנַן, ḥānan)**: The verb "to be gracious," "to show favor," "to have pity." This is the foundational concept.
Other closely related terms and concepts include:
* **`{{H2589}}` (חֵן, ḥēn)**: The noun meaning "grace" or "favor," directly derived from `{{H2587}}`.
* **`{{H2603}}` (חִנָּם, ḥinnām)**: An adverb meaning "without cause," "for nothing," or "freely," often implying a gratuitous act or unmerited favor.
* **`{{H2606}}` (חֲנַנְיָה, Ḥănanyāh)**: Another common Hebrew name, Hananiah, which explicitly means "Yahweh has been gracious." This demonstrates the common practice of forming names from the root `{{H2587}}` with a divine element.
These related words collectively emphasize the pervasive biblical theme of divine grace, mercy, and unmerited favor.
### Theological Significance
The name Hanani, rooted in the concept of grace (חָנַן), serves as a theological statement. It points to the fundamental attribute of God as one who is gracious and merciful. Even when individuals bearing this name deliver difficult messages of judgment (as in the case of the prophet Hanani), the underlying divine character remains one of grace, offering an opportunity for repentance and restoration.
For those who bore the name, their lives often exemplified or were touched by this divine quality. Nehemiah's brother, for instance, was recognized for his faithfulness and fear of God, qualities that are often seen as responses to or outpourings of God's grace in a person's life. The association of other Hananis with temple service, priesthood, and faithful communities further reinforces the idea that those bearing this name were often connected to God's presence and His gracious dealings with His people.
Ultimately, the name Hanani, like many Hebrew names, is a miniature confession of faith, affirming God's gracious character and His active involvement in the lives of individuals and the history of His people.
### Summary
`{{H2607}}` (חֲנָנִי, Chănânîy), transliterated as Hanani, is a Hebrew proper noun derived from the root `{{H2587}}` (חָנָן), meaning "to be gracious" or "to show favor." The name itself signifies "gracious" or "Yahweh has been gracious." It identifies at least six distinct individuals in the Old Testament, including a prophet who confronted kings [[1 Kings 16:1]], a priest in the time of Ezra [[Ezra 10:20]], Nehemiah's faithful brother who brought news of Jerusalem's desolation and was later appointed governor [[Nehemiah 1:2]], a son of Igdaliah associated with the temple [[Jeremiah 35:4]], and a Levitical musician [[1 Chronicles 25:25]]. The consistent recurrence of this name highlights the profound theological concept of divine grace, `{{H2589}}` (חֵן), which is central to understanding God's character and His redemptive plan. The lives and roles of those named Hanani, whether delivering prophetic warnings or demonstrating steadfast faithfulness, serve as tangible reminders of God's unmerited favor and mercy throughout biblical history.
TRV