### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Chănanyâh**, represented by `{{H2608}}`, means **"Jah has favored"**. It is the name given to thirteen different Israelites, appearing **29 times** across **28 unique verses** in the Bible. The name's prevalence across various roles—from prophets to royal officials—underscores the theme of divine favor in the life of Israel.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H2608}}` is most prominently associated with two contrasting figures. The first is Hananiah the son of Azur, a prophet from Gibeon who directly opposes Jeremiah [[Jeremiah 28:1]]. He falsely prophesies that God will break the yoke of Babylon [[Jeremiah 28:11]] and physically breaks the yoke from Jeremiah's neck [[Jeremiah 28:10]]. For this, Jeremiah declares that the LORD has not sent him and that he caused the people to trust in a lie, foretelling his death [[Jeremiah 28:15]], which occurs in that same year [[Jeremiah 28:17]]. In stark contrast, another Hananiah is one of Daniel's faithful companions in Babylon, whose name is changed to Shadrach [[Daniel 1:7]]. This Hananiah, along with Daniel, Mishael, and Azariah, stands pure before the king of Babylon [[Daniel 1:19]]. Other individuals named Hananiah include a trustworthy ruler of the palace appointed by Nehemiah [[Nehemiah 7:2]] and a son of Zerubbabel [[1 Chronicles 3:19]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the narratives involving individuals named Hananiah:
* `{{H3414}}` **Yirmᵉyâh** (Jah will rise; Jirmejah, the name of eight or nine Israelites; Jeremiah.): As the true prophet of the LORD, Jeremiah's confrontation with Hananiah defines the conflict between true and false prophecy [[Jeremiah 28:15]].
* `{{H5030}}` **nâbîyʼ** (a prophet or (generally) inspired man): This title is applied to both Jeremiah and Hananiah, forcing a distinction based on the truthfulness of their message rather than their office [[Jeremiah 28:5]].
* `{{H1840}}` **Dânîyêʼl** (judge of God; Daniel or Danijel, the name of two Israelites; Daniel.): The faithful Hananiah is known as one of his three companions taken from Judah into the service of the Babylonian king [[Daniel 1:6]].
* `{{H8267}}` **sheqer** (an untruth; by implication, a sham): This is the essence of Jeremiah's accusation against Hananiah the prophet, whom he charges with making the people trust in a lie [[Jeremiah 28:15]].
* `{{H4133}}` **môwṭâh** (a yoke): This object becomes the central symbol in the conflict between Jeremiah and Hananiah. After Hananiah breaks the wooden yoke, the LORD declares it will be replaced by a yoke of iron [[Jeremiah 28:13]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2608}}` is seen in the contrast between the lives of those who bear the name.
* **Authenticity of Prophecy:** The story of Hananiah the prophet serves as a critical lesson on the difference between true and false prophecy. While Hananiah spoke a message of popular appeal, Jeremiah confirmed that the LORD had not sent him `{{H7971}}`, and the false prophet faced divine judgment `{{H4191}}` ([[Jeremiah 28:15]], 28:17).
* **Faithfulness in Exile:** The Hananiah who was a companion of Daniel exemplifies unwavering integrity in a hostile environment. He, along with his friends, stood `{{H5975}}` before the king `{{H4428}}` after refusing to defile themselves, representing a remnant of faithfulness [[Daniel 1:19]].
* **Character Over Title:** The name "Jah has favored" is carried by both a righteous ruler who feared `{{H3372}}` God [[Nehemiah 7:2]] and a false prophet who died in disgrace. This demonstrates that divine favor is contingent on obedience and faithfulness, not merely on one's name or position.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2608}}` is more than just a common name. As **Chănanyâh**, or "Jah has favored," it is attached to individuals on opposite ends of the spectrum of faithfulness. The stories of these different men—particularly the false prophet who opposed Jeremiah and the faithful companion who stood with Daniel—create a powerful narrative about the nature of true divine favor. The name itself becomes a backdrop against which character is tested, proving that God's favor is realized through righteous action, not by name alone.
TRV