of Egyptian derivation; Chanes, a place in Egypt; Hanes.
Transliteration:Chânêç
Pronunciation:khaw-nace'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term חָנֵס (Chânêç), Strong's number `{{H2609}}`, is a proper noun referring to a specific geographical location in Egypt. Its definition explicitly states its "Egyptian derivation," indicating it is a transliteration of an Egyptian place name rather than a word originating from Hebrew roots. As a proper noun, its semantic range is fixed to its identity as a particular city or region. It does not carry a broader conceptual or abstract meaning beyond its geographical designation. Historically, Hanes is often identified with Heracleopolis Magna (ancient Egyptian: *Nen-nesu*), a significant city in Middle Egypt, south of the Fayum Oasis, which served as the capital of the 20th nome and held political importance during various periods of Egyptian history.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word חָנֵס (Chânêç) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the book of Isaiah:
* **[[Isaiah 30:4]]**: "For though his officials are at Zoan and his envoys reach Hanes."
This verse is situated within a prophetic oracle (Isaiah 30-31) condemning Judah's reliance on Egypt for military and political assistance against the Assyrian threat, rather than trusting in Yahweh. The mention of "Zoan" (Tanis, a major city in the Nile Delta, often a royal residence) alongside "Hanes" indicates that Hanes was also a prominent Egyptian center, likely of administrative or diplomatic significance. The context describes Judah sending "officials" and "envoys" to these cities, underscoring their desperate attempts to forge alliances with Egypt. This act is presented as a profound misstep, a turning away from the Lord who alone could provide true deliverance and security. The prophet emphasizes the futility of such human-orchestrated alliances, portraying Egypt as an unreliable and ultimately unhelpful "broken reed" (cf. [[Isaiah 36:6]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
As a proper noun of foreign origin, חָנֵס (Chânêç) does not have direct Hebrew synonyms or antonyms. However, it is contextually related to several key concepts and other geographical terms:
* **Other Egyptian Cities**: The mention of Zoan (`{{H6814}}`) in the same verse directly links Hanes to other significant Egyptian centers. Other Egyptian cities frequently mentioned in prophetic contexts include Noph (Memphis, `{{H5297}}`), No-amon (Thebes, `{{H5297}}`), Pithom, and Raamses, all of which symbolize the power and allure of Egypt.
* **Reliance on Foreign Powers**: The presence of Hanes in [[Isaiah 30:4]] is emblematic of Judah's broader theological failure to trust Yahweh alone. This theme is pervasive in the prophetic books, where alliances with nations like Egypt or Assyria are consistently condemned as acts of unfaithfulness (e.g., [[Hosea 7:11]], [[Hosea 12:1]]).
* **The "Broken Reed"**: Egypt is often metaphorically described as a "broken reed" (e.g., [[Isaiah 36:6]], [[Ezekiel 29:6-7]]), signifying its inability to provide genuine support and its tendency to harm those who lean upon it. Hanes, as a point of contact for Judah's misguided diplomacy, embodies this unreliability.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of חָנֵס (Chânêç) does not lie in the inherent meaning of the place name itself, but rather in its specific appearance within a critical prophetic message. In [[Isaiah 30:4]], Hanes serves as a concrete example of Judah's misplaced trust and spiritual rebellion. By sending envoys to Hanes and Zoan, the leaders of Judah were actively seeking human strength and political maneuvering as their primary means of salvation, rather than turning to the divine power and covenant faithfulness of Yahweh.
This act highlights a central theological tension: the choice between human wisdom and divine wisdom, between self-reliance (or reliance on other nations) and absolute dependence on God. The prophet Isaiah consistently condemns such alliances as a form of idolatry, diverting trust from the true deliverer. The mention of Hanes thus becomes a stark reminder of the consequences of forsaking divine counsel for worldly assurances. It underscores the prophetic call for repentance, for quiet trust and reliance on God's sovereign power, which alone brings salvation and strength (cf. [[Isaiah 30:15]]).
### Summary
חָנֵס (Chânêç), Strong's number `{{H2609}}`, is an Egyptian place name, likely identified with Heracleopolis Magna. It appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in [[Isaiah 30:4]], where it is mentioned alongside Zoan as a destination for Judah's envoys seeking an alliance with Egypt. Contextually, Hanes represents a significant Egyptian city, a hub for diplomatic and administrative activity. Theologically, its singular biblical occurrence is highly significant, serving as a poignant symbol of Judah's misguided reliance on human power and foreign alliances instead of unwavering trust in Yahweh. It powerfully illustrates the prophetic warning against forsaking divine wisdom for worldly security, emphasizing that true deliverance and strength are found solely in God.
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