### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **chânaq**, represented by `{{H2614}}`, is a primitive root meaning to be narrow. By implication, it means to throttle, or reflexively, to choke oneself to death by a rope. It is used in the specific actions of hanging oneself or strangling. This word is very rare, appearing only **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The two uses of `{{H2614}}` illustrate its distinct applications. In the historical narrative of 2 Samuel, the word describes a deliberate act of suicide. When Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he "hanged{H2614} himself, and died, and was buried" [[2 Samuel 17:23]]. In the prophetic book of Nahum, the term is used metaphorically to describe the ferocity of a predator, where the lion "strangled{H2614} for his lionesses" [[Nahum 2:12]], filling his den with prey.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are contextually linked to the action of `{{H2614}}`, particularly in the account of Ahithophel:
* `{{H4191}}` **mûwth**: a primitive root; to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill; [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. This word immediately follows **chânaq** in Ahithophel's story, showing the direct result of his action [[2 Samuel 17:23]].
* `{{H6912}}` **qâbar**: a primitive root; to inter; [idiom] in any wise, bury(-ier). This word describes the final action taken after Ahithophel hanged himself and died, completing the sequence of events [[2 Samuel 17:23]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H2614}}` is found in its depiction of finality and violence.
* **Act of Self-Destruction:** The term is used to document the ultimate act of despair. In the case of Ahithophel, his response to his counsel being rejected was to set his house in order and then hang himself, an irreversible act that led to his death [[2 Samuel 17:23]].
* **Predatory Violence:** In Nahum, the word captures the raw, violent nature of a lion providing for its family. The act of strangling prey is a metaphor for overwhelming and deadly force [[Nahum 2:12]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2614}}` is a precise and potent word used to describe death by constriction. Though it appears only twice, it effectively conveys two different scenarios: the deliberate, self-inflicted death of a man in despair [[2 Samuel 17:23]] and the violent, predatory act of an animal hunting [[Nahum 2:12]]. In both instances, **chânaq** denotes a fatal and conclusive action.
TRV