from חָשַׁב and דִּין; considerate judge; Chasbaddanah, an Israelite; Hasbadana.
Transliteration:Chashbaddânâh
Pronunciation:khash-bad-daw'-naw
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew proper noun חַשְׁבַּדָּנָה (Chashbaddânâh, `{{H2806}}`) is a compound name derived from two significant Hebrew roots: חָשַׁב (chashab, `{{H2803}}`), meaning "to think, account, devise, reckon, plan," and דִּין (din, `{{H1777}}`), meaning "to judge, contend, plead, govern." The confluence of these roots yields the profound meaning "considerate judge" or "one who plans judgment carefully." This etymological construction suggests a character marked by thoughtful deliberation and equitable decision-making. As a proper name, its semantic range is primarily fixed by this inherent meaning, describing the character or hoped-for attribute of the individual bearing it, rather than exhibiting a broad spectrum of contextual applications like a common noun or verb.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Chashbaddânâh appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of Nehemiah.
* **[[Nehemiah 8:4]]**: "And Ezra the scribe stood upon a pulpit of wood, which they had made for the purpose; and beside him stood Mattithiah, and Shema, and Anaiah, and Uriah, and Hilkiah, and Maaseiah, on his right hand; and on his left hand, Pedaiah, and Mishael, and Malchiah, and Hashum, and Hashbaddanah, Zechariah, and Meshullam."
In this passage, Chashbaddânâh is listed among the thirteen men who stood alongside Ezra the scribe as he read the Book of the Law to the assembled people in Jerusalem. This event marks a pivotal moment in the post-exilic community's spiritual renewal, where the Law of Moses was publicly proclaimed and heard by the people. While the text does not elaborate on Chashbaddânâh's specific role beyond his presence, his inclusion among those standing with Ezra suggests he was a figure of some standing or authority within the community, perhaps a Levite or a leader, participating in this sacred and foundational act of national rededication to God's covenant. The very meaning of his name, "considerate judge," aligns with the solemnity and importance of the Law being read, which is the very foundation of righteous judgment and order within the community.
### Related Words & Concepts
The constituent elements of Chashbaddânâh connect it to several vital biblical concepts:
* **חָשַׁב (chashab, `{{H2803}}`)**: This root is foundational to understanding wisdom, discernment, and divine intentionality. It speaks of careful planning (e.g., God's plans for humanity, [[Jeremiah 29:11]]), human ingenuity (e.g., skilled craftsmen, [[Exodus 31:4]]), and moral accounting (e.g., reckoning righteousness, [[Genesis 15:6]]; devising evil, [[Psalm 36:4]]). In the context of Chashbaddânâh, it emphasizes the thoughtful, deliberate aspect of judgment.
* **דִּין (din, `{{H1777}}`)**: This root signifies judgment, justice, and the administration of law. It encompasses both divine judgment (e.g., God judging the nations, [[Psalm 9:8]]) and human judicial processes (e.g., judges rendering decisions, [[Deuteronomy 1:16]]). It is deeply intertwined with concepts of righteousness (צֶדֶק, tzedeq, `{{H6664}}`) and equity.
The combination "considerate judge" thus evokes the ideal of a leader or figure who not only renders decisions but does so with profound wisdom, careful deliberation, and a deep understanding of justice. This ideal is frequently upheld in the Old Testament, where kings, judges, and elders are exhorted to judge righteously and without partiality (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 16:18-20]]).
### Theological Significance
The name Chashbaddânâh, meaning "considerate judge," carries a subtle yet profound theological resonance, particularly within the context of its sole biblical appearance. In [[Nehemiah 8:4]], Chashbaddânâh stands with Ezra during the public reading of the Law, a moment that re-establishes God's covenant and His divine statutes as the supreme authority for the restored community. The presence of individuals whose names reflect virtues like "considerate judgment" underscores the qualities essential for a people living under God's Law. It suggests that those who stood closest to the Law's proclamation were meant to embody its principles—principles of wisdom, justice, and careful discernment.
Theologically, God Himself is the ultimate "considerate judge," whose judgments are always righteous, just, and rooted in His perfect wisdom and understanding (e.g., [[Psalm 96:13]]). Human judges and leaders are called to emulate this divine attribute, applying the Law with both firmness and compassion, with careful thought rather than rashness. Thus, Chashbaddânâh's name serves as a quiet reminder of the divine standard for justice and the character expected of those who would uphold God's decrees within the community. His presence at this foundational event emphasizes that the re-establishment of the Law required not only its proclamation but also its thoughtful and just application by those entrusted with leadership.
### Summary
Chashbaddânâh (`{{H2806}}`) is a unique Hebrew proper name, meaning "considerate judge" or "one who plans judgment carefully," derived from the roots for "to think/devise" and "to judge." Its sole appearance in the biblical narrative is in [[Nehemiah 8:4]], where Chashbaddânâh is listed among those who stood alongside Ezra during the pivotal public reading of the Law. While the text offers no further details about him, his presence at such a significant event, combined with the meaning of his name, suggests he was a figure of standing, embodying the virtues of wisdom and justice crucial for the post-exilic community. The name itself serves as a quiet testament to the biblical ideal of righteous leadership and the careful, thoughtful application of God's divine statutes, reflecting the character of God Himself as the ultimate, perfectly considerate Judge.
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