a primitive root; to give (a daughter) away in marriage; hence (generally) to contract affinity by marriage; join in affinity, father in law, make marriages, mother in law, son in law.
Transliteration:châthan
Pronunciation:khaw-than'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root `{{H2859}}` (חָתַן, *châthan*) is a primitive verb primarily signifying the act of "giving (a daughter) away in marriage." This core meaning extends semantically to encompass the broader concept of "contracting affinity by marriage," thereby establishing new kinship ties. It denotes the formation of a marital alliance, not merely the act of marrying, but the resultant state of being related through marriage. The term inherently implies the creation of a new familial bond, often with strategic or social implications. From this root, various nominal forms are derived, referring to the specific relationships formed through marriage: father-in-law (חֹתֵן, *choten*), mother-in-law (חֹתֶנֶת, *chotenet*), and son-in-law (חָתָן, *chatan*). Thus, *châthan* encapsulates the process and the outcome of intermarriage, focusing on the establishment of in-law relationships and the merging of families.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb `{{H2859}}` and its derivatives appear throughout the Hebrew Bible, illuminating various facets of marriage and kinship. Its use often highlights the social, political, and covenantal implications of marital unions.
In its most direct sense of "giving a daughter in marriage," we see it in contexts like Shechem's proposal to Jacob's family: "And you may give your daughters to us, and take our daughters for yourselves" [[Genesis 34:9]]. This illustrates the transactional aspect of ancient marriage, often involving negotiations between families.
More significantly, *châthan* frequently appears in the context of prohibitions against intermarriage, particularly with foreign nations. Deuteronomy 7:3 explicitly commands Israel, "You shall not intermarry with them; you shall not give your daughters to their sons, nor shall you take their daughters for your sons." This divine injunction underscores the theological importance of maintaining Israel's distinct identity and covenant fidelity, as such alliances could lead to idolatry and spiritual apostasy. Ezra later laments the failure to adhere to this command, stating, "Should we again break Your commandments and intermarry with the peoples of these abominations?" [[Ezra 9:14]].
The concept of "contracting affinity" is evident in royal marriages, which often served as political alliances. Solomon's marriage to Pharaoh's daughter is described using this term: "Solomon made a marriage alliance with Pharaoh king of Egypt" [[1 Kings 3:1]]. This highlights the strategic dimension of marriage among rulers, where the union established diplomatic ties and cemented power.
The nominal forms derived from `{{H2859}}` frequently describe in-law relationships. Moses' father-in-law, Jethro, is consistently referred to as *choten* (e.g., [[Exodus 3:1]], [[Exodus 4:18]], [[Exodus 18:1]]). Similarly, Naomi's relationship with her daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth, is implicitly defined by this root's broader semantic field, though the specific noun for mother-in-law (*chotenet*) is used (e.g., [[Ruth 1:14]]). These instances underscore the importance of these extended family relationships within the social fabric of ancient Israel.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of `{{H2859}}` is enriched by examining its relationship to other key Hebrew terms and concepts concerning marriage, family, and covenant:
* **`{{H3947}}` (לָקַח, *laqach*):** "To take, receive." Often used in the context of taking a wife, e.g., "Abraham took another wife" [[Genesis 25:1]]. While *laqach* focuses on the act of acquiring a spouse, *châthan* emphasizes the resulting affinity and alliance.
* **`{{H1166}}` (בַּעַל, *ba'al*):** "To marry, be master of." This verb highlights the husband's role as head of the household, distinct from *châthan*'s focus on the inter-family connection.
* **`{{H5493}}` (סָגַן, *sāgan*):** "To be joined, associated." While not directly related to marriage, it speaks to the broader concept of forming associations, which marriage inherently is.
* **`{{H1285}}` (בְּרִית, *bərît*):** "Covenant." Marriage, especially within the covenant community, was often understood as a form of covenant. The prohibitions against intermarriage with foreign nations were fundamentally about preserving Israel's covenant with Yahweh, as foreign spouses could introduce idolatry and undermine the *bərît*.
* **`{{H4940}}` (מִשְׁפָּחָה, *mishpachah*):** "Family, clan." The act of *châthan* directly impacts and expands the *mishpachah*, creating new relational networks.
* **Concepts:** Alliance, kinship, purity of lineage, social structure, spiritual integrity. The concept of "affinity" generated by *châthan* was crucial for maintaining social order and, more importantly, for preserving the distinct religious identity of Israel.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H2859}}` extends beyond mere social custom, touching upon fundamental aspects of God's relationship with His people.
Firstly, marriage itself is understood as a divine institution, established by God for procreation and companionship [[Genesis 1:28]], [[Genesis 2:18-24]]. The act of `{{H2859}}`—giving away a daughter or contracting affinity—is therefore participating in a God-ordained process that forms the foundational unit of human society.
Secondly, the repeated emphasis on the prohibition against intermarriage with non-Israelites (e.g., [[Exodus 34:15-16]], [[Deuteronomy 7:3-4]]) reveals a profound theological concern. These commands were not merely about racial purity but about spiritual purity and covenant fidelity. Marrying outside the covenant community was seen as a direct threat to Israel's exclusive devotion to Yahweh, leading to the adoption of foreign gods and practices. The act of `{{H2859}}` with outsiders thus carried immense spiritual risk, potentially severing the nation's unique relationship with God. The lament of Ezra and Nehemiah over such mixed marriages highlights the severity of this transgression and its impact on the holiness of the community [[Ezra 9:1-2]], [[Nehemiah 13:23-27]].
Thirdly, while not directly using `{{H2859}}`, the concept of "contracting affinity" or forming a binding relationship through marriage serves as a powerful metaphor for God's covenant relationship with Israel. Just as a husband takes a wife, God "married" Israel, establishing an unbreakable bond. The unfaithfulness of Israel is often depicted as spiritual adultery, breaking this divine "marriage" covenant (e.g., [[Hosea 2:2-13]], [[Ezekiel 16]]). Thus, the human act of `{{H2859}}` reflects, albeit imperfectly, the sacred and exclusive nature of God's relationship with His chosen people.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H2859}}` (חָתַן, *châthan*) is a foundational term in biblical anthropology, signifying the act of forming kinship through marriage, specifically "giving a daughter away" or "contracting affinity." Its semantic range extends to encompass the resulting in-law relationships (father-in-law, mother-in-law, son-in-law). Contextual analysis reveals its importance in establishing social structures, forging political alliances, and critically, defining the boundaries of Israel's covenant community. The repeated biblical prohibitions against intermarriage underscore the profound theological implications of `{{H2859}}`, emphasizing the preservation of spiritual purity and exclusive devotion to Yahweh. Ultimately, `{{H2859}}` illuminates the sacred nature of marriage as a divinely ordained institution, a powerful metaphor for God's covenant with Israel, and a critical determinant of communal holiness and identity.
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