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.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **châthan**, represented by `{{H2859}}`, is a primitive root meaning to contract affinity by marriage. It appears **33 times** across **32 unique verses** in the Bible. Its application is specific, generally used to define the relationship created through marriage, such as a **father in law**, **son in law**, or **mother in law**, or the act itself of making **marriages**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H2859}}` is used in several critical contexts. It frequently defines the relationship between Moses and Jethro, who is repeatedly identified as his **father in law** ([[Exodus 3:1]], [[Exodus 18:1]]). This connection is portrayed as one of respect and wise counsel, as Moses heeds the advice of his **father in law** [[Exodus 18:24]]. The term also describes the formation of political and social alliances, such as when Solomon **made affinity** with Pharaoh by marrying his daughter [[1 Kings 3:1]]. Conversely, scripture uses `{{H2859}}` to prohibit Israel from **making marriages** with foreign nations to avoid spiritual corruption ([[Deuteronomy 7:3]], [[Joshua 23:12]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concept of marriage and the familial bonds it creates:
* `{{H1323}}` **bath** (daughter): This word is central to the action of `{{H2859}}`, as the act of marriage often involved giving a **daughter**. This is explicitly stated in commands regarding whom Israel should not marry [[Deuteronomy 7:3]] and in marriage proposals [[Genesis 34:9]].
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (son): As the counterpart to daughter, the **son** is the one who receives a wife, completing the new family unit. Prohibitions against intermarriage specify not giving a daughter to their **son**, nor taking a daughter for your **son** [[Deuteronomy 7:3]].
* `{{H802}}` **'ishshâh** (wife): This is the resulting status of a woman after a marriage is contracted. After fulfilling Saul's demands to become his son in law, David was given Michal as his **wife** [[1 Samuel 18:27]]. Jethro brings Moses' **wife**, Zipporah, to him in the wilderness [[Exodus 18:2]].
* `{{H3947}}` **lâqach** (to take): This verb is often used to describe the act of entering into marriage. The command not to **take** a daughter from another nation for one's son is a key prohibition [[Deuteronomy 7:3]], and Solomon **took** Pharaoh's daughter as part of his alliance [[1 Kings 3:1]].
### Theological Significance
The use of `{{H2859}}` carries significant thematic weight in scripture, particularly concerning covenants and community identity.
* **National and Political Alliances:** The act of "making marriages" was a primary instrument of statecraft. Solomon's marriage to Pharaoh's daughter established a political bond [[1 Kings 3:1]], and Jehoshaphat **joined affinity** with the wicked king Ahab [[2 Chronicles 18:1]].
* **Familial Obligation and Counsel:** The role of the **father in law** is established as one of significant influence. Jethro provides crucial organizational advice to Moses, which Moses accepts and implements ([[Exodus 18:17]], [[Exodus 18:24]]), demonstrating a relationship built on wisdom and respect.
* **Spiritual Purity and Separation:** The prohibitions against using `{{H2859}}` to "join in affinity" with surrounding nations form a cornerstone of covenantal law. This was to prevent Israel from adopting the "abominations" of other peoples and to maintain their unique identity before God [[Ezra 9:14]]. Breaking this command was seen as a grave sin.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2859}}` is far more than a simple descriptor for in-laws. It signifies the powerful act of creating new family bonds, which had profound personal, political, and spiritual consequences. From the intimate counsel between Moses and his father in law to the nation-defining laws against intermarriage, **châthan** illustrates how the institution of marriage was foundational to the structure and faithfulness of ancient Israel.
TRV