from חָתַן; a relative by marriage (especially through the bride); figuratively, a circumcised child (as a species of religious espousal); bridegroom, husband, son in law.
Transliteration:châthân
Pronunciation:khaw-thawn'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H2860 (חָתָן, *châthân*) derives from the root חָתַן (*chathan*), which signifies the act of marrying or becoming allied by marriage. Primarily, H2860 denotes a male relative established through a marital bond, particularly one connected through the bride. Its most common literal translations include "bridegroom," "husband," and "son-in-law." This semantic range highlights the various roles a man might assume within the broader family structure as a result of marriage. Beyond these direct familial connections, the word carries a profound figurative meaning: "a circumcised child (as a species of religious espousal)." This unique metaphorical application, particularly evident in the Exodus narrative, transforms the familial concept into a covenantal one, linking physical circumcision to a spiritual bond or "marriage" with the divine.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of H2860 in the Hebrew Bible reflect both its literal and figurative dimensions.
Literally, it often refers to a "son-in-law," as seen when Lot addresses his prospective sons-in-law in [[Genesis 19:12-14]], or when Moses is identified as Jethro's son-in-law in [[Exodus 3:1]] and [[Exodus 18:1]]. David is also referred to as Saul's son-in-law multiple times, highlighting the political and social implications of such relationships ([[1 Samuel 18:18]], [[1 Samuel 18:22]], [[1 Samuel 18:26]]). In these contexts, *châthân* emphasizes the new familial ties and obligations formed through marriage.
The term also frequently appears as "bridegroom," often in contexts of joy, celebration, and new beginnings. For instance, [[Psalm 19:5]] poetically describes the sun coming forth "like a bridegroom leaving his chamber." Prophetic passages often use the image of the bridegroom and bride to symbolize restoration and rejoicing, as in [[Isaiah 61:10]]: "He has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland." Conversely, the absence of the "voice of the bridegroom" signifies desolation and judgment, as seen in [[Jeremiah 7:34]], [[Jeremiah 16:9]], and [[Jeremiah 25:10]]. [[Joel 2:16]] and [[Zephaniah 1:8]] also depict the bridegroom in contexts related to communal assembly and judgment.
The most distinctive and theologically significant usage is found in [[Exodus 4:25-26]]. Here, Zipporah, Moses' wife, circumcises their son and declares, "Surely you are a bridegroom of blood to me!" and then repeats, "A bridegroom of blood!" This cryptic phrase is understood in light of God's threat to kill Moses for failing to circumcise his son, a violation of the Abrahamic covenant. Zipporah's act, involving the shedding of blood, averts divine judgment and establishes the child (and by extension, Moses) as a "châthân" in a covenantal sense. The "blood" here is not merely that of circumcision but represents the blood of the covenant, making the circumcised one consecrated to God, akin to being espoused to Him.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of H2860 is enriched by its relationship to other Hebrew terms. Its direct verbal root is חָתַן (*chathan*), which means "to make a marriage" or "to give in marriage," underscoring the reciprocal action involved in forming such a bond. Related nouns include חֹתֵן (*choten*, `{{H2859}}`), meaning "father-in-law," and כַּלָּה (*kallâh*, `{{H3618}}`), meaning "daughter-in-law" or "bride." These terms collectively delineate the network of family relationships established through marriage.
Beyond the immediate family, *châthân* connects to broader concepts:
* **Marriage (נָשָׂא אִשָּׁה, *nasa' ishshah*):** The institution and act of taking a wife, which H2860 presupposes.
* **Covenant (בְּרִית, *berith*, `{{H1285}}`):** Crucially linked to the figurative meaning in [[Exodus 4]]. Circumcision is the sign of the Abrahamic covenant, a binding agreement between God and His people. The "bridegroom of blood" signifies entry into this covenant, a spiritual espousal.
* **Espousal/Betrothal:** The initial stage of a marriage, where a binding commitment is made, paralleling the covenantal commitment.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H2860 extends far beyond mere familial nomenclature.
Firstly, the usage in [[Exodus 4:25-26]] is paramount. It introduces the concept of a "bridegroom of blood" as one brought into covenant with God through circumcision. This singular, powerful instance elevates *châthân* from a social term to a theological one, symbolizing a sacred, blood-sealed relationship between God and His chosen people. It foreshadows the deeper covenantal relationship where Israel is often depicted as God's bride, and God as her husband (e.g., [[Isaiah 54:5]], [[Hosea 2:19-20]]). The act of circumcision, therefore, is portrayed as a form of "religious espousal," marking one as belonging to God.
Secondly, the consistent use of "bridegroom" in prophetic literature (e.g., [[Isaiah 61:10]], [[Jeremiah 33:11]]) symbolizes joy, blessing, restoration, and the presence of God's favor. The return of the "voice of the bridegroom and the bride" signals a time of divine blessing and renewal. Conversely, its absence signifies judgment, desolation, and the withdrawal of God's blessing. This imagery highlights the intimate connection between divine presence/favor and the experience of profound human joy.
Finally, on a foundational level, the literal meanings of "son-in-law" and "husband" underscore the importance of family structure, lineage, and the establishment of kinship ties within ancient Israelite society, reflecting God's design for human community and procreation.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H2860 (חָתָן, *châthân*) is a rich term encompassing both literal and profound figurative meanings. Literally, it refers to a "bridegroom," "husband," or "son-in-law," denoting a male individual who has entered a new familial relationship through marriage. This usage highlights the social and kinship structures of ancient Israel. Theologically, its most significant application is found in the enigmatic phrase "bridegroom of blood" in [[Exodus 4:25-26]], where it metaphorically represents a person brought into covenant with God through the blood of circumcision. This transformative meaning links the physical act of circumcision to a spiritual "espousal" with the divine, making *châthân* a symbol of belonging to God's covenant people. Furthermore, the "bridegroom" motif in prophetic literature frequently symbolizes joy, restoration, and God's benevolent presence, solidifying the word's connection to both human celebration and divine blessing. Thus, *châthân* bridges the literal bonds of family with the profound spiritual bond between God and His people, sealed by covenant and marked by joy.
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