### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **chăthunnâh**, represented by `{{H2861}}`, signifies **a wedding; espousal**. This term is exceptionally specific, appearing only **1 time** across **1 unique verse** in the Bible. Its single occurrence captures a moment of royal celebration and formal commitment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole use of `{{H2861}}` is found in [[Song of Solomon 3:11]]. In this verse, the **daughters** `{{H1323}}` of **Zion** `{{H6726}}` are commanded to **go forth** `{{H3318}}` and **behold** `{{H7200}}` **king** `{{H4428}}` **Solomon** `{{H8010}}`. The scene focuses on the **crown** `{{H5850}}` that his **mother** `{{H517}}` **crowned** `{{H5849}}` him with on the **day** `{{H3117}}` of his **espousals** `{{H2861}}`, an occasion also described as the **day** `{{H3117}}` of the **gladness** `{{H8057}}` of his **heart** `{{H3820}}`.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its only context help illuminate the meaning of an espousal:
* `{{H3117}}` **yôwm** (day): This word for a space of time is used twice in the verse to frame the **espousal** as a distinct and momentous event, separating it as a time of gladness from other times, such as a "day of trouble" [[Nahum 1:7]].
* `{{H8057}}` **simchâh** (gladness): This term denotes blithesomeness or glee and is directly connected to the feeling in Solomon's heart on his wedding day [[Song of Solomon 3:11]]. It is frequently associated with religious or festival joy.
* `{{H5850}}` **ʻăṭârâh** (crown): This is the physical object that marks the ceremony. A **crown** signifies honor, glory, and high status, as seen when Solomon is crowned for his **espousals** [[Song of Solomon 3:11]] and when a virtuous woman is called a **crown** to her husband [[Proverbs 12:4]].
* `{{H4428}}` **melek** (king): This word for a king identifies the central figure, Solomon, and elevates the **espousal** from a personal affair to an event of royal and public importance [[Song of Solomon 3:11]]. God Himself is also identified as the **King** of Israel [[Isaiah 44:6]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2861}}` is derived entirely from its singular, powerful context:
* **A Day of Supreme Joy:** The direct linking of **espousals** `{{H2861}}` to the **day** `{{H3117}}` of the **gladness** `{{H8057}}` of the **heart** `{{H3820}}` establishes a wedding as a pinnacle of celebration and personal delight [[Song of Solomon 3:11]].
* **A Publicly Witnessed Covenant:** The call for the **daughters of Zion** `{{H1323}}` to **go forth and behold** (`{{H3318}}`, `{{H7200}}`) frames the event as a communal celebration, meant to be seen and acknowledged by the people.
* **A Moment of Crowning and Honor:** The act of being **crowned** `{{H5849}}` on one's wedding day connects the espousal to themes of honor, glory, and blessing. The ceremony is not just a union but an elevation, marked by a **crown** `{{H5850}}`.
### Summary
In summary, though **chăthunnâh** `{{H2861}}` appears just once, its context in [[Song of Solomon 3:11]] provides a complete and vivid picture. It defines an **espousal** not merely as a contract but as a climactic day of public joy, royal honor, and heartfelt gladness, sealed with the symbol of a crown. The surrounding words in its single verse are essential to understanding its full significance.
TRV