### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word חֲתֻנָּה (chăthunnâh, `{{H2861}}`) is a feminine noun derived from the verbal root חָתַן (chātan, `{{H2859}}`), which means "to become allied by marriage," "to give in marriage," or "to make a son-in-law." At its core, חֲתֻנָּה refers to the ceremonial event of marriage itself. Its primary semantic range encompasses a "wedding" or "espousal," denoting the formal and often public act of joining a man and a woman in matrimony. While the base definition points to the event, the term implicitly carries the weight of the social, familial, and covenantal implications of such a union within ancient Israelite society, often accompanied by significant celebration and festivity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term חֲתֻנָּה (chăthunnâh) is notably rare in the Hebrew Bible, appearing only once:
* **[[Song of Solomon 3:11]]**: "Go out, O daughters of Zion, and look at King Solomon, with the crown with which his mother crowned him on the day of his espousals, on the day of the gladness of his heart."
* In this singular instance, חֲתֻנָּה is rendered as "espousals" or "wedding." The verse vividly portrays a scene of royal splendor and profound joy. King Solomon is depicted wearing a crown bestowed by his mother, signifying honor and kingship, on a day marked by exceptional happiness. The parallelism between "the day of his espousals" (יוֹם חֲתֻנָּתוֹ) and "the day of the gladness of his heart" (וּבְיוֹם שִׂמְחַת לִבּוֹ) underscores the celebratory and joyous nature of the wedding event. The context of the Song of Solomon, a book steeped in nuptial imagery and themes of love and union, makes this a particularly poignant and fitting appearance for the word. It highlights the public and festive character of a royal wedding, which would have been a significant occasion of national rejoicing as well as personal delight.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **חָתַן (chātan, `{{H2859}}`):** The verbal root from which חֲתֻנָּה is derived. It describes the act of forming a marriage alliance, as seen in contexts like [[Exodus 3:1]], where Moses "married" Zipporah.
* **חָתָן (chāthān, `{{H2860}}`):** The masculine noun for "bridegroom" or "son-in-law," directly referring to one of the central figures in a wedding.
* **כָּלָה (kallāh, `{{H3618}}`):** The feminine noun for "bride" or "daughter-in-law," referring to the other central figure.
* **נָשָׂא אִשָּׁה (nasa' ishshah):** A common Hebrew idiom meaning "to take a wife," which is the primary verbal expression for getting married in the Old Testament.
* **בְּרִית (berît, `{{H1285}}`):** "Covenant." While חֲתֻנָּה refers to the event, marriage itself is often understood as a covenant in biblical thought, particularly in prophetic literature where God's relationship with Israel is likened to a marriage covenant ([[Malachi 2:14]]).
* **שִׂמְחָה (śimḥāh, `{{H8057}}`):** "Joy" or "gladness." The explicit mention of "gladness of heart" in [[Song of Solomon 3:11]] directly links the wedding event to one of the most prominent biblical themes: the experience of profound joy, often associated with divine blessing and significant life events.
### Theological Significance
Despite its single occurrence, חֲתֻנָּה resonates with profound theological themes:
* **Divine Institution of Marriage:** The word, by denoting the wedding ceremony, implicitly points to the foundational biblical understanding of marriage as an institution ordained by God in creation ([[Genesis 2:24]]). It is presented as the primary context for human companionship, procreation, and the establishment of family.
* **Symbol of Covenantal Relationship:** The human wedding, as an event of solemn union, serves as a powerful earthly analogy for spiritual realities. Throughout the prophetic books, the covenantal relationship between God and Israel is frequently depicted using the imagery of marriage, with God as the faithful husband and Israel as His often wayward bride (e.g., [[Hosea 2:19-20]], [[Ezekiel 16]]). This imagery underscores divine faithfulness, passionate love, and the exclusive nature of the covenant.
* **Eschatological Fulfillment:** The New Testament expands upon this nuptial metaphor, presenting the Church as the "bride of Christ" (e.g., [[Ephesians 5:25-32]], [[Revelation 21:2]], [[Revelation 21:9]]). The "marriage supper of the Lamb" ([[Revelation 19:7-9]]) is a pivotal eschatological event, symbolizing the ultimate and eternal union of Christ with His redeemed people. The joyous occasion of Solomon's wedding in [[Song of Solomon 3:11]] thus serves as a foreshadowing of this ultimate, glorious, and eternal celebration.
* **Joy and Blessing:** The "gladness of heart" associated with the wedding in [[Song of Solomon 3:11]] highlights marriage as a source of profound joy and blessing within God's good creation. This reflects a broader biblical understanding that marriage, when entered into according to God's design, brings companionship, fulfillment, and delight.
### Summary
The Hebrew word חֲתֻנָּה (chăthunnâh, `{{H2861}}`), meaning "wedding" or "espousal," is derived from the root חָתַן (chātan, `{{H2859}}`) and appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in [[Song of Solomon 3:11]]. In this singular instance, it describes the joyous and celebratory day of King Solomon's espousals, emphasizing the gladness of heart associated with such a significant event. Despite its rarity, חֲתֻנָּה encapsulates the profound biblical understanding of marriage as a divinely instituted union, a source of joy and blessing, and a powerful symbol. Theologically, it points to the foundational covenant of marriage and serves as an earthly type for the ultimate, eschatological union between God and His people, culminating in the New Testament's portrayal of Christ and His Church as bride and bridegroom. Thus, this rare word carries significant weight, pointing to one of the most fundamental and sacred relationships in biblical thought.