the same as חֲתַת; Chathath, an Israelite; cathath. f
Transliteration:Chăthath
Pronunciation:khath-ath'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma חֲתַת (Chăthath, `{{H2867}}`) is primarily a proper noun, functioning as a personal name. Its meaning is directly tied to the verbal root חָתַת (chatath, `{{H2865}}`), which signifies "to be broken," "to be dismayed," "to be terrified," "to be confounded," or "to be shattered." Therefore, the name Chathath likely carries the semantic weight of "dismay," "terror," or "brokenness." As a name, it could describe a characteristic of the individual, the circumstances of their birth, or even be a prophetic statement. Without further contextual details, its precise nuance as a name remains open to interpretation, but the underlying sense of a state of being overwhelmed or shattered is central.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Chathath (`{{H2867}}`) appears only once in the biblical text, within a genealogical record in the book of Chronicles:
* [[1 Chronicles 4:13]]: "And the sons of Othniel; Hathath, and Meonothai."
In this sole occurrence, Chathath is identified as one of the sons of Othniel. Othniel was a prominent figure in Israel's history, the first judge who delivered Israel from Cushan-rishathaim (cf. [[Judges 3:9-11]]). The context in 1 Chronicles is purely genealogical, tracing the lineage of Judah. No further narrative details, actions, or characteristics are attributed to Chathath himself. He is simply listed as a descendant, contributing to the comprehensive record of families and clans within Israel. This lack of narrative elaboration limits our ability to draw specific conclusions about the individual named Chathath beyond his familial connection to Othniel.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for Chathath (`{{H2867}}`) is the verbal root חָתַת (chatath, `{{H2865}}`). This root is widely used throughout the Old Testament to describe states of fear, terror, dismay, or being broken/shattered. Examples include:
* **Dismay/Terror:**
* [[Deuteronomy 1:21]]: "Behold, the Lord your God has set the land before you. Go up and take possession, as the Lord, the God of your fathers, has told you. Do not fear or be dismayed." (Here, חָתַת is used in parallel with יָרֵא (yare, `{{H3372}}`, to fear)).
* [[Joshua 10:25]]: "And Joshua said to them, 'Do not be afraid or dismayed; be strong and courageous, for thus the Lord will do to all your enemies against whom you fight.'"
* [[Jeremiah 1:17]]: "But you, dress yourself for work; arise and say to them everything that I command you. Do not be dismayed by them, lest I dismay you before them."
* **Broken/Shattered:**
* While less common for the root חָתַת itself, other related words like שָׁבַר (shabar, `{{H7665}}`, to break) or רָצַץ (ratsats, `{{H7533}}`, to crush) convey similar concepts of destruction or breaking. The nuance of חָתַת leans more towards the *effect* of being broken, i.e., dismay or terror.
The concept of "dismay" or "terror" is often contrasted with divine commands to "fear not" and to trust in God's strength and presence. This highlights a theological tension between human frailty and divine sovereignty.
### Theological Significance
Given that Chathath (`{{H2867}}`) is a proper noun appearing only once in a genealogical list, its direct theological significance is limited to its existence within the lineage of Judah and its connection to the esteemed judge Othniel. The name itself, "Dismay" or "Terror," is intriguing. While we cannot infer the personal character or life experiences of this specific Chathath, the meaning of his name, derived from חָתַת (`{{H2865}}`), resonates with broader biblical themes:
1. **Human Vulnerability:** The name serves as a subtle reminder of the human condition, which is often subject to fear, dismay, and brokenness. Even within the lineage of a deliverer like Othniel, names reflecting such states appear, indicating that even the most blessed families are not immune to the challenges and anxieties of life.
2. **God's Command to "Fear Not":** The prevalence of the command "Fear not" (אַל־תִּירָא) throughout Scripture stands in stark contrast to the meaning of "Chathath." This divine imperative is a cornerstone of biblical encouragement, assuring believers of God's presence and power in the face of daunting circumstances. The very existence of a name meaning "dismay" underscores the need for such divine reassurance.
3. **The Sovereignty of God Over Fear:** While human beings may experience "dismay," the biblical narrative consistently points to a God who is sovereign over all circumstances, including those that induce terror. True security and peace are found not in the absence of fear-inducing situations, but in reliance upon the Lord.
The inclusion of such a name in a sacred genealogy, without further comment, suggests an acceptance of the reality of human experience, even its more challenging aspects, within the divine plan for Israel's history.
### Summary
Chathath (`{{H2867}}`) is a proper Hebrew name, found only once in the Bible, in the genealogical record of [[1 Chronicles 4:13]], where he is listed as a son of Othniel. The name's meaning, derived from the verbal root חָתַת (`{{H2865}}`), signifies "dismay," "terror," or "brokenness." While no specific narrative details are provided about the individual Chathath, the etymology of his name offers a subtle theological reflection on the human experience of fear and vulnerability. It stands as a silent testament to the realities of life, even within a divinely chosen lineage, and implicitly points to the overarching biblical theme of God's command to "fear not" and to trust in His steadfast presence amidst all forms of dismay.
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