from יְהֹוָה and חָנַן; Jehovah-favored; Jehochanan, the name of eight Israelites; Jehohanan, Johanan. Compare יוֹחָנָן.
Transliteration:Yᵉhôwchânân
Pronunciation:yeh-ho-khaw-nawn'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew proper noun `{{H3076}}` (Yᵉhôwchânân) is a compound name derived from two fundamental elements of biblical Hebrew. The first component is יְהֹוָה (YHWH), the personal, covenantal name of God, often rendered "the LORD" in English translations `{{H3068}}`. The second component is חָנָן (chanan), a verb meaning "to be gracious," "to show favor," or "to have pity" `{{H2603}}`. Therefore, the name `{{H3076}}` literally means "YHWH has been gracious" or "YHWH has shown favor." As a theophoric name, it belongs to a class of Hebrew names that incorporate a divine element, serving as a testament to God's character or action in the life of the individual or family. Its semantic range is tightly focused on this declarative meaning, conveying a profound theological truth about divine benevolence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name `{{H3076}}` appears eight times in the Hebrew Bible, identifying different individuals, underscoring its popularity and the widespread desire to acknowledge God's favor.
1. **A descendant of David:** [[1 Chronicles 3:24]] lists Jehohanan as one of the sons of Elioenai, a late descendant in the Davidic line after the exile. This demonstrates the continuity of the name and its theological significance even in a period of national hardship.
2. **A Gadite warrior:** [[1 Chronicles 12:4]] mentions Jehohanan among the mighty men of Gad who joined David at Ziklag. This context highlights a man of valor whose very name proclaimed God's grace in his strength and loyalty.
3. **A Korahite gatekeeper:** [[1 Chronicles 26:3]] identifies Jehohanan as the firstborn of Meshelemiah, a gatekeeper of the temple from the family of Korah. His role in guarding the sacred precincts underscores a life dedicated to service, perhaps seen as a manifestation of divine favor.
4. **A commander under Jehoshaphat:** [[2 Chronicles 17:15]] records Jehohanan as a commander of 280,000 men under King Jehoshaphat, who was known for his reforms and reliance on the LORD. This individual's name would have served as a public declaration of God's favor upon the military and the kingdom.
5. **A captain in Jehoiada's conspiracy:** [[2 Chronicles 23:1]] lists Jehohanan as one of the captains who, with Jehoiada the priest, conspired to restore Joash to the throne after the usurpation by Athaliah. His participation in this pivotal act of national restoration reflects a life used by God for righteous purposes.
6. **An exile returning with Ezra:** [[Ezra 8:12]] mentions Jehohanan, son of Hakkatan, as one of the men who returned with Ezra from exile. This return itself was a profound act of God's grace, making the name particularly fitting for someone involved in the restoration of the community.
7. **Son of Eliashib, in whose chamber Ezra mourned:** [[Ezra 10:6]] refers to Jehohanan, son of Eliashib, into whose chamber Ezra went to mourn over the unfaithfulness of the people. This Jehohanan, likely a prominent figure, provided a space for spiritual lament, a testament to God's ongoing, albeit sometimes painful, work among His people.
8. **A high priest in Nehemiah's time:** [[Nehemiah 12:13]] lists Jehohanan among the priests in the days of Joiakim. [[Nehemiah 12:22-23]] further identifies Jehohanan as the son of Eliashib, and a high priest. This individual, possibly the same as the one in [[Ezra 10:6]], held a position of immense spiritual authority, his name serving as a constant reminder of God's grace enabling his sacred office.
These occurrences reveal the name `{{H3076}}` was borne by individuals across various social strata and historical periods, from royal descendants to military leaders, temple officials, and high priests, consistently reflecting the core meaning of divine favor.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related words are those from which `{{H3076}}` is formed:
* `{{H3068}}` (YHWH): The divine name, central to the identity and meaning of `{{H3076}}`. It signifies the personal, covenant-making God of Israel, whose character is inherently gracious.
* `{{H2603}}` (chanan): The root verb meaning "to be gracious," "to show favor," or "to have pity." This verb is foundational to understanding God's disposition towards humanity, particularly His chosen people.
Another closely related name is `{{H3110}}` (Yowchanan), which is a shortened form of `{{H3076}}`. This shorter form, also meaning "YHWH has been gracious," is the Hebrew equivalent of the Greek "Ioannes" and ultimately the English "John." The existence of both forms highlights the commonality and significance of the theological concept embedded in the name.
The concept of "grace" (חֵן, chen, `{{H2580}}`) or "favor" is a pervasive theme in the Old Testament, describing God's unmerited kindness and benevolent action toward His people. The name `{{H3076}}` serves as a living embodiment of this theological truth, a constant reminder that human existence and blessing are ultimately dependent on God's initiative and goodness. It connects to the broader category of theophoric names, which were common in Israel and served to acknowledge God's sovereignty, power, or beneficence in the lives of individuals and families.
### Theological Significance
The name `{{H3076}}` carries profound theological significance, encapsulating a core truth about God's character and His relationship with humanity.
Firstly, it serves as a **testimony to divine grace**. The very act of naming a child "YHWH has been gracious" is a declaration of faith, acknowledging that any blessing, deliverance, or success in life is not due to human merit but to God's unmerited favor. This resonates deeply with the biblical understanding of salvation and covenant, which are rooted in God's gracious initiative.
Secondly, the prevalence of this name among diverse individuals and across centuries underscores the **pervasive awareness of God's active involvement** in the lives of His people. It suggests that the Israelites understood their history, their blessings, and even their very existence as flowing from the gracious hand of YHWH. Each person bearing the name `{{H3076}}` became a walking reminder of this fundamental theological principle.
Thirdly, it highlights the **personal nature of God's grace**. While God's grace is universal in its scope, the name `{{H3076}}` speaks to a specific, personal experience of that grace. Parents, by bestowing this name, likely expressed gratitude for a particular blessing, a miraculous birth, or a hope for God's favor upon their child's life.
Finally, the name `{{H3076}}` points to the **sovereignty of God in bestowing favor**. It is YHWH who *has been* gracious, implying a completed action, a divine decision to extend kindness. This reinforces the understanding that grace is not something that can be earned or manipulated, but is a gift freely given by a sovereign God.
### Summary
`{{H3076}}` (Yᵉhôwchânân) is a Hebrew proper noun meaning "YHWH has been gracious" or "YHWH has shown favor," formed from the divine name `{{H3068}}` and the verb `{{H2603}}` (to be gracious). This theophoric name was borne by at least eight different Israelites across various periods and roles, including descendants of David, warriors, temple gatekeepers, military commanders, and high priests, as evidenced in books like Chronicles, Ezra, and Nehemiah. The consistent usage of this name underscores a deep theological understanding within ancient Israel: that God's unmerited favor is the source of all blessing and the foundation of the covenant relationship. It serves as a profound testimony to the personal, active, and sovereign grace of YHWH in the lives of His people.
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