### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Yânôwach**, represented by `{{H3239}}`, identifies a place in Palestine known as **Janoah** or **Janohah**. Its name is derived from a root meaning "quiet." It appears **3 times** across **3 unique verses** in the Bible, primarily in geographical and historical contexts.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H3239}}` is used exclusively as a geographical marker. It first appears as a point on the **border** `{{H1366}}` of a territory, where the boundary **went about** `{{H5437}}` eastward to Janohah [[Joshua 16:6]]. The description continues, noting that the boundary **went down** `{{H3381}}` from **Janohah** `{{H3239}}` toward **Jericho** `{{H3405}}` and the **Jordan** `{{H3383}}` [[Joshua 16:7]]. Later, **Janoah** `{{H3239}}` is mentioned as one of several cities conquered by **Tiglathpileser** `{{H8407}}`, the **king** `{{H4428}}` of **Assyria** `{{H804}}`, whose inhabitants were **carried them captive** `{{H1540}}` [[2 Kings 15:29]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for Janohah's significance as a place:
* `{{H1366}}` **gᵉbûwl** (border): This term establishes the geographical importance of Janohah as a landmark defining a territorial **border** within the land of Israel [[Joshua 16:6]].
* `{{H1540}}` **gâlâh** (carried... captive): This verb describes the fate of Janoah's inhabitants, who were taken into **exile** by the Assyrians, highlighting a key moment in Israel's history [[2 Kings 15:29]].
* `{{H3381}}` **yârad** (went down): This word describes the topographical path of the border as it **descend**ed from Janohah, providing a physical sense of the landscape [[Joshua 16:7]].
### Theological Significance
The narrative role of `{{H3239}}` carries historical weight.
* **Landmark of Promise:** In the book of Joshua, Janohah serves as a precise marker for the **border** `{{H1366}}` of the land given to **Israel** `{{H3478}}`, underscoring the detailed fulfillment of God's territorial promises [[Joshua 16:6]].
* **Site of Conquest:** The fall of **Janoah** `{{H3239}}` to the **king** `{{H4428}}` of **Assyria** `{{H804}}` marks a significant moment of judgment and loss for the kingdom of Israel, illustrating the consequences of the nation's actions [[2 Kings 15:29]].
* **Symbol of Transience:** Though its name means "quiet," the history of Janoah reflects a transition from a peaceful boundary marker to a conquered city whose people were **carried... captive** `{{H1540}}`, showing how a place of rest can become a place of turmoil.
### Summary
In summary, **Yânôwach** `{{H3239}}` is a place name that, while infrequent, holds specific significance in the biblical record. It functions first as a landmark defining the promised borders of a territory and later as a historical site of conquest and exile. The story of Janoah illustrates how a geographical point can anchor key narratives of both divine promise and national judgment.
TRV