from יָנַח; quiet; Janoach or Janochah, a place in Palestine; Janoah, Janohah.
Transliteration:Yânôwach
Pronunciation:yaw-no'-akh or (with enclitic) Yanowchah yaw-no'-khaw
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word H3239, יָנוֹחַ (Yânôwach), functions as a proper noun, specifically a geographical place name. Its etymology is deeply rooted in the verb יָנַח (yānach), Strong's number `{{H3240}}`, which carries the core meaning of "to rest," "to settle," "to cause to rest," or "to deposit." Therefore, the name Yânôwach itself conveys the sense of "quiet," "rest," or "resting place." While the word primarily identifies a location, its inherent meaning suggests a place characterized by tranquility, cessation of movement, or an established settlement. This etymological connection provides a semantic layer that enriches the understanding of its biblical occurrences.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The place name Janoah (Yânôwach) appears twice in the Hebrew Bible, each instance offering distinct contextual insights:
1. **[[Joshua 16:6]]**: "And the border went out westward to Michmethath on the north, and turned about eastward unto Taanath-shiloh, and passed along by it on the east to Janohah."
In this passage, Janoah is delineated as a specific point along the tribal boundary of Ephraim. Its inclusion here marks it as a recognized and established landmark within the divinely allotted inheritance. In the context of the land distribution, the name "Janoah" (resting place) resonates with the concept of Israel's long-awaited rest from their wilderness wanderings, having entered and begun to settle in the Promised Land. It signifies a place of stability and a settled existence provided by God.
2. **[[2 Kings 15:29]]**: "In the days of Pekah king of Israel came Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria, and took Ijon, and Abel-beth-maachah, and Janoah, and Kedesh, and Hazor, and Gilead, and Galilee, all the land of Naphtali, and carried them captive to Assyria."
Centuries later, Janoah reappears in the tragic narrative of the Assyrian invasion. Here, it is listed among the cities conquered by Tiglath-Pileser III, leading to the deportation of its inhabitants. The contrast with its earlier mention is stark: a place named "quiet" or "rest" is now a site of violent upheaval, conquest, and forced displacement. This context highlights a profound irony, as the very essence of the name is negated by the historical reality of invasion and exile.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for H3239 is its root, `{{H3240}}` (yānach), which is a foundational term in the Hebrew lexicon for concepts of rest, cessation, and settling. This root appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament, denoting:
* **Physical Rest**: As in the resting of the ark on Ararat ([[Genesis 8:4]]) or the resting of God on the seventh day ([[Genesis 2:2]]).
* **Spiritual Rest/Security**: God giving rest from enemies ([[Deuteronomy 12:10]], [[Joshua 21:44]]).
* **Placing/Depositing**: As in placing the ark in the tabernacle ([[Exodus 40:20]]).
Concepts closely related to Janoah and its root include:
* **Sabbath**: The divine institution of rest, rooted in God's own rest.
* **Inheritance (נַחֲלָה - nachalah)**: The Promised Land as a place of rest and secure possession for Israel.
* **Peace (שָׁלוֹם - shalom)**: A state of wholeness, well-being, and tranquility, often associated with a settled and secure existence.
* **Exile/Displacement**: The antithesis of rest and settlement, tragically exemplified in the later history of Janoah.
### Theological Significance
The name Janoah, meaning "quiet" or "resting place," carries significant theological weight, particularly when viewed across its biblical appearances. In [[Joshua 16:6]], Janoah stands as a testament to God's faithfulness in providing a land of rest for His people, fulfilling His covenant promises. It symbolizes the divine intention for Israel to dwell securely and peacefully in their inheritance, a place of cessation from their wilderness wanderings and the turmoil of war. This "rest" is not merely physical inactivity but a state of peace and security under divine favor.
However, the mention of Janoah in [[2 Kings 15:29]] introduces a profound theological irony and serves as a poignant commentary on Israel's spiritual state. A place named "Quiet" or "Rest" becomes a site of violent conquest and the loss of peace. This reversal underscores the consequences of covenant disobedience. When Israel turned away from God, they forfeited the divine protection that secured their "rest" in the land. The capture of Janoah, along with other cities, illustrates the prophetic theme of judgment and exile, where the very names of places become silent witnesses to the broken covenant. It reminds us that true and lasting rest is not found in geographical location alone, but in faithful adherence to God and His commands. The disruption of Janoah's peace serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of earthly security when divorced from divine favor.
### Summary
H3239, Yânôwach, is a Hebrew proper noun designating a specific place, Janoah, whose name etymologically signifies "quiet" or "resting place," deriving from the root `{{H3240}}` (yānach), meaning "to rest" or "to settle." In [[Joshua 16:6]], Janoah marks a boundary within the tribal allotment of Ephraim, symbolizing the settled inheritance and divine provision of rest for Israel in the Promised Land. Conversely, its appearance in [[2 Kings 15:29]] depicts Janoah as one of the cities conquered and depopulated by the Assyrians, creating a tragic irony where the "place of rest" is violently disturbed. This contrast highlights the theological themes of God's promised rest and security for His obedient people, juxtaposed with the consequences of covenant disobedience, which can lead to the loss of peace and the experience of exile. The name Janoah, therefore, serves as a poignant reminder of both divine faithfulness and the solemn reality of judgment when a people depart from the Lord.
TRV