### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **tᵉchinnâh**, represented by `{{H8467}}`, primarily signifies **supplication**, **entreaty**, or **favour**. It appears 25 times across 24 unique verses. The word captures both the act of making a humble and heartfelt request, typically to God, and the concept of receiving unmerited grace or favour.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical usage, `{{H8467}}` is frequently found in the context of earnest prayer. During the dedication of the temple, Solomon makes an appeal to God, concluding his prayer and **supplication** [[1 Kings 8:54]]. This act of prayer is later acknowledged by God, who states, "I have heard thy prayer and thy **supplication**" [[1 Kings 9:3]]. The word also denotes a desperate plea for mercy, as when the remnant of Judah asks Jeremiah to present their **supplication** before the LORD [[Jeremiah 42:2]]. Beyond requests, the term can mean "grace" or "favour," such as when Ezra celebrates that "**grace** hath been shewed from the LORD" [[Ezra 9:8]] or when Israel's enemies are destroyed because they received "no **favour**" [[Joshua 11:20]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help to define the context and meaning of `{{H8467}}`:
* `{{H8605}}` **tᵉphillâh** (prayer): This word for general prayer is almost always paired with `{{H8467}}`, creating a comprehensive picture of intense appeal to God. The combination "prayer and **supplication**" appears repeatedly in the accounts of Solomon's dedication ([[1 Kings 8:38]], [[1 Kings 8:45]]).
* `{{H6419}}` **pâlal** (pray): As the verb "to pray" or "make supplication," this action leads to the noun `{{H8467}}`. Manasseh **prayed** `{{H6419}}` to God, and God "heard his **supplication**" `{{H8467}}`, showing the direct link between the act and the appeal.
* `{{H8085}}` **shâmaʻ** (to hear intelligently): The purpose of a supplication is to be heard. God's response to Solomon is that He has **heard** `{{H8085}}` his supplication [[1 Kings 9:3]]. The psalmist expresses his confidence in this outcome, declaring, "The LORD hath **heard** `{{H8085}}` my **supplication**" [[Psalms 6:9]].
* `{{H5307}}` **nâphal** (to fall, present): This word is used to describe the act of bringing a supplication before a superior. Jeremiah is asked by the people to "**present** `{{H5307}}` your supplication" [[Jeremiah 42:9]], and later he tells the king he "**presented** `{{H5307}}` my supplication" to him [[Jeremiah 38:26]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H8467}}` centers on the relationship between God and humanity.
* **Humble Entreaty:** Supplication is an act of profound humility. It is offered by those in distress, such as David who asks God not to hide from his **supplication** [[Psalms 55:1]], or Daniel, who presents his **supplication** on behalf of his sinful people [[Daniel 9:20]].
* **Divine Response:** The term is intrinsically linked to God's response. He is the one who hears supplication from heaven [[1 Kings 8:45]] and whose open eyes are attentive to the **supplication** of His servant and people [[1 Kings 8:52]]. The story of Manasseh demonstrates that God hearing a **supplication** can lead to forgiveness and restoration [[2 Chronicles 33:13]].
* **Sovereign Favour:** The word's use as "favour" or "grace" underscores that a positive response is not earned but is a gift. The remnant's survival in Ezra's time is attributed to **grace** `{{H8467}}` from God [[Ezra 9:8]], while the destruction of Canaanite armies is linked to them receiving no **favour** `{{H8467}}` from the Lord [[Joshua 11:20]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8467}}` is a multifaceted term that encapsulates a core dynamic of biblical faith. It represents more than a simple request; it is a deep, humble entreaty born from a place of need. Crucially, it also describes the divine grace or favour that is sought. The word illustrates the theological principle that humanity's humble petition is met by a God who hears and sovereignly chooses to respond with favour.
TRV