### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **tachănûwn**, represented by `{{H8469}}`, signifies an **earnest prayer**, **intreaty**, or **supplication**. It appears 18 times across 18 unique verses in the Bible, consistently pointing to a deeply felt petition made from a position of need or humility. Its meaning is rooted in the idea of seeking favor or grace through earnest appeal.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{H8469}}` is frequently directed towards God. The Psalmist expresses love for the LORD "because he hath heard my voice and my **supplications**" [[Psalms 116:1]], linking this form of prayer directly to a positive divine response. This term is often paired with expressions of deep emotion, such as in Jeremiah's prophecy that the people will return "with weeping, and with **supplications** will I lead them" [[Jeremiah 31:9]]. It can also describe a formal act of seeking God, as when Daniel set his face to the Lord "to seek by prayer and **supplications**, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes" [[Daniel 9:3]]. A notable use appears in Proverbs, where it describes a social dynamic: "The poor useth **intreaties**" [[Proverbs 18:23]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the context of `{{H8469}}`:
* `{{H8605}}` **tᵉphillâh** (prayer): This is a general term for prayer and is often used alongside `{{H8469}}` to specify a particularly earnest request, as seen in the plea, "Hear my **prayer**, O LORD, give ear to my **supplications**" [[Psalms 143:1]].
* `{{H6963}}` **qôwl** (a voice or sound): Supplications are frequently vocalized, with scripture often referring to the "voice of my **supplications**" [[Psalms 28:6]], emphasizing the audible and personal nature of the plea.
* `{{H1065}}` **Bᵉkîy** (a weeping): This word is directly associated with `{{H8469}}`, highlighting the sorrow and desperation that often accompanies such prayers. This connection is clear when a "voice was heard upon the high places, **weeping** and **supplications** of the children of Israel" [[Jeremiah 3:21]].
* `{{H8085}}` **shâmaʻ** (to hear intelligently): The goal of supplication is to be heard. This word describes God's attentive hearing, as celebrated in the declaration that the LORD "hath **heard** the voice of my supplications" [[Psalms 31:22]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H8469}}` is significant, revealing key aspects of the relationship between God and humanity.
* **Posture of Humility:** Supplications are offered not from a position of righteousness, but out of a recognition of need and dependence on God's "great mercies" [[Daniel 9:18]].
* **A Divine Gift:** This type of prayer is not solely a human effort. God promises to pour out "the spirit of grace and of **supplications**" upon His people, indicating that the ability to petition Him earnestly is itself a work of His spirit [[Zechariah 12:10]].
* **Basis for Divine Action:** The Bible presents supplications as a catalyst for God's response. At the beginning of Daniel's **supplications**, "the commandment came forth" [[Daniel 9:23]], showing a direct link between the plea and heavenly action.
* **The Expectation of an Answer:** Those who offer supplications do so with the expectation of being heard. The repeated plea for God's ears to be "attentive to the voice of my **supplications**" underscores the faith that God listens and responds to the earnest cries of His people [[Psalms 130:2]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8469}}` is not merely a synonym for prayer but describes a specific kind of appeal—one that is earnest, heartfelt, and born from a place of humility. It is a cry for grace, often accompanied by weeping, and is directed toward a merciful God who is expected to hear and act. The concept of **tachănûwn** illustrates a dynamic of divine-human interaction where deep need is met by divine attention and mercy.
TRV