Lexical Summary Chanan: Hanan Original Word: חָנָן Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Canan From chanan; favor; Chanan, the name of seven Israelites -- Canan. see HEBREW chanan NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom chanan Definition "gracious," the name of several Isr. NASB Translation Hanan (12). Brown-Driver-Briggs חָנָן proper name, masculine (gracious; compare Sabean חנן, Phoenician חנא) — 1 one of the warriors of David 1 Chronicles 11:43. 2 one of the heads of families of Nethinim Ezra 2:46 = Nehemiah 7:49. 3 names of Levites Nehemiah 8:7; Nehemiah 10:11; Nehemiah 13:3. 4 chiefs of the people: a. Nehemiah 10:23. b. Nehemiah 10:27. 5 Benjamite name 1 Chronicles 8:23,38; 1 Chronicles 9:44 (compare proper name, of a location בֵּית חָנָן, Mishna כְּפַר חָנָן). 6 אִישׁ הָאֱלֹהִים head of a prophetic guild, בְּנֵי חָנָן Jeremiah 35:4. Topical Lexicon Meaning and Spiritual Emphasis The Hebrew name חָנָן (Hanan) derives from a root that conveys the ideas of favor and graciousness. Each bearer of the name stands as a living reminder of the Lord’s gracious dealings with His covenant people, whether through preserving family lines, empowering leaders, or sustaining post-exilic worship. Genealogical Bearers in Benjamin Three early occurrences lie within the Benjamite registers (1 Chronicles 8:23; 1 Chronicles 8:38; 1 Chronicles 9:44). These men help trace the continuity of Saul’s tribe from the pre-monarchic period into the restored community at Jerusalem. Their inclusion underlines how divine grace preserved even the least of the tribes after exile. A Warrior among David’s Mighty Men 1 Chronicles 11:43 records “Hanan son of Maacah” among David’s elite warriors. Though little else is said, his placement amid the “Thirty” highlights the variety of backgrounds represented in David’s forces. The Lord gathered faithful men—from royal relatives to foreigners like Uriah—to establish the united kingdom, demonstrating that courage and covenant loyalty, not pedigree alone, mark true service. Temple Servants Returning from Exile Ezra 2:46 and its parallel in Nehemiah 7:49 list “sons of Hanan” among the Nethinim who returned with Zerubbabel. These temple servants, descendants of those assigned to menial yet necessary tasks, accepted humble work so that worship could resume. Their willingness illustrates how grace motivates lowly but indispensable ministry. Levites Who Instructed in the Law Nehemiah 8:7 places Hanan with eleven other Levites who “instructed the people in the Law while the people remained in their places”. During the great assembly at the Water Gate the Levites translated, explained, and applied the Torah. Hanan’s participation shows that gracious gifting and diligent study are vital when God revives His people through His Word. Signers of the Covenant Renewal Three separate groups of covenant signatories in Nehemiah 10 include men named Hanan (Nehemiah 10:10; 10:22; 10:26). Their signatures represent priests, Levites, and lay leaders pledging obedience to Scripture in matters such as Sabbath observance, marriage, and support of the temple. The repetition of the name underscores widespread ownership of the covenant, not an elite initiative alone. A Trusted Steward of Offerings Nehemiah 13:13: “I appointed Shelemiah the priest, Zadok the scribe, Pedaiah of the Levites, and as their assistant Hanan son of Zaccur… for they were considered trustworthy”. In a time of financial laxity, Hanan’s integrity protected God’s house from neglect. Grace not only forgives but also enables believers to handle material resources faithfully. A Chamber for the Sons of Hanan Jeremiah 35:4 locates the Rechabites in “the chamber of the sons of Hanan son of Igdaliah, the man of God.” The setting within the temple precincts suggests that Hanan (or his descendants) maintained a room dedicated to prophetic ministry. The verse links the name with spiritual influence during Judah’s last days before exile. Theological Reflection Across centuries Hanan appears in military, liturgical, educational, administrative, and prophetic contexts. The diversity of roles reveals that divine favor equips God’s people for every kind of service. From obscure genealogies to pivotal reform movements, those named “Gracious” remind readers that the Lord’s grace threads through Israel’s story, preserving a remnant, guiding reformers, and sustaining worship. Ministry Implications 1. Faithful obscurity is honored: many Hanans labor behind the scenes, yet Scripture records their names. Thus, every appearance of Hanan, however brief, contributes to a composite portrait of gracious enablement within the household of faith. Forms and Transliterations וְחָנָ֑ן וְחָנָֽן׃ וחנן וחנן׃ חָנָ֖ן חָנָ֤ן חָנָ֥ן חָנָֽן׃ חָנָן֙ חנן חנן׃ chaNan ḥā·nān ḥānān vechaNan wə·ḥā·nān wəḥānānLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Chronicles 8:23 HEB: וְעַבְדּ֥וֹן וְזִכְרִ֖י וְחָנָֽן׃ NAS: Abdon, Zichri, Hanan, KJV: And Abdon, and Zichri, and Hanan, INT: Abdon Zichri Hanan 1 Chronicles 8:38 1 Chronicles 9:44 1 Chronicles 11:43 Ezra 2:46 Nehemiah 7:49 Nehemiah 8:7 Nehemiah 10:10 Nehemiah 10:22 Nehemiah 10:26 Nehemiah 13:13 Jeremiah 35:4 12 Occurrences |
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