The meaning of “חָנַן”
Understanding chânan reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
beseech, [idiom] fair, (be, find, shew) favour(-able), be (deal, give, grant (gracious(-ly), intreat, (be) merciful, hav...
חָנַן
beseech, [idiom] fair, (be, find, shew) favour(-able), be (deal, give, grant (gracious(-ly), intreat, (be) merciful, have (shew) mercy (on, upon), have pity upon, pray, make supplication, [idiom] very. - properly, to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior - to favor, bestow - causatively to implore (i.e. move to favor by petition) 1) to be gracious, show favour, pity 1a) (Qal) to show favour, be gracious 1b) (Niphal) to be pitied 1c) (Piel) to make gracious, make favourable, be gracious 1d) (Poel) to direct favour to, have mercy on 1e) (Hophal) to be shown favour, be shown consideration 1f) (Hithpael) to seek favour, implore favour 2) to be loathsome
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Genesis 42:21 | “And they said one to another, We are verily guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the anguish of his soul, when he besought us, and we would not hear; therefore is this distress come upon us.” Word: חָנַן (chânan) | |
| Deuteronomy 7:2 | “And when the Lord thy God shall deliver them before thee; thou shalt smite them, and utterly destroy them; thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor shew mercy unto them:” Word: חָנַן (chânan) | |
| 1 Kings 8:59 | “And let these my words, wherewith I have made supplication before the Lord, be nigh unto the Lord our God day and night, that he maintain the cause of his servant, and the cause of his people Israel at all times, as the matter shall require:” Word: חָנַן (chânan) | |
| Esther 8:3 | “And Esther spake yet again before the king, and fell down at his feet, and besought him with tears to put away the mischief of Haman the Agagite, and his device that he had devised against the Jews.” Word: חָנַן (chânan) | |
| Proverbs 21:10 | “The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes.” Word: חָנַן (chânan) |
Usage Statistics
Related Words
Cross-referenced Strong's numbers with semantic or etymological connections.
Theological Word Study: Mercy
Old Testament Usage
Meaning: Compassion, mercy
The Hebrew rachamim (רַחֲמִים) derives from 'womb' (rechem), suggesting tender, maternal compassion. God's mercies are 'new every morning' (Lamentations 3:23), showing His compassionate nature.
New Testament Usage
Meaning: Mercy, compassion
The Greek eleos (ἔλεος) denotes compassionate mercy—pity for those in distress. God is 'rich in mercy' (Ephesians 2:4), withholding deserved punishment and granting undeserved kindness.