The meaning of “חָתַן”
Understanding châthan reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
join in affinity, father in law, make marriages, mother in law, son in law. - to give (a daughter) away in marriage - he...
חָתַן
join in affinity, father in law, make marriages, mother in law, son in law. - to give (a daughter) away in marriage - hence (generally) to contract affinity by marriage 1) to become a son-in-law, make oneself a daughter's husband 1a) (Qal) wife's father, wife's mother, father-in-law, mother-in- law (participle) 1b) (Hithpael) to make oneself a daughter's husband
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Genesis 34:9 | “And make ye marriages with us, and give your daughters unto us, and take our daughters unto you.” Word: חָתַן (châthan) | |
| Numbers 10:29 | “And Moses said unto Hobab, the son of Raguel the Midianite, Moses’ father in law, We are journeying unto the place of which the Lord said, I will give it you: come thou with us, and we will do thee good: for the Lord hath spoken good concerning Israel.” Word: חָתַן (châthan) | |
| Joshua 23:12 | “Else if ye do in any wise go back, and cleave unto the remnant of these nations, even these that remain among you, and shall make marriages with them, and go in unto them, and they to you:” Word: חָתַן (châthan) | |
| 1 Samuel 18:23 | “And Saul’s servants spake those words in the ears of David. And David said, Seemeth it to you a light thing to be a king’s son in law, seeing that I am a poor man, and lightly esteemed?” Word: חָתַן (châthan) | |
| 2 Chronicles 18:1 | “Now Jehoshaphat had riches and honour in abundance, and joined affinity with Ahab.” Word: חָתַן (châthan) |