אֶתְנַן (et.nan)

et.nan

Ethnan

H0869 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 1 verses

N:N-M-P

Language: Biblical Hebrew
Testament: Old Testament
Occurrences: 1 verses
Root: —
Part of speech: N:N-M-P

Word Overview

The name Ethnan appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, recorded in the genealogies of 1 Chronicles 4:7. He is identified as the son of Helah and grandson of Ashhur, placing him within the lineage of the tribe of Judah during the era of the Divided Monarchy. The text lists him alongside his brothers Haahashtari, Zereth, Izhar, and Koz, establishing his place in a large family structure.

Lexical sources translate the meaning of Ethnan as "hire of unchastity" or "prostitution's wage." This etymology is striking because it contrasts sharply with the typical practice of naming children after virtues or divine attributes. The name serves as a historical marker, preserving a specific linguistic detail about the family’s history or social context within the tribe of Judah.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The name Ethnan appears in a single verse within the genealogies of 1 Chronicles 4:7. It is listed as one of the sons of Helah, situated within the lineage of the tribe of Judah. While the etymology of the name carries a heavy historical weight, its presence in Scripture reminds us that God records every detail of human history.

For your faith life, this entry highlights the value of precision and remembrance. Even names with difficult origins are preserved in the biblical record. This shows that no part of our story is too small or too complex for God to hold. We can trust that He weaves all aspects of our heritage into His larger plan.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.

and/ Ethnan1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

וְ/אֶתְנָֽן\׃1×

Key Verses

I Chronicles 4:7
The sons of Helah were Zereth, Izhar, and Ethnan.

This verse identifies Ethnan as a son of Helah, anchoring him within the specific family structure of Judah.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Ethnan mean?

Lexical sources suggest the name relates to the concept of a hire or wage for unchastity. This meaning is rare in biblical genealogies, which often use names reflecting divine attributes or virtues.

Where does Ethnan appear in the Bible?

Ethnan appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in 1 Chronicles 4:7. He is listed among the sons of Helah within the tribe of Judah.

Why is this name significant?

Its significance lies in its preservation rather than its meaning. The fact that a name with such a specific and difficult etymology was recorded shows the thoroughness of biblical genealogical records.

Every Occurrence (1 verses across 1 books)

I Chronicles 1 verse

I Chronicles 4:7

The sons of Helah were Zereth, Izhar, and Ethnan.