חֵנָדָד (che.na.dad)
che.na.dad
Henadad
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
חֵנָדָד (che.na.dad) is not a theological term but a proper name appearing only three times in the Hebrew Bible, specifically within the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. The name translates to "favour of Hadad," referencing Hadad, a deity worshipped in ancient Syria. Despite its pagan etymology, the bearers of this name were prominent Levites who served the God of Israel during the post-exilic restoration.
The sources identify three distinct individuals named Henadad, all involved in the rebuilding efforts after the Babylonian exile. One is listed as a chief among the Levites assisting in temple worship (Ezra 3:9). Two others are named as leaders of family divisions responsible for repairing specific sections of Jerusalem’s walls (Nehemiah 3:18, 24).
This name illustrates how Israelites living under foreign influence often retained names with non-Yahwistic roots while remaining faithful to their covenant duties. The presence of Henadad in these lists highlights the communal nature of the restoration project, where individuals from various backgrounds contributed their labor and leadership to rebuild both the spiritual and physical foundations of Jerusalem.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Henadad carries a complex history, meaning "favour of Hadad," which points to a pagan deity worshipped in ancient Syria. Yet, the men who bore this name appear in Ezra and Nehemiah as faithful Levites and leaders during the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls. This detail reminds us that our backgrounds or family histories do not disqualify us from serving God. Even when names or traditions carry non-Jewish roots, they can be used by God for His purposes.
In these lists, Henadad’s sons are shown working alongside others to restore the city’s physical and spiritual foundations. Their presence highlights how ordinary people, with imperfect pasts, played vital roles in restoring what was broken. It encourages us that God values faithfulness in service, regardless of where we come from or what our names might suggest.
When we look at these verses, we see a community united in labor and worship. The story of Henadad invites us to consider how our own gifts and positions can contribute to the restoration of our communities. It is a reminder that God uses all who are willing to serve, turning even unlikely candidates into instruments of His peace.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Henadad3×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- חֵנָדָ֖ד1×
- חֵנָדָ֑ד1×
- חֵֽנָדָ֔ד1×
Key Verses
-
Ezra 3:9
Then Jeshua stood with his sons and his brothers, Kadmiel and his sons, the sons of Judah, together to have the oversight of the workmen in God’s house: the sons of Henadad, with their sons and their brothers the Levites.
This verse highlights Henadad’s sons as Levites overseeing the work in God’s house, showing their role in spiritual restoration alongside physical labor.
-
Nehemiah 3:18
After him, their brothers, Bavvai the son of Henadad, the ruler of half the district of Keilah made repairs.
Here, Bavvai, son of Henadad, repairs a section of the wall, demonstrating how family lineage contributed to the city’s defense and renewal.
-
Nehemiah 3:24
After him, Binnui the son of Henadad repaired another portion, from the house of Azariah to the turning of the wall, and to the corner.
Binnui, another son of Henadad, is noted for repairing a specific portion near the corner, illustrating the detailed and communal nature of the rebuilding effort.