חָנַט (cha.nat)
cha.nat
to spice; embalming
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb chānat means to apply spices or perfumes, most commonly in the context of preparing a body for burial. It describes the careful process of embalming, where aromatic substances are used to preserve and honor the deceased. This action is not merely about masking odor but involves a deliberate, respectful treatment of the body.
The word appears only four times in Scripture, with its most significant occurrence in Genesis 50:3. There, Joseph orders his servants to embalm his father Jacob, a process that takes forty days. This specific instance highlights the high status of Jacob and the care taken by the Egyptian physicians, who were renowned for their skills in this art. The term underscores the value placed on proper rites and the dignity of the dead.
While the primary meaning is embalming, some sources suggest a secondary sense of making something spicy or flavorful, though this usage is less common in the biblical text. The focus remains on the preservation and honor afforded through the use of spices, reflecting cultural practices of respect for the departed.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word chānat describes the careful application of spices to prepare a body for burial. In Genesis 50:26, we see Joseph himself embalmed after his long life. This detail shows that even the patriarchs received these honors. It reflects the deep respect ancient cultures held for the dead and the dignity of the human form.
While the primary meaning focuses on preservation, the act also points to love and memory. The spices mask decay but cannot stop it forever. Yet this physical care reminds us that our bodies matter to God. He created them, and He will restore them. We can trust Him with both our present lives and our final rest.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to/ embalm1×
- the/ embalming<s>1×
- it has ripened1×
- and/ they embalmed1×
- and/ people embalmed1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לַ/חֲנֹ֖ט1×
- חָֽנְטָ֣ה1×
- וַ/יַּחַנְט֥וּ1×
- וַ/יַּחַנְט֣וּ1×
- הַ/חֲנֻטִ֑ים1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 50:26
So Joseph died, being one hundred ten years old, and they embalmed him, and he was put in a coffin in Egypt.
This verse records Joseph's own embalming, showing that even the leader of Egypt received this honor before his bones were eventually carried out.
-
Genesis 50:2
Joseph commanded his servants, the physicians, to embalm his father; and the physicians embalmed Israel.
Here Joseph commands the physicians to embalm Jacob, highlighting the high status of Israel and the professional skill involved in the process.
-
Genesis 50:3
Forty days were used for him, for that is how many days it takes to embalm. The Egyptians wept for Israel for seventy days.
The forty-day duration underscores the thoroughness of the preparation, a standard practice for honoring significant figures in Egypt.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does chānat mean in the Bible?
Why was embalming important in ancient Israel?
Does chānat appear outside of Genesis 50?
Every Occurrence (4 verses across 2 books)
Genesis 3 verses
Joseph commanded his servants, the physicians, to embalm his father; and the physicians embalmed Israel.
Genesis 50:3Forty days were used for him, for that is how many days it takes to embalm. The Egyptians wept for Israel for seventy…
Genesis 50:26So Joseph died, being one hundred ten years old, and they embalmed him, and he was put in a coffin in Egypt.