חָנָן (cha.nan)
cha.nan
Hanan
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 9 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name ḥānan (H2605) is a Hebrew masculine noun meaning "mercy" or "grace," frequently appearing as an element in personal names such as Hananiah, which combines this root with the divine name Yahweh. In the biblical text, it functions primarily as a lexical component rather than a standalone theological term, appearing in nine verses across Chronicles, Nehemiah, and Jeremiah.
Its presence is closely tied to the post-exilic community and the tribal lists of Benjamin. The word surfaces in genealogies recording descendants of Saul and in accounts of those who returned from Babylonian exile. Notably, it identifies individuals like Hananiah, a Levite who assisted Ezra in teaching the Law, and others who sealed the covenant under Nehemiah’s leadership.
Translators typically render the standalone noun as "mercy" or "grace," but in names, they often preserve the phonetic form. The term underscores the value placed on divine favor within these historical records, linking personal identity to the character of God without expanding into abstract doctrinal debate.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Hanan carries a simple, enduring meaning: mercy. In the Hebrew Bible, this word appears mostly as part of personal names or in lists of families returning from exile. It reminds us that identity in Scripture is often tied to God’s character. When people bore names like Hananiah, they carried a declaration that Yahweh is merciful.
For your faith today, this offers comfort. You are not defined by your achievements alone but by the grace that covers you. Just as those listed in Chronicles and Nehemiah were remembered for their place in God’s community, you too are part of a larger story of divine favor. This word points away from human merit and toward unearned kindness.
Consider Hanan the son of Zaccur, who was trusted with managing resources in Jerusalem (Nehemiah 13:13). His name meant mercy, and his life showed faithfulness. May you find peace in knowing that God’s mercy is not just a concept but a reality that sustains your daily walk.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 9 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Hanan6×
- and/ Hanan3×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- חָנָ֥ן3×
- וְ/חָנָ֑ן2×
- חָנָן֙1×
- חָנָֽן\׃1×
- חָנָ֤ן1×
- וְ/חָנָֽן\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Nehemiah 8:7
Also Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levites, caused the people to understand the law; and the people stayed in their place.
Hanan is listed among the Levites who helped the people understand the Law, showing how those named for mercy served in teaching and guidance.
-
Nehemiah 13:13
I made treasurers over the treasuries, Shelemiah the priest, and Zadok the scribe, and of the Levites, Pedaiah: and next to them was Hanan the son of Zaccur, the son of Mattaniah; for they were counted faithful, and their business was to distribute to their brothers.
Hanan son of Zaccur was appointed treasurer because he was faithful, linking his name’s meaning to trustworthy stewardship.
-
Jeremiah 35:4
and I brought them into Yahweh’s house, into the room of the sons of Hanan the son of Igdaliah, the man of God, which was by the room of the princes, which was above the room of Maaseiah the son of Shallum, the keeper of the threshold.
The Rechabites were brought into the house of Hanan son of Igdaliah, indicating that this individual held a place of honor and hospitality in the temple complex.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Hanan mean in the Bible?
Who is Hanan in Nehemiah 13:13?
Is Hanan a common name in Chronicles?
Every Occurrence (9 verses across 4 books)
I Chronicles 4 verses
Abdon, Zichri, Hanan,
I Chronicles 8:38Azel had six sons, whose names are these: Azrikam, Bocheru, Ishmael, Sheariah, Obadiah, and Hanan. All these were the…
I Chronicles 9:44Azel had six sons, whose names are Azrikam, Bocheru, Ishmael, Sheariah, Obadiah, and Hanan. These were the sons of Azel.
I Chronicles 11:43Hanan the son of Maacah, Joshaphat the Mithnite,