חָנֵס (cha.nes)
cha.nes
Hanes
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The noun ḥānēs refers to a specific location in ancient Egypt mentioned only once in the Hebrew Bible, in Isaiah 30:4. Its meaning is tied directly to its etymology, which translates roughly to "grace has fled" or "refuge of grace." This linguistic weight underscores the prophetic context: seeking protection here was viewed as turning away from God’s care toward human political maneuvering.
The exact identity of ḥānēs remains uncertain among scholars. Some identify it with Tahpanhes, a fortified city on Egypt’s eastern frontier, while others place it further south in Lower Egypt on an island in the Nile near Memphis. Regardless of its precise geography, the text uses this distant, secure-sounding stronghold to illustrate the futility of relying on foreign powers instead of divine guidance.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word Hanes appears only once in Scripture, located in Isaiah 30:4. It describes a place where Judah’s leaders sent ambassadors to seek protection from Egypt. The name itself carries a heavy meaning, suggesting that true refuge has fled or been abandoned. This single mention serves as a stark warning against trusting in human political power rather than divine guidance.
When we face uncertainty, the temptation to rely on our own strategies or external security is strong. Isaiah reminds us that seeking safety in places far from God’s will leads to futility. The prophets consistently called people back to trust in the Lord, who remains a steadfast shelter regardless of changing political landscapes.
This passage invites us to examine where we place our confidence. Are we looking for solutions in worldly systems, or are we resting in the care of our Creator? The text encourages a return to spiritual reliance, reminding us that true security is found not in distant fortresses, but in faithful obedience to God’s direction.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Hanes1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- חָנֵ֥ס1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 30:4
For their princes are at Zoan, and their ambassadors have come to Hanes.
This verse records the specific historical moment when Judah's leaders sought political alliances in Egypt, illustrating the futility of trusting human power over divine protection.