מַחֲנֵה־דָ֑ן (ma.cha.neh-dan)
ma.cha.neh-dan
Mahaneh-dan
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The proper noun Mahaneh-dan translates directly to "camp of Dan." It identifies a specific location where the tribe of Dan established its encampment during their migration northward, as recorded in the book of Judges.
Geographically, this site is situated behind Kirjath-jearim and lies between the towns of Zorah and Eshtaol. The name itself serves as a historical marker, preserving the memory of the Danites' temporary settlement before they moved on to conquer Laish.
With only two occurrences in Scripture, both found in Judges 18, the word functions primarily as a geographical footnote. It anchors the narrative of the tribe’s journey by pinpointing exactly where they stopped to rest and regroup during their search for a new inheritance.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Mahaneh-dan means "camp of Dan," marking a specific stop on the tribe’s long journey northward. It was not their final home, but a place of rest and regrouping before they moved toward Laish. This detail reminds us that God often guides His people through stages, giving them time to prepare for what lies ahead.
In Judges 13:25, the Spirit of the Lord began moving Samson while he was in Mahaneh-dan. This shows that divine purpose can take root even in transitional seasons. We do not need to have everything figured out right now. God’s work often begins quietly, in the places where we pause and wait.
Whether you are in a season of waiting or moving forward, remember that your current location does not define your destiny. God is present in the pauses as much as in the progress. Trust His timing, and let Him shape your steps one day at a time.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Dan2×
- in/ Mahaneh1×
- Mahaneh1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מַחֲנֵה\־1×
- דָ֗ן1×
- דָ֑ן1×
- בְּ/מַחֲנֵה\־1×
Key Verses
-
Judges 13:25
Yahweh’s Spirit began to move him in Mahaneh Dan, between Zorah and Eshtaol.
This verse shows the Spirit of the Lord beginning to move Samson while he was stationed in Mahaneh-dan, linking the location with the start of his prophetic calling.
-
Judges 18:12
They went up and encamped in Kiriath Jearim in Judah. Therefore they call that place Mahaneh Dan to this day. Behold, it is behind Kiriath Jearim.
Here the name Mahaneh-dan is explained as a lasting memorial to where the Danites encamped after leaving Kiriath Jearim, preserving their journey in place names.