תַּחֲנִי (ta.cha.ni)
ta.cha.ni
Tahanite
N:N--PGQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--PG
Word Overview
The word tachani is a Hebrew gentilic adjective meaning "of Tahan" or "descendant of Tahan." It appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, functioning as a collective noun for the clan known as the Tahanites. In Numbers 26:35, the text lists them among the sons of Ephraim, identifying this group as part of the broader tribal structure during the wilderness period.
Etymologically, the name Tahan is linked to the verb meaning "to decline" or "to be humble," though the lexicon sources note this derivation without confirming its historical accuracy for every individual. The term itself serves a purely genealogical purpose in Scripture, marking lineage rather than conveying moral instruction. It distinguishes one branch of Ephraim’s family from others, such as Shuthelah and Becher, within the census records.
Because this word occurs in a single verse, it does not develop a broader theological theme across the canon. Its significance lies entirely in its role as a marker of identity within the detailed tribal inventories of the Old Testament. Translators typically render it as "Tahanites," preserving the proper name rather than attempting to translate the root meaning, which keeps the focus on family lineage over abstract concept.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Tahan connects us to the ancient practice of recording family lines in Scripture. In Numbers 26:35, the Tahanites are listed among the sons of Ephraim during a census in the wilderness. This simple genealogical note reminds us that God knows every individual by name and lineage.
While the word itself does not carry a heavy theological weight, its presence highlights the care God takes with His people. Every family group matters to Him. We are part of a larger story, woven into the history of Israel and ultimately into the family of faith through Christ.
This verse invites us to appreciate the detail in Scripture. It shows that no one is overlooked. Whether we are known by a prominent name or a minor clan, we are recorded and valued by God. His memory is perfect, and His care extends to every branch of His people.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ Tahanite[s]1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַֽ/תַּחֲנִֽי\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Numbers 26:35
These are the sons of Ephraim after their families: of Shuthelah, the family of the Shuthelahites; of Becher, the family of the Becherites; of Tahan, the family of the Tahanites.
This verse identifies the Tahanites as a specific family unit within the tribe of Ephraim, showing how genealogical records preserved the identity of smaller clans during the wilderness journey.