חָנַן

From the study of Isaiah 30:18

Range of meaning

To be gracious, to show favor. It is used of the kindness a stronger party shows a weaker one who has no claim to it: a king to a petitioner, someone powerful to someone in need, God to a sinner who pleads. It is often answered with a cry of 'be gracious to me!' (ḥonnēnî). It is the verb behind the adjective ḥannûn, 'gracious', in God's self-description at Exodus 34:6.

Against the English

'Be gracious' (most versions) and 'favour' (YLT) are both accurate. English 'gracious' can sound like mere politeness. The Hebrew is about real help freely given.

Used elsewhere in the period

Exodus 34:6 ('Yahweh, Yahweh, a God compassionate and gracious', raḥûm wəḥannûn) puts this root next to the 'compassion' root that follows in this verse. Both Exodus 34:6–7 and this verse hold mercy and judgment together. The next verse (30:19) repeats the root with emphasis: 'he will surely be gracious to you (ḥānôn yoḥnəkā) at the sound of your cry.'

From the study of Proverbs 19:17

Range of meaning

To show favor or grace: a free, generous act toward someone with no claim on you. It is used of God's undeserved favor ("I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious", Exodus 33:19), of pleading for favor, and of people being generous to the needy. The related noun ḥēn means "favor, grace".

Against the English

KJV and WEB say "has pity". BSB and NIV say "kindness". ESV says "generous". NASB says "gracious". "Pity" puts the emphasis on a feeling of sorrow, which can sound condescending today. Ḥānan is about the favor actually given. "Generous" and "gracious" come closest.

How it drifted

The KJV's "pity" follows the Greek (eleeō, have mercy) and Latin (misereor) tradition. In 1611 "pity" was closer to active mercy. Modern "pity" has shrunk toward a feeling, sometimes a looking-down feeling.

Used elsewhere in the period

Proverbs 14:21 ("happy is he who is gracious to the lowly"). Proverbs 14:31 ("whoever is gracious to the needy honors [his Maker]"). Proverbs 28:8 (wealth gained by interest is gathered "for one who is gracious to the poor", ḥônēn dallîm). Psalm 37:21, 26; 112:5. LXX regularly renders it with eleeō.

From the study of Isaiah 27:11

Range of meaning

To be gracious, show favour, give kindly and freely, especially from a superior to an inferior who has no claim. Related noun chen, 'favour, grace'.

Against the English

KJV/WEB/BSB 'show favour' is accurate. YLT 'favour it' is literal. The modern English 'do someone a favour' (a small courtesy) is weaker than the Hebrew, which is the king or God turning his face kindly toward someone.

Used elsewhere in the period

The priestly blessing, 'The LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you' (Numbers 6:25); Exodus 33:19 ('I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and show compassion to whom I will show compassion', the same pair as here); Exodus 34:6 ('compassionate and gracious', rachum vechanun); Isaiah 30:18–19 ('the LORD waits to be gracious to you... to show you compassion').