תְּחִנָּה

Techinnah, an Israelite

Definition

Techinnah is a proper noun referring to an individual mentioned in the genealogy of Judah in 1 Chronicles 4:12. He is identified as a son of Eshton, a descendant of Judah, and is listed among the inhabitants of Recah. The name itself, derived from the common noun תְּחִנָּה (tᵉchinnâh), means 'supplication' or 'favor,' suggesting a name given with a sense of prayerfulness or a plea for grace. As a personal name, it carries the connotation of one who is 'entreated' or 'an object of supplication.'

Biblical Usage

The word appears only once in the Old Testament, in 1 Chronicles 4:12, where it functions strictly as a personal name within a genealogical list. It is used in the context of recording the descendants of Judah, specifically the lineage of Caleb, to establish tribal heritage and continuity. There are no other usages or patterns, as it is a unique name for a single individual.

Etymology

The name Techinnah is identical to the Hebrew common noun תְּחִנָּה (tᵉchinnâh, H8467), which means 'supplication,' 'entreaty,' or 'favor.' It is derived from the root חָנַן (chānan), meaning 'to be gracious' or 'to show favor.' As a personal name, it represents a theophoric or aspirational concept, likely expressing a parent's prayer or hope for the child to be an object of divine favor or a living petition.

Semantic Range

In ancient Israelite culture, names were often significant and descriptive, reflecting circumstances of birth, parental hopes, or attributes of God. Naming a child Techinnah ('supplication') may indicate a context of prayer, perhaps born during a time of need or as an answer to prayer. It reflects a practice where personal names served as constant reminders of spiritual truths or family experiences, embedding theological concepts into daily identity.

תְּחִנָּה (tᵉchinnâh, H8467) — the identical common noun meaning 'supplication' or 'favor,' from which the personal name is directly taken.

Word Details

Scripture References