### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H8468}}`, transliterated as *Tᵉchinnâh*, is a proper noun, specifically a personal name. Its meaning is directly derived from the common noun `{{H8467}}` (תְּחִנָּה), which signifies "favor," "grace," "supplication," or "entreaty." This root meaning is further traced to the verb `{{H2603}}` (חָנַן, *chanan*), meaning "to be gracious," "to show favor," or "to plead for favor." Therefore, the name Tehinnah likely conveys the sense of "supplication" (a child born in response to prayer) or "favor" (a child seen as a manifestation of divine grace). In ancient Israelite culture, names were often highly significant, reflecting circumstances of birth, parental hopes, or a theological statement. Thus, Tehinnah would have been a name imbued with a sense of divine responsiveness or unmerited kindness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name `{{H8468}}` appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, within a genealogical record in the book of 1 Chronicles.
* [[1 Chronicles 4:12]]: "And Eshton begat Beth-rapha, and Paseah, and Tehinnah the father of Ir-nahash. These are the men of Rechah."
This verse is part of a detailed genealogy of the tribe of Judah, specifically within the lineage of Caleb. The mention of Tehinnah is brief, characteristic of such lists, providing only his name and his relationship as "the father of Ir-nahash." The context offers no further narrative details about the individual Tehinnah, his life, or his deeds. His significance in the biblical text is primarily as a link in the tribal lineage, a testament to the meticulous record-keeping of Israel and the importance of tracing family lines. Despite the brevity, the presence of his name, with its inherent meaning, subtly contributes to the broader tapestry of faith evident in Israelite nomenclature.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most immediate and crucial related word is `{{H8467}}` (תְּחִנָּה), the common noun from which the proper name `{{H8468}}` is derived. `{{H8467}}` is frequently used in the Old Testament to denote a plea for mercy, a supplication, or an act of seeking favor from God or a superior. For instance, [[Psalm 28:2]] speaks of hearing "the voice of my supplications" (תַּחֲנוּנָי). The underlying verbal root `{{H2603}}` (חָנַן, *chanan*) emphasizes the concept of showing grace or being gracious, and it is the foundation for many words related to favor, compassion, and prayer. Other related concepts include:
* **Prayer and Petition:** The name points directly to the act of humble entreaty before God.
* **Divine Grace and Favor:** It underscores the belief that God is one who grants favor and responds to the pleas of His people.
* **Theophany in Names:** Many biblical names, like Tehinnah, serve as miniature theological statements, reflecting a parent's faith, a divine promise, or an experience of God's character. Examples include Hannah (meaning "favor" or "grace," `{{H2584}}`), Samuel (meaning "heard by God," `{{H8050}}`), and Isaac (meaning "he laughs," `{{H3327}}`, reflecting God's promise).
### Theological Significance
While Tehinnah is a minor figure, his very name, `{{H8468}}`, carries profound theological resonance. It serves as a quiet but powerful testimony to several core tenets of Israelite faith:
1. **God as the Hearer of Prayer:** The name "Supplication" (or "Favor") implies a God who is attentive to the cries of His people and responsive to their petitions. It speaks to the active and intimate relationship between humanity and the Divine.
2. **Human Dependence on Divine Grace:** The name reflects a posture of humility and reliance on God's unmerited favor. It acknowledges that blessings, including the gift of a child, are ultimately from the hand of a gracious God.
3. **The Piety of Israelite Families:** The act of naming a child "Tehinnah" suggests that the parents either offered a significant supplication to God, perhaps for this very child, or recognized the child as a tangible manifestation of divine favor. This practice illustrates the pervasive integration of faith into daily life and the deep spiritual meaning ascribed to family and lineage.
4. **Continuity of God's Covenant:** Even in a simple genealogical entry, the name subtly reinforces the ongoing covenant relationship between God and His chosen people, where divine favor and human petition are integral components.
### Summary
`{{H8468}}` (תְּחִנָּה, *Tᵉchinnâh*) is a Hebrew proper noun, a personal name meaning "Supplication" or "Favor." It appears only once in the biblical text, in the genealogy of Judah found in [[1 Chronicles 4:12]], identifying Tehinnah as the father of Ir-nahash. Though a minor figure in the biblical narrative, the significance of his name lies in its etymological root, `{{H8467}}` (supplication, favor) and the verbal root `{{H2603}}` (to be gracious). This connection highlights fundamental theological concepts: God's character as one who hears and grants favor, the human posture of dependence and petition, and the pervasive role of faith in Israelite family life. Thus, even in a seemingly obscure name, we find a quiet yet profound affirmation of God's responsiveness and grace.
TRV