חַנּוּן (Channun)

MEANINGGracious. The second character attribute in Exodus 34:6. From chen (חֵן --- grace, favor). Describes favor given from a superior to an inferior without obligation --- what God has no obligation to give, he gives freely.

GRAMMARAdjective from the root ח-נ-נ (Chet-Nun-Nun). Related words: chen (grace, favor), chanan (to be gracious --- Qal), channun (consistently used of God in the OT). The double nun in channun intensifies the gracious quality.

SIGNIFICANCEChannun paired with rachum (compassionate and gracious) is the OT's most repeated divine character formula. The God who reaches (Thread 1) does so out of channun --- favor that the recipient has not earned and cannot demand. This is the OT foundation for grace as gift.

KEY VERSE / SCRIPTURESExodus 34:6 (5th attribute); Nehemiah 9:17; Psalm 86:15; 103:8; 111:4; 145:8; Joel 2:13; Jonah 4:2.

CROSS-REFERENCESExodus 34:6 · Joel 2:13 · χάρις charis (NT --- grace as gift)