Original Word: חָנַט
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: chanat
Pronunciation: khaw-nat'
Phonetic Spelling: (khaw-nat')
Definition: To embalm
Meaning: to spice, to embalm, to ripen

embalm, put forth

A primitive root; to spice; by implication, to embalm; also to ripen -- embalm, put forth.

Word Origin
a prim. root
Definition
to spice, make spicy, embalm
NASB Translation
embalm (1), embalmed (2), ripened (1).

חָנַט verb spice, make spicy, embalm (Late Hebrew id., bud, blossom; Arabic become mature, II. prepare for burial, spices for a corpse; embalmer, Dozy^{i, 322 after} PS¹³²⁰; Aramaic , חֲנַט embalm; so Ethiopic (loan-word Di¹¹⁰)); —

Qal Perfect3feminine singular חָֽנְטָה Songs 2:13; Imperfect3masculine plural וַיַּחַנְטוּ Genesis 50:2,26; Infinitive construct לַחֲנֹט Genesis 50:2; —

1 spice, make spicy פַגֶּיהָ ׳הַתְּאֵנָה ח Songs 2:13 the fig-tree spiceth its figs, so VB De in translation (Ew De in notes Öttli and others prefer reddeneth, on account of spring season, compare the less common and perhaps secondary sense in Arabic become red (of leather) Lane^657a).

2 embalm, followed by accusative of person Genesis 50:2 (twice in verse) (performed by הָרֹפְאִים), Genesis 50:26.

חֲנֻטִים noun [masculine] plural abstract embalming, only ׳יְמֵי הַח Genesis 50:3 i.e. the days consumed in the embalming process = אַרְבָּעִים יוֺם see Di.

Word Origin: A primitive root

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • G1627: ἐκφέρω (ekphero) • to carry out, to bring forth
• G1779: ἐνταφιάζω (entaphiazo) • to prepare for burial, to embalm
• G2290: θαπτω (thapto) • to bury
• G5027: ταφή (taphē) • burial

These Greek terms reflect similar concepts of burial and preparation for the afterlife, aligning with the Hebrew understanding of חָנַט as a process of honoring and preserving the deceased.

Usage: The verb חָנַט (chanat) is used in the context of preparing a body for burial, specifically through the process of embalming. It also carries the connotation of ripening, as in the maturation of fruit or other natural processes.

Context: The Hebrew verb חָנַט (chanat) appears in the context of embalming, a practice notably mentioned in the narrative of Joseph in the Book of Genesis. This process involved the use of spices and aromatic substances to preserve the body after death, a custom that was particularly significant in ancient Egyptian culture, where Joseph lived and rose to prominence.

In Genesis 50:2, the term is used when Joseph commands his servants, the physicians, to embalm his father Israel (Jacob): "So Joseph commanded the physicians in his service to embalm his father Israel. So they embalmed him." (BSB). This act of embalming was a mark of respect and honor, ensuring the preservation of the body for the journey to the afterlife, according to Egyptian beliefs.

The process of embalming, as indicated by חָנַט, involved the use of spices and other materials to prevent decay, reflecting a broader cultural practice of honoring the deceased. The term also metaphorically extends to the idea of ripening, suggesting a natural progression towards maturity or completion, whether in the context of fruit or other organic processes.

הַחֲנֻטִ֑ים החנטים וַיַּחַנְט֣וּ וַיַּחַנְט֥וּ ויחנטו חָֽנְטָ֣ה חנטה לַחֲנֹ֖ט לחנט chaneTah ha·ḥă·nu·ṭîm ḥā·nə·ṭāh hachanuTim haḥănuṭîm ḥānəṭāh la·ḥă·nōṭ lachaNot laḥănōṭ vaiyachanTu way·ya·ḥan·ṭū wayyaḥanṭūInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts