Hanan חָנָן
A temple servant who returned from Babylonian exile.
Who is Hanan in the Bible?
Hanan was a temple servant, or member of the Nethinim, who returned to Jerusalem from Babylonian exile as recorded in Ezra 2:46 and Nehemiah 7:49. Temple servants like Hanan were assigned to assist the Levites in maintaining and serving the temple, and they were likely descendants of the Gibeonites whom Joshua had designated for tabernacle service (Joshua 9:27). His inclusion in the lists of returnees demonstrates the important role these non-Israelite workers played in the restoration of the temple and the renewal of Jewish worship following the exile. Though little is known of Hanan individually, his return symbolizes the broader effort to rebuild Jerusalem's religious life and honor God's covenant people.
Biography
Hanan is mentioned in Ezr.2.46 and Neh.7.49 as one of the temple servants (Nethinim) who returned to Jerusalem from Babylonian captivity. The temple servants were a group of people assigned to assist the Levites in the maintenance and service of the temple. They were not of Israelite descent but were likely descendants of the Gibeonites who had been assigned by Joshua to serve in the tabernacle (Jos.9.27). Hanan and the other temple servants are listed among those who returned to help rebuild the temple and restore worship in Jerusalem.
In Scripture
2 biblical books ; 2 with study contentEzra 1 verse
- Ezra 2:46
"the descendants of Hagab, the descendants of Shalmai, the descendants of Hanan,"
Study Ezra →
Nehemiah 1 verse
- Nehemiah 7:49
"the descendants of Hanan, the descendants of Giddel, the descendants of Gahar,"
Study Nehemiah →
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | חָנָן |