חַטּוּשׁ
𐤇𐤈𐤅𐤔
Chatush
H2407 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A personal name borne by several individuals in the Hebrew Bible, specifically among the Israelite community during the exilic and post-exilic periods. The specific lexical meaning is unknown due to the absence of an attested verbal or nominal root in biblical Hebrew. The name identifies its bearers as part of restored Israelite leadership or priestly genealogy.
Semantic Range
personal name, designation for Israelite men of post-exilic priestly or lay leadership, no broader lexical meanings
Root / Etymology
Root uncertain. Though possibly linked to an unused root חטש or an hypothesized connection with the root חָתַשׁ (ḥāṭaš, 'to crush,' 'to break'), there is no clear evidence for the root or its semantic development. Most lexicographers thus classify the etymology as uncertain, with the form likely reflecting a theophoric or tribal element common in post-exilic names.
Historical & Contextual Notes
חַטּוּשׁ (Chaṭṭûwsh) appears in genealogical and leadership contexts in late biblical books (e.g., Ezra, Nehemiah, 1 Chronicles), always pertaining to individuals involved in the Babylonian return or the priestly and lay leadership of the post-exilic Israelite community. The name is common among lists of signatories or temple officiants in the early Persian period. English translations traditionally render the name as 'Hattush,' following the Greek and Latin forms. The Hebrew form preserves its ancient phonology. There is no evidence that the name carries additional meanings (such as a descriptive epithet or title), and it is not directly related to the term for 'sin' (חַטָּאת ḥaṭṭā't) nor to 'newness' (חָדָשׁ ḥādāsh), which are derived from other roots. The use of this name in post-exilic genealogies underscores the prominence of particular priestly and lay families in the restoration period. The designation of these figures as 'Jews' in some English versions is anachronistic and reflects later developments rather than biblical terminology.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from an unused root of uncertain signification; Chattush, the name of four or five Israelites; Hattush.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
uncertain (uncertain) — uncertain; possibly related to crushing or breaking (unattested)
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H1085 | בִּלְדַּד | Bildad |
| H1095 | בֵּלְטְשַׁאצַּר | Belteshatsar |
| H1114 | בִּלְשָׁן | Bilshan |
| H1150 | בִּנְעָא | Bin'a |
| H116 | אֱדַיִן | and then |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2407-01 |
חַטּֽוּשׁ | chatush | HNp |
Hattush | Hattush | 5 |
Occurrences in Scripture
5 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2407-01 |
Ezra 8:2 | חַטּֽוּשׁ | chatush | HNp |
Hattush | Hattush |
H2407-01 |
Nehemiah 3:10 | חַטּ֖וּשׁ | chatush | HNp |
Hattush | Hattush |
H2407-01 |
Nehemiah 10:5 | חַטּ֥וּשׁ | chatush | HNp |
Hattush | Hattush |
H2407-01 |
Nehemiah 12:2 | חַטּֽוּשׁ | chatush | HNp |
Hattush | Hattush |
H2407-01 |
1 Chronicles 3:22 | חַטּ֡וּשׁ | chatush | HNp |
Hattush | Hattush |