Lexical Summary chanukkah: dedication Original Word: חֲנֻכָּא Strong's Exhaustive Concordance dedication (Aramaic) corresponding to chanukkah; consecration -- dedication. see HEBREW chanukkah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) corresponding to chanukkah Definition dedication NASB Translation dedication (4). Brown-Driver-Briggs [חֲנֻכָּה] noun feminine dedication (ᵑ7; Biblical Hebrew id., √ חנך); — construct חֲנֻכַּת, of image Daniel 3:2. Daniel 3:3; temple Ezra 6:16. Ezra 16:17. Topical Lexicon Definition and Scope The Aramaic word חֲנֻכָּא denotes a formal act of dedication or consecration, the public setting apart of a structure or object for sacred or symbolic use. The term occurs four times in Scripture, each instance featuring a highly visible ceremony meant to signal that the object in view now belongs to—or claims to belong to—a higher authority. Biblical Occurrences 1. Ezra 6:16-17 records the joyful dedication of the Second Temple: “Then the Israelites, the priests, the Levites, and the rest of the exiles celebrated the dedication of this house of God with joy”. The ceremony included the offering of one hundred bulls, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs, and twelve male goats for a sin offering for all Israel, underscoring the restoration of corporate worship after exile. Historical Background • Ezra’s dedication occurs in 516 B.C. under Persian sanction, marking the culmination of the return from exile and the fulfillment of prophetic promises (Haggai 2:9). Theological Themes 1. Sanctity through Blood: Ezra 6 connects dedication with sin offerings, linking consecration to atonement and covenant renewal. Contrast of Holy and Profane Dedication The Temple dedication springs from obedience to divine command, whereas the statue’s dedication springs from human pride. One leads to rejoicing and covenant blessing, the other to persecution and impending judgment (Daniel 4). Scripture thus teaches that ceremonies of dedication are judged by their object and motive, not merely by their outward grandeur. Connections to Later Biblical Revelation • The concept carries forward into the inter-Testamental rededication of the Temple commemorated in the Feast of Dedication mentioned in John 10:22, where Jesus, Himself the true Temple (John 2:19-21), walks in Solomon’s Colonnade. Applications for Ministry and Worship • Church buildings, ministry tools, and missionary endeavors can be formally set apart to God, reminding congregations that all service is sacred. Related Terms and Themes Consecration (Leviticus 8); inauguration of altar and wall (Numbers 7; Nehemiah 12:27); “house of God” as a dwelling for His Name (1 Kings 8). Each reinforces that dedication is the public recognition that something or someone is wholly set apart for the Lord’s exclusive use and honor. Forms and Transliterations חֲנֻכַּ֛ת חנכת לַחֲנֻכַּ֣ת לַחֲנֻכַּת֮ לחנכת chanukKat ḥă·nuk·kaṯ ḥănukkaṯ la·ḥă·nuk·kaṯ lachanukKat laḥănukkaṯLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ezra 6:16 HEB: בְּנֵי־ גָלוּתָ֗א חֲנֻכַּ֛ת בֵּית־ אֱלָהָ֥א NAS: celebrated the dedication of this KJV: kept the dedication of this INT: and the sons of the captivity the dedication house of God Ezra 6:17 Daniel 3:2 Daniel 3:3 4 Occurrences |
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