The richness of the Hebrew language provides poignant insight into Chanukah, the word that introduces the coming remembrance celebration of the Maccabean rededication of the Second Temple. When investigated through the eyes of Hebrew in its most Ancient form the letters of the word Chanukah reveal inspiring discernment into God’s intentions as He supernaturally delivered provisions to relight the Menorah, a highly significant furnishing in the Holy Place.
Chanukah, in the Ancient Hebrew, starts with the root word NC, one of the more classic thoughts of the entire Word of God, Grace. Chen (NC) was also the root thought of the Chanan or Ancient tent encampment of the Israelites, which embodied a place of beauty and provision. Thus, the opening thought of the word Chanukah directs our thoughts toward the idea that God’s Grace is the source of beautiful provision.
Next follows the letter v, Vav. Even to this day Vav connotes adding and attaching as a conjunction in the Hebrew language and thus speaks of establishing, attaching, or bringing together.
The Vav is followed by the letter k, Kaf. In its Ancient form, k signified the attributes and actions of the open palm. We are most familiar with the message of the k as the simple expression we make with our hand when we invite another into our home with a sweeping motion of our open palm indicating welcome and freedom of access to our space.
The final letter h, Hey, is the magical letter that gives life to the message embedded in the word Chanukah. It cries out “Hey, behold, take notice – this is important!”
Put them all together and the message of Chanukah is powerful and encouraging:
Chanukah – hkvNC
Behold the Grace of God that
freely establishes access
to His life giving light!
