The Hebrew verb chanah means to encamp or pitch a tent — to settle temporarily in a place as an army in the field or a pilgrim on a journey. It describes the stopping point where people rest and await the next movement. Deeply connected to Israel's wilderness experience where the nation encamped around the Tabernacle.
The theological richness of chanah centers on God's own camping among His people. The angel of the LORD 'encamps' (chanah) around those who fear him (Psalm 34:7) — a military image of divine protection. The ultimate fulfillment is the Incarnation — Jesus 'pitched his tent' (Greek skēnoō, John 1:14) among us.