A Hebrew word functioning as both verb and noun. As a verb: to become related by marriage, make oneself a son-in-law. As a noun (chathan): bridegroom, son-in-law. The related noun chathunnah means 'wedding.' It describes the covenant act of entering into a marriage relationship and the person who enters that bond.
The bridegroom imagery is one of Scripture's most powerful metaphors for God's relationship with His people. God calls Himself Israel's husband (Isaiah 54:5), and the prophets describe idolatry as marital unfaithfulness. In Exodus 4:25, Zipporah calls Moses a 'bridegroom of blood' (chathan damim) — one of Scripture's most mysterious phrases, connecting marriage covenant with blood sacrifice. Jesus identifies Himself as the Bridegroom (Matthew 9:15; John 3:29), and Revelation culminates in the 'marriage supper of the Lamb.' The chathan theology traces a line from Sinai's covenant to the Cross's consummation — God pursuing His bride through blood covenant.