◄ 3661. kanan ►
Lexical Summary
kanan: To establish, to make firm, to secure

Original Word: כָּנַן
Part of Speech: Noun Feminine
Transliteration: kanan
Pronunciation: kah-nan'
Phonetic Spelling: (kaw-nan')
KJV: X vineyard
Word Origin: [a primitive root]

1. to set out, i.e. plant

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
vineyard

A primitive root; to set out, i.e. Plant -- X vineyard.

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
see kannah.

Topical Lexicon
Root and Semantic Range

כָּנַן (kanan) conveys the act of preparing or providing a secure habitation—imagery naturally extending to nesting, sheltering, and orderly arranging. Though the verb itself is not preserved in the Masoretic text, related Semitic cognates and later Hebrew usage confirm a semantic field that embraces “make a nest,” “establish a dwelling,” and by extension “set in order” or “secure.” The idea is intuitively linked to tenderness, protection, and purposeful design.

Conceptual Threads within Scripture

1. Shelter and Nurture

The “nest” motif recurs throughout Scripture to picture God’s protective care. Moses celebrates the LORD who, “like an eagle that stirs up its nest … spreads His wings to catch them” (Deuteronomy 32:11). Psalm 84:3 portrays sparrow and swallow building nests “near Your altars,” placing maternal security within the sphere of divine presence. Psalm 91:4 extends the metaphor: “He will cover you with His feathers; under His wings you will find refuge.” Although these passages employ other lexical forms, the thematic overlap with כָּנַן is unmistakable—the Lord designs and maintains the believer’s safe dwelling.

2. Orderly Establishment

Wisdom literature often links the nest image with prudent planning (Proverbs 27:8; compare Job 29:18). The root idea behind כָּנַן underscores purposeful arrangement; life flourishes where God’s structure is honored.

3. Human Limitation

Jesus contrasts His itinerant ministry with the security birds enjoy: “Foxes have dens and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head” (Matthew 8:20). The comparison adds a Christological dimension: the Creator who grants shelter to His creatures embraces discomfort to accomplish redemption.

Historical and Cultural Context

In the Ancient Near East, nests symbolized more than avian habitation; they spoke of lineage, territorial claim, and careful craftsmanship. Archaeological finds of stylized nest motifs on household items reinforce the association with domestic blessing. Prophets could leverage the image to warn against false confidence (Jeremiah 49:16) or to promise renewed safety after exile (Ezekiel 17). The unused verbal root כָּנַן stands behind this shared cultural currency, reminding readers that Scripture arises from—and expertly employs—common human experience.

Theological Significance

• Covenant Faithfulness: Every biblical nest picture ultimately points to God’s steadfast commitment to His people. What birds accomplish instinctively, the LORD performs in covenant love—He prepares, guards, and sustains the place where His redeemed dwell.
• Temple Typology: The link between altar and nest in Psalm 84 suggests that worship itself is a divinely fashioned refuge. The root concept of arranging a dwelling resonates with passages describing the tabernacle and temple as “prepared” (1 Kings 6:19) resting places for God’s name.
• Eschatological Hope: Prophecies of restored Zion often speak of secure habitation (Isaiah 32:18). The foundational notion in כָּנַן anticipates the New Jerusalem where God permanently “tabernacles” with humanity (Revelation 21:3).

Practical Ministry Reflections

1. Pastoral Care: Shepherds of God’s flock are called to imitate the divine pattern—creating environments where believers are protected, nourished, and free to mature.
2. Family Life: Parents receive a natural illustration of discipleship; like birds layering twigs, they patiently build routines of prayer, instruction, and affection.
3. Mission and Sacrifice: Christ’s relinquishing of earthly “nest” challenges modern comforts. Effective mission often means loosening personal security so others may find eternal shelter.

Christological Fulfillment

The Maker of every nest chose the cross instead of comfort. In rising, He secures an imperishable dwelling for those who trust Him (John 14:2). Thus the unrecorded Hebrew verb finds climactic expression in the finished work of Jesus, who both prepares and is Himself our eternal refuge.

Summary

Even without direct Old Testament occurrences, כָּנַן enriches biblical theology through the pervasive imagery of nesting and ordered dwelling. It illuminates God’s protective nature, informs patterns of worship and community, and reaches its fullest meaning in the shelter provided by the crucified and risen Christ.

Links
Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts
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