3670. kanaph
Lexical Summary
kanaph: hide

Original Word: כָּנַף
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: kanaph
Pronunciation: kah-NAHF
Phonetic Spelling: (kaw-naf')
KJV: be removed
NASB: hide
Word Origin: [a primitive root]

1. (properly) to project laterally, i.e. probably (reflexive) to withdraw

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
be removed

A primitive root; properly, to project laterally, i.e. Probably (reflexive) to withdraw -- be removed.

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
denominative verb from kanaph
Definition
to be cornered or thrust into a corner
NASB Translation
hide (1).

Brown-Driver-Briggs
[כָּנַף] verb denominative from כָּנָף 2 only

Niph`al be cornered, thrust into a corner, or aside; — Imperfect3masculine singular וְלֹא יִכָּנֵף עוֺד מוֺרֶי֔ךָ Isaiah 30:20 and no more shall thy teachers be thrust into a corner (compare Di); > others, who render hide themselves, (compare Arabic enclose, guard, but this rather for protection).

כנר (possibly √ of following; meaning unknown).

Topical Lexicon
Linguistic Nuance

The verb כָּנַף in Isaiah 30:20 describes being pushed aside, obscured, or hidden away as one would tuck something into a corner. The image conveys both concealment and restriction rather than outright removal. The form is passive, underscoring how the condition is imposed from outside rather than self-chosen.

Biblical Occurrence and Context

Isaiah 30 addresses Judah’s temptation to seek political refuge in Egypt instead of relying on the LORD. Verses 18–22 introduce a gracious turning‐point: discipline will be followed by renewed revelation. “Your teachers will no longer be hidden; with your own eyes you will see them” (Isaiah 30:20). Here כָּנַף marks the end of a period in which sound instruction had been driven into the shadows by national unbelief. The promise anticipates a day when prophetic guidance will stand in the open, unmistakable and accessible.

Historical Background

In eighth-century B.C. Judah, the prophetic office was often marginalized by court politics and popular idolatry. When kings silenced unwelcome voices (compare 1 Kings 22:27; Jeremiah 36:23), true teachers were literally pushed into obscurity. Isaiah’s assurance that they will no longer be “cornered” forms part of a larger covenant motif: exile for disobedience, then restoration with clarified instruction (Deuteronomy 30:1–6; Jeremiah 3:15). The verb therefore evokes memories of both the shame of hiding and the dignity of public reinstatement.

Theological Themes

1. Divine Faithfulness in Revelation – Even when judgment falls, God preserves a witness so His people are never finally without light (Psalm 119:105).
2. Necessity of Sound Teaching – Removal of faithful instruction is portrayed as a severe loss; its return signals grace (Amos 8:11–12).
3. Corporate Repentance and Renewal – The end of concealment comes when the community is ready to hear and obey (Isaiah 30:22).

Ministry Significance

Pastors, teachers, and missionaries draw encouragement from Isaiah 30:20. Opposition may confine biblical preaching to a “corner,” yet God vows to restore it to public view. The verb כָּנַף warns churches against sidelining uncomfortable truth and challenges leaders to resist self-imposed obscurity. Rather than retreat, ministers are to proclaim “the whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:27), trusting the Lord to vindicate His word.

Christological Perspective

Jesus Christ embodies the fulfillment of this oracle. During His earthly ministry He declared, “I have spoken openly to the world; I always taught in the synagogues and at the temple” (John 18:20). In Him, teaching once hidden stands manifest. Furthermore, by sending the Spirit (John 16:13) and appointing pastor-teachers (Ephesians 4:11), the risen Lord ensures that true instruction cannot remain permanently suppressed.

Practical and Devotional Reflection

• Examine personal and congregational patterns that may push biblical counsel into a corner—selective hearing, cultural pressure, or fear of offense.
• Pray for persecuted believers whose access to teachers is presently curtailed, that the promise of Isaiah 30:20 will soon be realized among them.
• Cultivate a posture of readiness: “Speak, LORD, for Your servant is listening” (1 Samuel 3:9).

Conclusion

Although כָּנַף appears only once, it captures a timeless reality: God may allow His word to be obscured for a season, but He is committed to bringing it back into the open for the life of His people.

Forms and Transliterations
יִכָּנֵ֥ף יכנף yik·kā·nêp̄ yikkaNef yikkānêp̄
Links
Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
Isaiah 30:20
HEB: לָ֑חַץ וְלֹֽא־ יִכָּנֵ֥ף עוֹד֙ מוֹרֶ֔יךָ
NAS: longer hide Himself, but your eyes
KJV: yet shall not thy teachers be removed into a corner any more, but thine eyes
INT: of oppression will no hide longer teachers

1 Occurrence

Strong's Hebrew 3670
1 Occurrence


yik·kā·nêp̄ — 1 Occ.

3669b
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