Lexical Summary kanaph: wings, wing, edge Original Word: כָּנָף Strong's Exhaustive Concordance bird, border, corner, end, feathered, flying, one another, overspreading, From kanaph; an edge or extremity; specifically (of a bird or army) a wing, (of a garment or bed-clothing) a flap, (of the earth) a quarter, (of a building) a pinnacle -- + bird, border, corner, end, feather(-ed), X flying, + (one an-)other, overspreading, X quarters, skirt, X sort, uttermost part, wing((-ed)). see HEBREW kanaph NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom an unused word Definition wing, extremity NASB Translation bird* (1), corner (1), corners (4), covering (1), each other (1), edge (5), edges (1), ends (3), fold (2), garment (1), kind (3), skirt (3), skirts (1), sorts (1), wing (14), winged (5), wings (58), wings were each other (1), wingspan (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs כָּנָף109 noun feminine1Kings 6:27 (masculine Ezekiel 7:2 Kt, but compare Qr and Co; also apparently 2 Chronicles 3:11,13, but see Be), wing, extremity (Late Hebrew id.; Aramaic כַּנְפָֿא,  ; Zinjirli אחז בכנף מראה, figurative for attached himself to the party of his lord, PanammuInscr. l. 11, compare Zechariah 8:23 (2a below); DHMSendsch. 58; Arabic  , Assyrian kappu, Ethiopic  ); — absolute ׳כ Genesis 1:21 +; construct כְּנַף 1 Kings 6:24 +; suffix כְּנָפִי Ezekiel 16:8, כְּנָפֶ֑ךָ Ruth 3:9, כְּנָפוֺ Haggai 2:12; dual כְּנָפַיִם 1 Kings 8:7 + (even of more than two, Isaiah 6:2 (twice in verse); Ezekiel 1:6,21); construct כַּנְפֵי Exodus 19:4; suffix כְּנָפֶיךָ Ezekiel 5:3, כְּנָפַיִךְ Jeremiah 2:34, כְּנָפָיו Isaiah 8:8 +; כְּנָפֶיהָ Hosea 4:19; Malachi 3:20; כַּנְפֵיהֶם 1 Kings 6:27 +; כַנְפֵיהֶן Ezekiel 1:24,25; plural construct כַּנְפוֺת Deuteronomy 22:12 4t.; — 1 wing, a. of birds Isaiah 10:14 (in figurative), Exodus 19:4 (E ? R ? figurative) Deuteronomy 32:11 (in simile), Zechariah 5:9; Leviticus 1:17 (P), Job 39:13,26; Psalm 68:14; in figure of invading king Jeremiah 48:40; Jeremiah 49:22; Ezekiel 17:3,7; so apparently Isaiah 8:8 of invader as overflowing river (but Du Che separate וְהָיָה מֻטּוֺת כְּנָפָיו from preceding); of riches, as flying away Proverbs 23:5; in phrase צִמּוֺר כָּנָף = winged birds Deuteronomy 4:17; Psalm 148:10, ׳(עֵיט)צִמּוֺר כָּלכֿ Ezekiel 39:4,17, ׳כֹּל צִמּוֺר כָּלכֿ Genesis 7:14 (P), Ezekiel 17:23, ׳עוֺף כ Genesis 1:21 (P), Psalm 78:27; also ׳בַּעַל כ Proverbs 1:17 = winged thing, compare בַּעַלהֿ֯כְּנָפַיִם Ecclesiastes 10:20. b. of insects (probably), אֶרֶץ צִלְצַל כְּנָפָ֑יִם Isaiah 18:1 buzzing, or humming of wings, i.e. Ethiopia, so called from its swarms of flies, with especial reference possibly to the tsetse-fly (so Du, compare Che; id., in General, Hi De; > Kn Di of the tropical shadow falling both ways; Thes1167b of noise of the wings of an army; reference to sails as wings — compare Isaiah 18:2 — would be suitable, but צִלְצַל does not favour this). c. of cherubim 1 Kings 6:24 (4 t. in verse) + 8 t. Kings, compare 2 Chronicles 3:11 (4 t. in verse) + 6 t. Chronicles; Ezekiel 1:6 17t. Ezekiel; Exodus 25:20 (twice in verse); Exodus 39:9 (twice in verse) (all P). d. of seraphim Isaiah 6:2 (twice in verse). e. of women in Zechariah's vision Zechariah 5:9 (twice in verse). f. figurative of the wind, Hosea 4:19; Psalm 18:11 = 2 Samuel 22:11; Psalm 104:3. g. figurative of the dawn (winged sun-disc ?) Psalm 139:9, compare of sun of righteousness Malachi 3:20. h. figurative of ׳י, as protector of his people Psalm 17:8; Psalm 36:8; Psalm 57:2; Psalm 61:5; Psalm 63:3; Psalm 91:4; Ruth 2:12. 2 extremity: — a. of garment = skirt, corner, or loose flowing end, 1 Samuel 15:27; 1 Samuel 24:5; 1 Samuel 24:6; 1 Samuel 24:12 (twice in verse); Deuteronomy 22:12; Deuteronomy 23:1; Deuteronomy 27:20; Jeremiah 2:34 (figurative), Ezekiel 5:3; Ezekiel 16:8 (in figurative), Haggai 2:12 (twice in verse); Zechariah 8:23; Numbers 15:38 (twice in verse) (P; compare RSSem, i. 416, 2nd ed. 437). b. of the earth, מִכְּנַף הָאָרֶץ Isaiah 24:16 from the end of the earth; elsewhere plural ׳כַּנְפוֺת הָא Job 37:3; Job 38:13, and, def. ׳הא ׳אַרְבַּע כ Isaiah 11:12 the four corners of the earth; so of the holy land Ezekiel 7:2. — עַלכְּֿנַף שִׁקּוּצִים מְשׁוֺמֵם Daniel 9:27 is obscure; Meinh reads, after Vrss., כָּנָף, on the corner (of the altar) is a devastating abomination; < KueOnderzoek 2, ii. 472 Bev, who read עַלכַּֿנּוֺ in its place, instead of it. Topical Lexicon Range of Meaning in Scripture The term embraces two principal ideas: the physical wing of a bird or other creature, and the outer edge or extremity of something, most often a garment. Out of approximately 109 uses, the vast majority fall naturally into one of these two spheres, each rich with theological and pastoral significance. Literal Wings of Creatures From the creation narrative onward, Scripture speaks of birds and insects “with wings” (Genesis 1:21; Genesis 7:14; Deuteronomy 14:11). Their wings display God’s design and provision in nature, prompting praise (Psalm 148:10). Prophets also allude to animal wings to convey speed or ubiquity, as when Habakkuk describes horses whose “hooves are like flint” and “fly like an eagle swooping to devour” (Habakkuk 1:8). Wings of Angelic and Heavenly Beings Cherubim fashioned for the tabernacle and temple spread their wings over the mercy seat (Exodus 25:20; 1 Kings 8:7). Ezekiel beheld living creatures whose “wings were spread out above” and whose motion sounded “like the roar of rushing waters” (Ezekiel 1:24). These visions underscore both holiness and immediacy—heavenly powers able to carry out the will of God instantly. Divine Metaphor of Protection and Refuge The psalmists repeatedly invoke “the shadow of Your wings” as a place of safety. “Hide me in the shadow of Your wings” (Psalm 17:8). “How precious is Your loving devotion, O God, that the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Your wings” (Psalm 36:7). “He will cover you with His feathers; under His wings you will find refuge” (Psalm 91:4). The imagery conveys nearness, tenderness, and sovereign shelter. Symbol of Strength and Swiftness Isaiah prophesies renewed vigor for the weary: “They will soar on wings like eagles” (Isaiah 40:31). Deuteronomy pictures the LORD as an eagle “spreading its wings” to carry Israel (Deuteronomy 32:11). Wings, therefore, become a symbol of Spirit-empowered endurance and mission. Edges and Corners of Garments The same word denotes the “corner” or “skirt” of a robe. Saul tore the corner of Samuel’s mantle (1 Samuel 15:27), and David later cut the corner of Saul’s robe (1 Samuel 24:4–5), signifying the severance of royal authority. The Law commanded, “You are to make tassels on the four corners of the cloak you wear” (Deuteronomy 22:12), a daily reminder of covenant obedience (Numbers 15:38–40). Covenant and Marriage Imagery To spread one’s wing—or garment corner—over another expressed commitment. Boaz understood Ruth’s plea: “Spread the corner of your garment over your servant, for you are a kinsman-redeemer” (Ruth 3:9). Ezekiel uses the same action to depict God’s covenant with Jerusalem: “I spread My wing over you and covered your nakedness” (Ezekiel 16:8). The symbol joins protection, provision, and legally binding relationship. Prophetic and Eschatological Uses The word colors end-time hope: “For you who fear My name, the Sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings” (Malachi 4:2). Daniel’s visions feature beasts with wings signifying empires swift to conquer yet ultimately subject to divine judgment (Daniel 7:4–6). Isaiah foretells that God will “gather the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth” (Isaiah 11:12), declaring a worldwide restoration. Cultic and Mosaic Law Application Sacrificial regulations occasionally mention cutting or burning the wings of birds offered on the altar (Leviticus 1:17). The command concerning garment corners (Numbers 15:38; Deuteronomy 22:12) ensured that even daily attire testified to holiness. Thus worship and ordinary life were alike brought under God’s wings. Geographical and Cosmic Corners Several passages employ the term for the extremities of the land or sky: “He will whistle for them from the ends of the earth” (Isaiah 5:26); “the four winds of heaven” (Jeremiah 49:36). Such usage underscores divine sovereignty over the whole created order. Practical Ministry Applications 1. Refuge in Prayer: Encourage believers to personalize prayers such as Psalm 57:1, cultivating confidence that God spreads His wing over them amid trial. Kanaph, therefore, unites themes of shelter, commitment, power, and outreach—an enduring picture of the God who both hovers protectively over His people and sends them forth in Spirit-borne flight. Forms and Transliterations בְּכַנְפ֣וֹת בְּכַנְפֵיהֶ֔ם בְּכַנְפֵיהֶם֙ בִּ֠כְנָפוֹ בִּכְנַ֣ף בִּכְנַף֩ בִּכְנַף־ בִּכְנָפֶ֑יהָ בִּכְנָפֶֽיךָ׃ בִּכְנָפַ֙יִךְ֙ בִכְנָפָיו֮ בכנף בכנף־ בכנפו בכנפות בכנפיה בכנפיהם בכנפיו בכנפיך בכנפיך׃ הַכְּנָפַ֙יִם֙ הַכָּנָ֖ף הכנף הכנפים וְהַכָּנָ֤ף וְכַנְפֵי֙ וְכַנְפֵיהֶ֑ם וְכַנְפֵיהֶ֖ם וְכַנְפֵיהֶ֥ם וְכַנְפֵיהֶם֙ וּכְנַ֨ף וּכְנַף֙ והכנף וכנף וכנפי וכנפיהם כְּ֝נָפֶ֗יךָ כְּכַנְפֵ֣י כְּנַ֣ף כְּנַ֤ף כְּנַ֥ף כְּנַ֨ף כְּנַֽף־ כְּנַף־ כְּנָפִי֙ כְּנָפֶ֣יךָ כְּנָפֶ֥יךָ כְּנָפַ֔יִם כְּנָפַ֖יִם כְּנָפַ֛יִם כְּנָפָ֑יִם כְּנָפָ֔יו כְּנָפָ֖יו כְּנָפָ֣יו כְּנָפָֽיו׃ כְּנָפָיו֙ כְנָפֶ֙ךָ֙ כְנָפַ֑יִם כְנָפַ֖יִם כְנָפַ֜יִם כַּ֠נְפֵיהֶם כַּנְפ֥וֹת כַּנְפֵ֣י כַּנְפֵ֥י כַּנְפֵי֙ כַּנְפֵי־ כַּנְפֵיהֶ֑ם כַּנְפֵיהֶ֔ם כַּנְפֵיהֶ֗ם כַּנְפֵיהֶ֡ם כַּנְפֵיהֶ֣ם כַּנְפֵיהֶֽם׃ כַנְפֵי־ כַנְפֵיהֶֽן׃ כָּנָ֔ף כָּנָ֖ף כָּנָ֛ף כָּנָ֜ף כָּנָ֥ף כָּנָֽף׃ כָּנָף֙ כְּנָפַ֖יִם כְּנָפָ֣יו ככנפי כנף כנף־ כנף׃ כנפות כנפי כנפי־ כנפיהם כנפיהם׃ כנפיהן׃ כנפיו כנפיו׃ כנפיך כנפים כנפך לִכְנַ֖ף לכנף מִכְּנַ֨ף מכנף bə·ḵan·p̄ê·hem bə·ḵan·p̄ō·wṯ bechanfeiHem bechanFot bəḵanp̄êhem bəḵanp̄ōwṯ bichnaf bichnaFayich bichnaFeicha bichnaFeiha bichnafo biḵ·nā·p̄a·yiḵ ḇiḵ·nā·p̄āw biḵ·nā·p̄e·hā biḵ·nā·p̄e·ḵā biḵ·nā·p̄ōw biḵ·nap̄ biḵ·nap̄- biḵnap̄ biḵnap̄- ḇiḵnāp̄āw biḵnāp̄ayiḵ biḵnāp̄ehā biḵnāp̄eḵā biḵnāp̄ōw chanfei chanfeiHen chenaFayim chenaFecha hak·kā·nāp̄ hak·kə·nā·p̄a·yim hakkaNaf hakkānāp̄ hakkenaFayim hakkənāp̄ayim kā·nāp̄ kan·p̄ê kan·p̄ê- ḵan·p̄ê- kan·p̄ê·hem ḵan·p̄ê·hen kan·p̄ō·wṯ kaNaf kānāp̄ kanFei kanfeiHem kanFot kanp̄ê kanp̄ê- ḵanp̄ê- kanp̄êhem ḵanp̄êhen kanp̄ōwṯ kə·ḵan·p̄ê kə·nā·p̄a·yim kə·nā·p̄ā·yim ḵə·nā·p̄a·yim kə·nā·p̄āw kə·nā·p̄e·ḵā ḵə·nā·p̄e·ḵā kə·nā·p̄î kə·nap̄ kə·nap̄- kechanFei kəḵanp̄ê keNaf kenaFav kenaFayim kenaFeicha kenaFi kənap̄ kənap̄- kənāp̄āw kənāp̄ayim kənāp̄āyim ḵənāp̄ayim kənāp̄eḵā ḵənāp̄eḵā kənāp̄î lichNaf liḵ·nap̄ liḵnap̄ mik·kə·nap̄ mikkeNaf mikkənap̄ ū·ḵə·nap̄ ucheNaf ūḵənap̄ vechanFei vechanfeiHem vehakkaNaf vichnaFav wə·hak·kā·nāp̄ wə·ḵan·p̄ê wə·ḵan·p̄ê·hem wəhakkānāp̄ wəḵanp̄ê wəḵanp̄êhemLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 1:21 HEB: כָּל־ ע֤וֹף כָּנָף֙ לְמִינֵ֔הוּ וַיַּ֥רְא NAS: and every winged bird KJV: after their kind, and every winged fowl INT: and every bird winged kind saw Genesis 7:14 Exodus 19:4 Exodus 25:20 Exodus 25:20 Exodus 37:9 Exodus 37:9 Leviticus 1:17 Numbers 15:38 Numbers 15:38 Deuteronomy 4:17 Deuteronomy 22:12 Deuteronomy 22:30 Deuteronomy 27:20 Deuteronomy 32:11 Ruth 2:12 Ruth 3:9 1 Samuel 15:27 1 Samuel 24:4 1 Samuel 24:5 1 Samuel 24:11 1 Samuel 24:11 2 Samuel 22:11 1 Kings 6:24 1 Kings 6:24 109 Occurrences |
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