from כָּנַן in the sense of fastening; (from infixing its sting; used only in plural (and irregular in Exodus 8:17,18; Hebrews 13:14)); a gnat; lice, [idiom] manner.
Transliteration:kên
Pronunciation:kane
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word `{{H3654}}` (כֵּן, *kên*) primarily denotes a small, biting insect, specifically "gnats" or "lice." This meaning is derived from the root `{{H3559}}` (כָּנַנ, *kanan*), which carries the sense of "to be firm," "fixed," or "established." The connection to the insect meaning likely stems from their characteristic of "fastening" themselves onto a host or "infixes its sting," thereby becoming firmly attached. It is notable that `{{H3654}}` is exclusively used in the plural form, כֵּנִים (*kênîm*), in its biblical occurrences, referring to a multitude of these insects.
It is crucial to distinguish this specific `{{H3654}}` from homophonous words also transliterated as *kên*. The Strong's definition includes "[idiom] manner," which is commonly associated with `{{H3651}}` or `{{H3653}}`, meaning "thus," "so," "rightly," or "truly." While phonetically identical, the semantic range of `{{H3654}}` as an insect is distinct from the adverbial usage of "manner" or "thus." For the purpose of this study, `{{H3654}}` is understood solely in its entomological sense.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word `{{H3654}}` appears in the Hebrew Bible exclusively in the context of the third plague inflicted upon Egypt, as recorded in the book of Exodus and subsequently referenced in the Psalms. Its occurrences are:
* **[[Exodus 8:17]] (MT 8:13):** "And they did so; for Aaron stretched out his hand with his rod, and smote the dust of the earth, and it became lice throughout all the land of Egypt." Here, כֵּנִים (*kênîm*) refers to the dust of the earth turning into biting insects, afflicting both humans and animals. This plague directly followed the plague of frogs.
* **[[Exodus 8:18]] (MT 8:14):** "And the magicians did so with their enchantments to bring forth lice, but they could not: so there were lice upon man, and upon beast." This verse highlights the pivotal moment where the Egyptian magicians, who had previously mimicked the first two plagues, were unable to replicate the plague of lice. This inability served as a clear demonstration of Yahweh's unique power, surpassing the capabilities of Egyptian magic and deities.
* **[[Psalm 105:31]]:** "He spake, and there came divers sorts of flies, and lice in all their coasts." This psalm recounts the mighty acts of God in delivering Israel from Egypt, serving as a historical hymn of praise. The mention of כֵּנִים (*kênîm*) here reinforces the narrative of the plagues as divine judgments and demonstrations of God's sovereignty over creation.
In all contexts, `{{H3654}}` consistently refers to these small, irritating, and pervasive insects. The plague of lice was particularly humiliating for the Egyptians and their gods because it arose from the very dust of the earth, a common and seemingly insignificant element, and could not be counteracted by their most skilled practitioners of magic.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for `{{H3654}}` is its root, `{{H3559}}` (כָּנַנ, *kanan*), which means "to be firm," "established," or "fixed." This etymological link suggests the nature of lice as creatures that "fasten" themselves or "inflict a sting" that "fixes" them to their host.
As discussed, it is vital to differentiate `{{H3654}}` from its homophones:
* `{{H3651}}` (כֵּן, *ken*): An adverb meaning "thus," "so," "rightly," or "truly." This word also derives from a root signifying firmness or establishment, but its semantic development leads to an adverbial sense of certainty or affirmation.
* `{{H3653}}` (כֵּן, *ken*): A noun meaning "base," "stand," or "pedestal," again related to the concept of being firm or established.
Conceptually, `{{H3654}}` is intrinsically linked to:
* **Divine Judgment:** The plague of lice was a direct act of God's judgment against Pharaoh and the Egyptian people for their oppression of Israel.
* **God's Sovereignty over Nature:** The ability to transform dust into living creatures, and to send and remove them at will, demonstrates Yahweh's absolute control over all creation, from the grandest to the most minute.
* **Humiliation of Paganism:** The inability of the Egyptian magicians to produce or control these insects underscored the impotence of their gods and magical arts in comparison to the power of the God of Israel.
* **Distinction:** The plagues, including that of lice, served to distinguish between the Egyptians and the Israelites, showing God's protection over His chosen people.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H3654}}` lies primarily in its role within the plague narratives of Exodus. The plague of lice, though seemingly minor compared to others, carried profound theological weight:
1. **God's Omnipotence and Sovereignty:** The transformation of dust into lice, and the subsequent inability of the Egyptian magicians to replicate it, powerfully demonstrated Yahweh's unique and absolute power. It showed that God's control extends even to the most insignificant elements of creation, using them as instruments of His will. This challenged the polytheistic worldview of Egypt, asserting Yahweh as the sole, supreme deity.
2. **Divine Judgment and Justice:** The lice represented a direct judgment from God upon Pharaoh and Egypt for their obstinacy and cruelty. This plague, like the others, was a manifestation of God's justice, compelling Pharaoh to release His people.
3. **Humiliation of Idolatry:** The Egyptian god Geb, associated with the earth, and Thoth, the god of magic and wisdom, were implicitly challenged and humiliated by this plague. The very dust of the earth, from which life was believed to spring, became a source of torment that their gods and magicians could not control. This underscored the futility of worshipping false gods.
4. **The Distinction of God's People:** The plagues, including the lice, served to highlight the distinction between Israel and Egypt, demonstrating God's protective hand over His covenant people even amidst widespread calamity.
### Summary
`{{H3654}}` (כֵּן, *kên*) refers specifically to "gnats" or "lice," small, biting insects. Derived from a root meaning "to be firm" or "fastened," its usage in the Hebrew Bible is exclusively in the plural form, כֵּנִים (*kênîm*). Its three occurrences are found within the narrative of the plagues in Exodus ([[Exodus 8:17]], [[Exodus 8:18]]) and a poetic recounting in Psalms ([[Psalm 105:31]]). In these contexts, `{{H3654}}` plays a crucial role in illustrating God's absolute sovereignty over creation, His power to inflict judgment, and His superiority over the gods and magic of Egypt. It is important to distinguish this specific `{{H3654}}` from homophonous words that mean "thus" or "manner," as those belong to a distinct semantic domain. The plague of lice, though seemingly minor, profoundly demonstrated God's ability to use even the most insignificant elements to accomplish His divine purposes and to humble the proud.
TRV