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.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **kên**, represented by `{{H3654}}`, primarily refers to **a gnat** or **lice**. It appears 7 times across 5 unique verses. While its dominant use is to describe the third plague visited upon Egypt, it is also used idiomatically to mean "manner."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H3654}}` is central to the account of the plagues. God commands Aaron to strike the dust of the land so that it may become **lice** throughout Egypt [[Exodus 8:16]]. The command is fulfilled, and the dust becomes **lice** on both man and beast, covering the whole land [[Exodus 8:17]]. This event is significant because the Egyptian magicians, who had replicated earlier plagues, were unable to produce **lice** with their enchantments [[Exodus 8:18]]. The Psalmist later recounts this event, stating that God "spake, and there came divers sorts of flies, and **lice** in all their coasts" [[Psalms 105:31]]. A unique usage appears in Isaiah, where the word describes how the inhabitants of the earth "shall die in like **manner**" [[Isaiah 51:6]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the plagues and divine action:
* `{{H3909}}` **lâṭ** (enchantment, privily, secretly, softly): This word describes the methods used by the Egyptian magicians in their failed attempt to bring forth lice, highlighting the limit of their secret arts against God's power [[Exodus 8:18]].
* `{{H6157}}` **ʻârôb** (divers sorts of flies, swarm): This term refers to the fourth plague and is mentioned in direct connection with `{{H3654}}` when recounting the plagues God sent upon Egypt [[Psalms 105:31]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H3654}}` is primarily seen in the context of divine judgment and power.
* **Divine Sovereignty:** The plague of **lice** serves as a clear demonstration of God's absolute power over creation. It is a sign that the Egyptian magicians could not replicate, forcing them to acknowledge a greater power at work [[Exodus 8:18]].
* **Pervasive Judgment:** The plague originates from the very dust of the land, signifying a judgment that is inescapable and total, affecting all people and animals throughout Egypt [[Exodus 8:17]].
* **Prophetic Imagery:** The word's use in [[Isaiah 51:6]] to mean "in like manner" connects the idea of small, perishing creatures to the mortality of humanity in the face of God's eternal salvation.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3654}}` is a word with a focused but powerful meaning. It is anchored in the historical narrative of the plagues as the **lice** that overwhelmed Egypt, serving as a key sign of God's authority. Its secondary idiomatic use broadens its scope, using the concept of a lowly gnat to describe the way in which all earthly things will ultimately pass away.
TRV