English · KJV
H3655

כָּנָה

kânâh /kaw-naw'/ Ask about this word
Roota primitive root
Meaningto address by an additional name; hence, to eulogize
KJV usagegive flattering titles, surname (himself).

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of kânâh — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word kânâh, represented by H3655, is a primitive root that means to address by an additional name. Appearing 4 times across 4 unique verses, its core definition includes the concepts to eulogize, give flattering titles, or to surname oneself. This act of naming can range from a sincere expression of identity to an improper form of flattery.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In the biblical narrative, H3655 is used in two distinct contexts. In the book of Job, it carries a negative connotation. Elihu declares he will not "give flattering titles" to man, as he fears his Maker would soon take him away for such an act Job 32:21-22. In contrast, Isaiah uses the term to describe a positive act of designation and identity. God is shown to have "surnamed" Cyrus to fulfill His purpose, even before Cyrus knew Him Isaiah 45:4. It is also used to describe a future time when people will willingly "surname" themselves by the name of Israel, signifying their deep allegiance to the LORD Isaiah 44:5.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help clarify the meaning of giving a title or name:

  • H7121 qârâʼ (to call out to): This word, meaning to address by name or proclaim, is used in conjunction with H3655. For instance, God's people are those "which are called by my name" 2 Chronicles 7:14, establishing an identity that one might later "surname" oneself with.
  • H3789 kâthab (to write): This term emphasizes the formal and deliberate nature of claiming an identity. It is used in parallel with H3655 when a person not only surnames himself by the name of Israel but also "shall subscribe with his hand unto the LORD" Isaiah 44:5.
  • H5375 nâsâʼ (to lift, accept, exalt): This word connects the act of giving a title with the concept of exalting someone. Elihu's refusal to give flattering titles H3655 is linked to his refusal to "accept any man's person" Job 32:21, showing that flattery is a form of improper exaltation.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of H3655 is significant, touching on themes of sovereignty, identity, and worship.

  • Divine Sovereignty: When God "surnamed" Cyrus, it was an expression of His absolute authority to appoint and use any individual to accomplish His will, highlighting a purpose designated by God alone Isaiah 45:4.
  • Covenant Identity: The act of a person choosing to "surname" himself by the name of Israel is a powerful statement of personal faith and a desire to be counted among God's covenant people Isaiah 44:5.
  • Prohibition of Flattery: Job's use of the term establishes a clear moral principle: giving "flattering titles" to mortals is an affront to the Creator. It shows partiality and directs honor away from God, who alone is worthy of ultimate praise Job 32:22.

Summary

In summary, H3655 is a nuanced word that defines the act of applying a special name or title. It can be a righteous act, whether performed by God to declare His sovereign purpose or by an individual to claim a covenant identity. However, it can also be a sinful act of flattery that dishonors God by improperly exalting man. The word illustrates the profound power that names and titles hold in defining allegiance and directing honor.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a verb across 4 occurrences, inflected in 2 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form. Select any form to read what each part of its name means, and to filter the occurrence list to it.

  • אֲכַנֶּה
  • יְכַנֶּה

Related Words

Related

Other entries the study above points to — each one is drawn from a reference it makes. Follow the trail to see how the words connect.

H7121 קָרָא a primitive root (rather identical with קָרָא through the idea of accosting a person met); to call out to (i.e. properly H3789 כָּתַב a primitive root; to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe); describe, record, presc H5375 נָשָׂא or נָסָה; (Psalm 4:6 (אֲבַד)), a primitive root; to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, ab

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

Appears in 4 verses across 2 of the 39 books. Most frequent in Job and Isaiah (2 verses each); never once in the other 37.

2
Job
2
Isaiah

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, by grammatical form, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.