a primitive root; to set out, i.e. plant; [idiom] vineyard.
Transliteration:kânan
Pronunciation:kaw-nan'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root H3661 (כָּנַן, kânan) is described as a primitive root conveying the core meaning "to set out" or "to plant." This implies a deliberate action of placing something in the ground or establishing it with a view toward growth and development. The semantic range is further specified by the idiomatic extension "vineyard." This particular idiom narrows the focus to a cultivated agricultural plot, typically for grapes, which demands careful preparation, diligent planting, and ongoing tending. Thus, H3661 encapsulates the foundational act of initiating growth and establishing a productive entity, particularly within an agricultural framework that anticipates a future yield.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The root H3661 (כָּנַן) itself, in its direct verbal form, does not appear in the Hebrew Bible. Its meaning, as provided by Strong's, is inferred from its single derivative noun, H3662 (כָּנִין, kānîn), which is found exclusively in [[Isaiah 30:24]]. The verse states: "The oxen likewise and the young donkeys that work the ground will eat seasoned fodder, which has been winnowed with the shovel and fork."
In this context, H3662 (כָּנִין) is translated as "fodder" or "provender." While the direct association between "fodder" and the root meaning "to plant" or "vineyard" may not be immediately apparent, the connection lies in the origin and purpose of the substance. Fodder, as sustenance for livestock, is typically derived from cultivated plants, such as grains or grasses. Therefore, H3662 (kānîn) represents that which has been "set out" or "planted" for the specific purpose of nourishment. Although the "vineyard" idiom is not directly reflected in the immediate context of [[Isaiah 30:24]], it reinforces the agricultural dimension of the root's implied meaning, emphasizing the careful preparation and provision of sustenance from the earth. The passage in Isaiah speaks of an era of abundant blessing and divine provision, where even the working animals will partake of choice, prepared sustenance, thereby highlighting God's meticulous care and the fruitfulness of the land.
### Related Words & Concepts
The conceptual domain of H3661 (כָּנַן) intersects with several other significant Hebrew terms and themes related to agriculture, establishment, and divine provision.
* **Planting and Sowing:** The most direct parallels are with verbs such as `{{H5193}}` (nata'), meaning "to plant" (e.g., trees, vineyards), and `{{H2232}}` (zara'), meaning "to sow" (e.g., seeds). While H3661 emphasizes the initial "setting out" or establishment, these terms describe the broader acts of planting and sowing that lead to growth.
* **Vineyard Imagery:** The idiomatic extension to "vineyard" (kerem, `{{H3754}}`) places H3661 within the rich biblical metaphor of Israel as God's vineyard, a place of divine cultivation and expected fruitfulness (e.g., [[Isaiah 5:1-7]], [[Psalm 80:8-19]]). This imagery speaks to God's intimate involvement in the life and destiny of His people.
* **Provision and Sustenance:** The derivative H3662 (kānîn, "fodder") connects H3661 to the overarching biblical theme of divine provision and sustenance, a concept evident throughout Scripture (e.g., God providing manna in the wilderness, [[Psalm 104:14]]).
* **Establishment and Preparation:** The nuance of "to set out" can also subtly link H3661 to roots like `{{H3559}}` (kun), meaning "to be firm, established, prepared." The act of planting inherently involves establishing something firmly in the ground with a view toward a future outcome and purpose.
### Theological Significance
Despite its extreme rarity in direct verbal form, the theological significance of H3661 (כָּנַן)'s implied meaning—"to set out, to plant, vineyard"—is profound and resonates with core biblical truths.
1. **Divine Cultivation and Care:** The concept of "planting" immediately evokes God as the ultimate Planter. Just as a diligent farmer carefully "sets out" a vineyard, so God meticulously establishes and cares for His people, often depicted as His vineyard ([[Isaiah 5:1-7]]). This imagery underscores God's deliberate choice, His patient nurturing, and His expectation of righteous fruit from those He cultivates.
2. **Sovereign Provision and Sustenance:** The connection to "fodder" (H3662) highlights God's role as the faithful Provider. The act of "setting out" plants for sustenance for both humans and animals speaks to God's meticulous order and His unwavering commitment to sustaining all life. This reflects His benevolent nature and His comprehensive care for His creation.
3. **Intentionality and Purpose:** The meaning "to set out" implies intentionality and divine order. God's creative and redemptive acts are never haphazard; they are purposeful, establishing things in their proper place for their intended function and flourishing. The "vineyard" idiom further reinforces this, as a vineyard is a highly ordered and purposeful agricultural endeavor, designed for specific fruitfulness.
4. **Expectation of Fruitfulness:** The "vineyard" idiom inherently carries the expectation of a harvest. Theologically, this implies that God's planting and cultivation are not in vain; He anticipates a spiritual harvest of righteousness, obedience, and glory from those He has established and nurtured.
### Summary
The Hebrew root H3661 (כָּנַן, kânan) is defined as a primitive root meaning "to set out, i.e., plant," with an idiomatic extension to "vineyard." While the verbal root itself is not directly attested in the Hebrew Bible, its meaning is derived from its sole noun derivative, H3662 (כָּנִין, kānîn), which appears as "fodder" in [[Isaiah 30:24]]. This connection suggests a conceptual link to cultivated produce intended for sustenance. Thematically, H3661 points to the deliberate act of establishing something for growth and future yield, particularly within an agricultural context. Theologically, it underscores God's role as the divine Planter and Cultivator, His meticulous provision for all creation, and His purposeful establishment of His people with an expectation of fruitfulness and righteousness.
TRV