patrial from כְּנַעַן; a Kenaanite or inhabitant of Kenaan; by implication, a pedlar (the Canaanites standing for their neighbors the Ishmaelites, who conducted mercantile caravans); Canaanite, merchant, trafficker.
Transliteration:Kᵉnaʻanîy
Pronunciation:ken-ah-an-ee'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H3669}}` (Kᵉnaʻanîy) is a gentilic or patrial noun derived from `{{H3667}}` (Kenaʻan), the name of the land. Its primary and most frequent meaning is "Canaanite," referring to an inhabitant of the land of Canaan. This designation encompasses a broad ethnic group that occupied the region west of the Jordan River before the Israelite conquest. The term often appears alongside other specific groups like the Amorites, Hittites, and Jebusites, indicating a collective identity for the pre-Israelite inhabitants.
A significant secondary meaning of `{{H3669}}` is "merchant," "trader," or "trafficker." This semantic extension arises from the historical reality that the Canaanites, particularly the Phoenicians (a later development of the Canaanite people), were renowned seafarers and merchants, dominating ancient Near Eastern trade routes. Their reputation for commerce was so pervasive that "Canaanite" became synonymous with "merchant." This metaphorical usage highlights a key aspect of their societal role and economic influence in the ancient world.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H3669}}` appears numerous times throughout the Hebrew Bible, primarily in two distinct contexts reflecting its dual meaning.
As an ethnic designation, "Canaanite" is first encountered in the patriarchal narratives, often in relation to Abraham's sojourning in the land promised to his descendants (e.g., [[Genesis 12:6]], [[Genesis 13:7]], [[Genesis 24:3]]). Here, they are simply the indigenous inhabitants. Their presence becomes a central theme in the books of Exodus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy, where God commands Israel to dispossess the Canaanites and other inhabitants of the land due to their egregious idolatry and moral corruption (e.g., [[Exodus 3:8]], [[Numbers 13:29]], [[Deuteronomy 7:1]]). The conquest narratives in Joshua and Judges detail the conflicts and interactions between Israel and the Canaanites, often portraying the latter as formidable adversaries (e.g., [[Joshua 17:12]], [[Judges 1:1]]). Even in later historical books, remnants of the Canaanites are mentioned, sometimes as subjugated laborers (e.g., [[1 Kings 9:20-21]]).
The secondary meaning of "merchant" or "trader" is evident in several prophetic and wisdom texts. For instance, [[Job 40:30]] (or 41:6 in some translations) uses the term in a context of bargaining or trading, suggesting a "merchant" selling wares. [[Proverbs 31:24]] describes the virtuous wife as one who "makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the Canaanites," clearly referring to traders or merchants. Most strikingly, prophetic passages like [[Isaiah 23:8]] refer to Tyre's "Canaanites" as its "traders," emphasizing their commercial power. Perhaps the most significant instance is [[Zechariah 14:21]], which declares, "And there shall no longer be a Canaanite in the house of the Lord of hosts on that day." In this eschatological vision, "Canaanite" is understood metaphorically to mean "merchant," "trafficker," or even "unclean/profane person," implying that all commercialism, impurity, or unfaithfulness will be purged from the sanctuary in the messianic age.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is `{{H3667}}` (Kenaʻan), the geographical name for the land from which the people derive their identity. This connection is fundamental to understanding `{{H3669}}`.
Other related terms include the various specific ethnic groups often listed alongside the Canaanites as inhabitants of the land:
* `{{H567}}` ('Emoriy - Amorite)
* `{{H2845}}` (Hittiy - Hittite)
* `{{H6522}}` (P<sup>e</sup>rizziy - Perizzite)
* `{{H2340}}` (Hivviy - Hivite)
* `{{H2983}}` (Y<sup>e</sup>vuwsiy - Jebusite)
* `{{H1622}}` (Girgeshiy - Girgashite)
Conceptually, `{{H3669}}` is linked to themes of:
* **Idolatry and Wickedness:** The Canaanites are consistently portrayed as practitioners of abhorrent religious and moral practices, including child sacrifice and sexual immorality (e.g., [[Leviticus 18:24-28]], [[Deuteronomy 12:31]]).
* **Divine Judgment:** Their wickedness is the basis for God's command to dispossess them, serving as a powerful example of divine judgment against sin.
* **Land Possession and Inheritance:** The Canaanites represent the obstacle to Israel's inheritance of the Promised Land, a central theme in the Pentateuch and Former Prophets.
* **Trade and Commerce:** The secondary meaning highlights the widespread mercantile activities of the Canaanite peoples, particularly the Phoenicians, and can sometimes carry a negative connotation in prophetic critiques of materialism or spiritual compromise.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H3669}}` is multifaceted. Primarily, the Canaanites serve as a stark example of a people group under divine judgment due to their profound spiritual and moral corruption. Their practices, particularly those involving child sacrifice and cultic prostitution, were an abomination to Yahweh and represented a direct antithesis to the holiness demanded by the Mosaic Covenant. God's command to dispossess them underscores His absolute sovereignty over nations and His intolerance for unrighteousness, demonstrating that even chosen peoples are subject to His moral standards. This narrative also highlights God's covenant faithfulness to Israel, as He fulfills His promise to give them the land.
Furthermore, the Canaanites' continued presence in parts of the land, even after the initial conquest, illustrates the persistent challenge of idolatry and syncretism for Israel. Their influence often led Israel astray, serving as a constant temptation to compromise their monotheistic faith and adopt pagan practices.
The metaphorical use of "Canaanite" as "merchant" or "trafficker" carries significant theological weight, especially in prophetic literature. In passages like [[Zechariah 14:21]], the "Canaanite" in the Lord's house symbolizes any form of impurity, commercial exploitation, or spiritual unfaithfulness that defiles sacred space and worship. This points to an eschatological vision of a purified people and a holy sanctuary, where there will be no room for anything that compromises true devotion to God. It suggests a critique of a purely commercial or transactional approach to faith, emphasizing the need for genuine spiritual integrity.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H3669}}` (Kᵉnaʻanîy) is a rich and significant term in the biblical lexicon, carrying both an ethnic and a metaphorical meaning. Primarily, it designates the "Canaanites," the indigenous inhabitants of the land of Canaan prior to and during the Israelite settlement. In this capacity, they represent a people group whose moral depravity and idolatry led to divine judgment and their eventual displacement by Israel, serving as a powerful theological lesson on God's holiness and justice. Secondarily, due to the Canaanites' historical prominence in trade, the term evolved to mean "merchant" or "trafficker." This semantic extension is particularly notable in prophetic contexts, where "Canaanite" can symbolize commercialism, impurity, or spiritual defilement, pointing towards a future time of complete purification and unadulterated worship. Thus, `{{H3669}}` encapsulates both a historical reality and a profound theological concept concerning divine judgment, covenant faithfulness, and the purity of worship.
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