a primitive root; properly, to project laterally, i.e. probably (reflexive) to withdraw; be removed.
Transliteration:kânaph
Pronunciation:kaw-naf'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb כָּנַף (kânaph), Strong's number `{{H3670}}`, is a primitive root whose core meaning revolves around the concept of lateral projection or extension. The base definition suggests "to project laterally," and by extension, "to withdraw" or "be removed." This duality might seem counter-intuitive at first glance, but it points to a movement away from a central point, whether by spreading out or by pulling back. It is crucial to note that this verbal form is exceedingly rare in the Hebrew Bible, appearing only once in the Masoretic Text. Its meaning is best understood in close relation to its much more common nominal derivative, כָּנָף (kânaph, `{{H3671}}`), which means "wing," "corner," "skirt," or "edge"—all concepts inherently tied to projection, extension, or covering. Thus, the verbal sense of "to project laterally" or "to spread out" aligns closely with the physical attributes described by the noun. The "withdraw/be removed" aspect might imply a movement *away* from a previous position, fitting the idea of being spread out or dispersed.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb כָּנַף (kânaph, `{{H3670}}`) appears uniquely in [[Numbers 11:31]]. The text reads: "And there went forth a wind from the LORD, and brought quails from the sea, and let them fall by the camp, as it were a day's journey on this side, and as it were a day's journey on the other side, round about the camp, and as it were two cubits high upon the face of the earth." The form used here is the Hiphil stem, *וַיָּנָף* (wayyānaph), which typically denotes a causative action. In this context, the Hiphil of כָּנַף means "to cause to project laterally," "to cause to spread out," or "to cause to be scattered." English translations render this variously as "let them fall" (KJV), "scattered" (NIV), or "spread them out" (ESV, NASB). The imagery is one of the quails being brought by the divine wind and then extensively distributed around the Israelite camp over a vast area, covering the ground to a significant depth. This single occurrence powerfully illustrates God's ability to supernaturally provide and distribute resources on an immense scale, fulfilling the people's craving for meat, albeit leading to severe judgment due to their grumbling. The verb's usage here perfectly captures the idea of a widespread, lateral distribution.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word to כָּנַף (kânaph, `{{H3670}}`) is its nominal counterpart, כָּנָף (kânaph, `{{H3671}}`). This noun, meaning "wing," "corner," "skirt," or "edge," is far more prevalent in the Hebrew Bible and consistently reflects the root's core idea of extension or projection. For instance, "wings" (כָּנָף) are extensions of a bird's body, used for flight or covering; the "corner" or "edge" (כָּנָף) of a garment is its projecting part. This strong semantic link reinforces the understanding of the verb as "to spread out" or "to cause to extend." The concept of divine provision and miraculous intervention, as seen in [[Numbers 11:31]], also connects to broader biblical themes of God's sustenance (e.g., manna, water from the rock) and His sovereign control over creation. While not directly related by root, the idea of "scattering" or "spreading out" can be found in other verbs like פָּזַר (pazar, "to scatter," `{{H6340}}`) or שָׁפַךְ (shapakh, "to pour out," `{{H8210}}`), though כָּנַף uniquely emphasizes the lateral, expansive aspect of the distribution.
### Theological Significance
Despite its singular occurrence, the use of כָּנַף (kânaph, `{{H3670}}`) in [[Numbers 11:31]] carries profound theological weight. It serves as a powerful demonstration of YHWH's absolute sovereignty and immense power over creation. The miraculous spreading of the quails illustrates God's ability to provide abundantly for His people, even in the wilderness, fulfilling their desires. However, this act of provision is also intricately linked to judgment, as the quails become the means through which a plague falls upon the Israelites for their rebellious craving. The verb highlights the sheer scale and comprehensive nature of God's intervention – the quails were not merely present, but "spread out" over a vast area, indicating an overwhelming abundance. Furthermore, the underlying concept of "extension" or "covering," deeply embedded in the root through its nominal form `{{H3671}}`, subtly reminds us of God's protective "wings" (e.g., [[Psalm 91:4]]), even as this specific verbal usage describes a different, more distributive action. The verb thus underscores divine power, provision, and the consequences of human rebellion.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb כָּנַף (kânaph, `{{H3670}}`) is a rare but significant primitive root primarily meaning "to project laterally" or "to cause to spread out." Its single biblical occurrence in [[Numbers 11:31]] describes the miraculous, widespread distribution of quails by the LORD, highlighting His immense power and ability to provide. This verbal usage is deeply connected to its more common noun form, כָּנָף (kânaph, `{{H3671}}`), which denotes "wing," "corner," or "edge," reinforcing the concept of extension and coverage. Theologically, this unique instance of כָּנַף underscores God's absolute sovereignty over creation, His capacity for overwhelming provision, and the immediate consequences of human grumbling and rebellion in the face of divine grace.
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