from an unused root meaning to turn; an angle (of a street or wall); corner.
Transliteration:pên
Pronunciation:pane
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term פֵּן (pên, `{{H6434}}`) derives from an unused root that conveys the concept of "turning." This etymological root is crucial, as it informs the primary semantic range of פֵּן, which denotes a physical "angle" or "corner." Specifically, it refers to the point where two surfaces or lines meet and change direction, such as the corner of a building, a wall, or a street. Unlike broader terms for "side" or "extremity," פֵּן emphasizes the precise juncture, the acute or right angle formed by intersecting elements. Its usage is consistently concrete, describing a tangible spatial feature rather than an abstract concept.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
While occurrences of פֵּן (pên, `{{H6434}}`) are relatively few, its presence in the biblical text consistently reinforces its literal meaning as a physical corner or angle. It appears in contexts describing architectural features, such as the corners of city walls, buildings, or even specific structures within sacred spaces. For instance, one might find it describing the strategic corners of a city's fortifications, which were often points of both strength and vulnerability in ancient warfare. In urban settings, it could delineate the intersection of streets, marking a specific location within a town. The precise nature of פֵּן (pên, `{{H6434}}`) highlights the meticulous descriptions found in biblical narratives, whether detailing the layout of a city or the construction of a sanctuary. Its concrete application underscores the tangible reality of the environments in which biblical events unfolded.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of "corner" or "extremity" is conveyed by several Hebrew terms, each with nuanced distinctions. The root of פֵּן (pên, `{{H6434}}`) is related to פָּנָה (panah, `{{H6437}}`), meaning "to turn" or "to face," and פָּנִים (panim, `{{H6440}}`), "face." This etymological link reinforces the idea of a "turning point" inherent in the physical corner. Other related terms include:
* פֵּאָה (pe'ah, `{{H6285}}`): Often translated as "corner," but with a broader semantic range encompassing a "side," "edge," or "extremity," such as the corner of a field or the side of a beard. While similar, פֵּאָה (pe'ah, `{{H6285}}`) can refer to a larger section or boundary, whereas פֵּן (pên, `{{H6434}}`) typically denotes the precise angular point.
* כָּנָף (kanaf, `{{H3671}}`): Primarily means "wing," but can also refer to an "edge," "skirt," or "corner," particularly in the sense of an outermost or extreme point.
It is important to distinguish פֵּן (pên, `{{H6434}}`) from terms like אֶבֶן פִּנָּה (ʾeven pinnah, literally "stone of the corner"), which refers to a "cornerstone" (e.g., [[Psalm 118:22]]), a foundational or capstone element. While פִּנָּה (pinnah, `{{H6438}}`) is related to פֵּן (pên, `{{H6434}}`) in its meaning of "corner," it often carries the specific connotation of a structural or foundational corner, particularly in metaphorical applications. פֵּן (pên, `{{H6434}}`) by contrast, remains focused on the simple, geometric angle.
### Theological Significance
Given its precise and literal meaning, פֵּן (pên, `{{H6434}}`) does not typically carry direct, deep theological significance in and of itself. Its importance lies more in its contribution to the detailed and accurate description of the physical world in which God's redemptive history unfolds.
However, its presence in descriptions of sacred spaces or divinely ordered structures (if it appears in such contexts, e.g., the Tabernacle or Temple measurements) indirectly points to the divine emphasis on order, precision, and the meticulous fulfillment of instructions. The corners of altars, for example, were specific points for ritual application of blood, signifying atonement and consecration, though usually described by related terms. The strategic importance of city corners highlights human vulnerability and the need for divine protection, or conversely, the strength God provides to His people. While not a theological concept itself, פֵּן (pên, `{{H6434}}`) contributes to the biblical authors' ability to paint vivid and tangible pictures of the settings for divine-human interaction, reinforcing the reality and concreteness of God's engagement with His creation.
### Summary
The Hebrew word פֵּן (pên, `{{H6434}}`) precisely denotes a physical "angle" or "corner," stemming from an unused root meaning "to turn." Its usage in the biblical text is consistently literal, describing specific geometric points such as the corners of walls, buildings, or streets. While distinct from broader terms for "side" or "extremity," and not to be confused with the more metaphorically significant "cornerstone," פֵּן (pên, `{{H6434}}`) contributes to the detailed and concrete descriptions of the biblical world. Its theological significance is primarily indirect, underscoring the divine order and precision evident in creation and in the meticulous descriptions of the settings where God's purposes are enacted.
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