### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term פַּנַּג (pannag), Strong's H6436, is a unique and somewhat enigmatic word within the biblical lexicon. Its derivation is considered uncertain by lexicographers, leading to a degree of ambiguity regarding its precise meaning. The most widely accepted interpretation, based on contextual clues and comparative philology, suggests it refers to a type of foodstuff, specifically a pastry or a sweet confection. This understanding points to a processed or prepared food item, possibly a delicacy, rather than a raw agricultural product. Due to its singular occurrence, the semantic range of *pannag* is extremely limited, primarily denoting a specific commodity traded in the ancient world.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word פַּנַּג (pannag) appears only once in the entire Hebrew Bible, in the prophet Ezekiel's lament over Tyre: "Judah and the land of Israel were your traders; they exchanged for your merchandise wheat of Minnith, and pannag, and honey, and oil, and balm" [[Ezekiel 27:17]]. In this passage, *pannag* is listed among other valuable commodities—wheat, honey, oil, and balm—that Judah and Israel traded with the powerful maritime city of Tyre. The context of [[Ezekiel 27]] is an extensive and detailed description of Tyre's vast commercial network, highlighting its immense wealth and the diverse goods that flowed through its markets. The inclusion of *pannag* in this list suggests it was a recognized and desirable trade item, likely a specialty product or a staple with significant economic value. Its pairing with wheat and honey further supports the interpretation of it being an edible product, possibly a baked good or a sweet treat that could be preserved and transported. The Septuagint's rendering of this word as "cassia" (κασία) in some manuscripts suggests ancient uncertainty or a different understanding of the commodity, though the prevailing scholarly consensus leans towards a food item.
### Related Words & Concepts
Given the singular occurrence and uncertain etymology of פַּנַּג (pannag), direct lexical relations are scarce. However, it is conceptually linked to several broader biblical themes and categories. Its classification as a food item connects it to the general vocabulary of provisions, sustenance, and agricultural produce found throughout the Scriptures, such as `{{H2406}}` (wheat), `{{H1706}}` (honey), and `{{H8081}}` (oil). As a trade good, *pannag* relates to the wider biblical portrayal of commerce, markets, and international exchange, as seen in passages detailing the wealth of Solomon's kingdom or the economic activities of various nations. The mention of *pannag* in the context of Tyre's trade network aligns it with concepts of luxury goods, exotic imports, and the material prosperity that often accompanied ancient empires. It stands as a testament to the detailed, almost mercantile, precision with which the prophet Ezekiel describes the economic realities of the ancient Near East.
### Theological Significance
While פַּנַּג (pannag) itself holds no direct theological doctrine or command, its inclusion in [[Ezekiel 27:17]] contributes to the broader theological message of God's sovereignty over all nations and their economies. The detailed inventory of Tyre's trade goods, including *pannag*, serves to illustrate the city's immense worldly power and pride, which ultimately becomes the object of divine judgment. The very specificity of such a commodity underscores the comprehensive nature of God's knowledge and the meticulous detail of His prophetic pronouncements. It reminds the reader that even the seemingly mundane aspects of human commerce and daily provisions are part of the divine narrative and subject to God's ultimate plan. The perishable nature of such trade goods, like the fleeting glory of Tyre, implicitly points to the transience of earthly wealth compared to the enduring nature of God's word and kingdom.
### Summary
פַּנַּג (pannag), Strong's H6436, is a rare Hebrew term, appearing only once in [[Ezekiel 27:17]]. Despite its uncertain etymology, scholarly consensus identifies it as a type of foodstuff, most likely a pastry or sweet confection. Its sole biblical occurrence places it within a detailed list of commodities traded by Judah and Israel with Tyre, highlighting its value as a commercial item in the ancient Near East. While lacking direct theological weight, *pannag* contributes to the vivid depiction of Tyre's vast commercial empire, which serves as a backdrop for Ezekiel's prophecy of divine judgment. Its inclusion underscores the Bible's meticulous attention to detail and implicitly reminds us of the ephemeral nature of worldly prosperity in contrast to God's eternal sovereignty.
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