feminine of פֵּן; an angle; by implication, a pinnacle; figuratively, a chieftain; bulwark, chief, corner, stay, tower.
Transliteration:pinnâh
Pronunciation:pin-naw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun פִּנָּה (pinnâh, `{{H6438}}`) is derived from the root פֵּן (pen), which conveys the idea of turning or a side. As a feminine noun, pinnâh fundamentally denotes an "angle" or "corner," particularly the crucial point where two sides of a structure meet. This literal meaning extends to several significant semantic ranges:
1. **Architectural Corner/Structural Point:** Most literally, it refers to the physical corner of a building, wall, or even a street. This emphasizes its role as a point of convergence, support, and often, vulnerability or strength.
2. **Pinnacle/Tower/Bulwark:** From the idea of a corner of a building, it can imply a prominent, elevated corner, such as a "pinnacle" or "tower." In this sense, it speaks to height, prominence, and often, defensive strength, acting as a "bulwark" or "stay."
3. **Figurative - Chieftain/Leader:** This is a powerful metaphorical extension. Just as a cornerstone or a strong corner is essential for the stability and integrity of a physical structure, a "chieftain," "leader," or "prince" is vital for the stability, direction, and well-being of a community, nation, or army. They are the foundational and pivotal figures upon whom society rests.
Thus, the semantic range of pinnâh spans from a tangible architectural feature to an abstract representation of foundational strength, prominence, and indispensable leadership.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term pinnâh appears approximately 20 times in the Old Testament, showcasing its diverse applications:
* **Literal Architectural Corners:**
* In [[1 Kings 7:34]], it describes the "corners" of the base of the bronze stands in Solomon's temple, highlighting a structural component.
* [[2 Chronicles 26:15]] mentions Uzziah building "towers" (often understood as corner towers) in Jerusalem at the "corners" of the wall, emphasizing their defensive purpose.
* [[Nehemiah 3:24]] refers to specific sections of the repaired wall, including a "corner" point.
* [[Jeremiah 31:38]] speaks of the rebuilt Jerusalem from the Tower of Hananel to the "Corner Gate," marking geographical boundaries.
* In [[Job 38:6]], God asks Job about the "cornerstone" of the earth, though the Hebrew here is pinnâh used in a foundational sense, implying the earth's structural integrity.
* **Figurative - Leaders/Chieftains:**
* [[Judges 20:2]] describes the "chiefs" (literally, "corners") of all the people of Israel assembling before the Lord, indicating their prominent and leading roles.
* Similarly, [[1 Samuel 14:38]] refers to the "chiefs" of the people of Israel whom Saul gathers.
* [[Isaiah 19:13]] laments that the "chiefs" of Zoan have become fools, showing pinnâh as a term for civic leaders.
* [[Zechariah 10:4]] is particularly rich, stating, "From him [Judah] will come the cornerstone, from him the tent peg, from him the battle bow, from him every ruler together." Here, pinnâh is used in parallel with other symbols of leadership and strength, explicitly connecting it to the concept of a "ruler" (נוֹגֵשׂ, nogesh).
* **Strength and Defense:**
* As seen in [[2 Chronicles 26:15]], the "corners" where towers are built signify points of strength and defense.
* The concept of a "bulwark" or "stay" is inherent in its structural meaning, providing support and stability.
The most significant contextual usage, however, is its close association with the "cornerstone" in Messianic prophecy.
### Related Words & Concepts
The understanding of pinnâh is significantly enhanced by examining its relationship with other Hebrew terms and concepts:
* **אֶבֶן פִּנָּה (ʾeven pinnâh, `{{H68}}`):** Literally "stone of the corner" or "cornerstone." This is the most direct and crucial related term, explicitly defining pinnâh as the foundational stone of a building.
* **רֹאשׁ פִּנָּה (roʾsh pinnâh, `{{H7218}}`):** "Head of the corner" or "chief cornerstone." This emphasizes the preeminent and most important cornerstone, often the capstone or the highest and most critical stone in an arch or wall.
* **פֵּן (pen, `{{H6437}}`):** The root from which pinnâh is derived, meaning "turning" or "side." This highlights the spatial aspect of a corner as a point where direction changes.
* **מִפְנֶה (miphneh, `{{H4676}}`):** A noun related to the root, meaning "turning" or "corner," often used in geographical contexts for a turn in a road or boundary.
* **מִגְדָּל (migdal, `{{H4026}}`):** "Tower." Towers are often built at corners of walls, reinforcing the defensive and prominent aspects of pinnâh.
* **Concepts:** Foundation, stability, leadership, defense, turning point, prominence, and essentiality. The concept of a "cornerstone" is paramount, denoting the critical stone that unites two walls and provides structural integrity to the entire edifice.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of pinnâh is profound, particularly through its association with the "cornerstone" and its application in Messianic prophecy:
* **Christological Fulfillment:** The most striking theological implication of pinnâh comes from its role in [[Psalm 118:22]]: "The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone (רֹאשׁ פִּנָּה, roʾsh pinnâh)." This verse is one of the most frequently quoted Old Testament passages in the New Testament ([[Matthew 21:42]], [[Mark 12:10]], [[Luke 20:17]], [[Acts 4:11]], [[Ephesians 2:20]], [[1 Peter 2:7]]) and is consistently applied to Jesus Christ. He is the indispensable, foundational, and unifying "cornerstone" of God's spiritual temple, the Church. Though rejected by human builders (the religious authorities of His day), God exalted Him to the position of supreme importance and authority.
* **Divine Providence and Order:** In [[Job 38:6]], the laying of the earth's "cornerstone" by God speaks to His role as the divine architect and sustainer of creation. It signifies the ordered, stable, and purposeful nature of His cosmos, established upon His wisdom and power.
* **Leadership and Governance:** The use of pinnâh to denote "chieftain" or "leader" underscores the biblical understanding of authority. True leaders are meant to be like cornerstones: providing stability, direction, and integrity for the community. They are essential for societal well-being, and their failure can lead to collapse. [[Zechariah 10:4]] highlights God's promise to raise up such leaders from His people.
* **Judgment and Restoration:** The destruction of "corners" or "towers" (as implied in some prophetic contexts) symbolizes the dismantling of power structures and the onset of chaos or judgment. Conversely, the rebuilding or establishment of pinnâh signifies restoration, security, and renewed order under God's guidance.
### Summary
The Hebrew word פִּנָּה (pinnâh, `{{H6438}}`) is a multifaceted term whose core meaning of "corner" expands to encompass a rich semantic field. Literally, it refers to the crucial juncture of a physical structure, embodying strength, stability, and often, a prominent or defensive position like a tower or bulwark. Figuratively, pinnâh designates a "chieftain" or "leader," recognizing their indispensable role as the foundational and guiding figures of a community. Theologically, its most profound significance lies in its connection to the "cornerstone" (אֶבֶן פִּנָּה, even pinnâh, `{{H68}}` or רֹאשׁ פִּנָּה, roʾsh pinnâh, `{{H7218}}`), a concept powerfully articulated in [[Psalm 118:22]]. This Messianic prophecy, frequently cited in the New Testament, identifies Jesus Christ as the rejected stone who became the essential, unifying, and supreme cornerstone of God's spiritual edifice, the Church. Thus, pinnâh not only speaks to architectural integrity and human leadership but ultimately points to the pivotal and foundational person of the Messiah in God's eternal plan of salvation.
TRV