a primitive root; to be (causatively, make) zealous, i.e. (in a bad sense) jealous or envious; (be) envy(-ious), be (move to, provoke to) jealous(-y), [idiom] very, (be) zeal(-ous).
Transliteration:qânâʼ
Pronunciation:kaw-naw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root H7065 (קָנָא, qânâʼ) is a primitive verb carrying a rich and complex semantic range, primarily revolving around the concept of "zeal." Its core meaning encompasses a fervent, intense emotion or disposition. This intensity can manifest in two distinct, often antithetical, ways:
1. **Positive Zeal:** This refers to a righteous passion, a fervent devotion, or an ardent commitment. It signifies a strong, often protective, devotion to a person, cause, or principle. This can be seen as a holy enthusiasm for what is right or for God's honor.
2. **Negative Jealousy/Envy:** This denotes a covetous or resentful desire for what another possesses, or a suspicious, often hostile, feeling arising from rivalry. It can also describe a competitive or possessive feeling, particularly in relational contexts. When applied to God, it signifies His righteous intolerance of rivals to His exclusive worship and His protective zeal for His covenant people.
The root can also function causatively, meaning "to make zealous" or "to provoke to jealousy." The precise nuance of qânâʼ is heavily dependent on its grammatical form, the subject (human or divine), and the specific context in which it appears.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb H7065 appears frequently throughout the Old Testament, illustrating its multifaceted nature:
* **God's Righteous Zeal/Jealousy:** A prominent usage describes God as "jealous." This is not a human sin, but a holy attribute reflecting His unique sovereignty and exclusive claim to worship. His jealousy is a protective love for His covenant people and His own glory. For instance, in [[Exodus 20:5]] and [[Deuteronomy 5:9]], God declares Himself a "jealous God" in the context of the prohibition against idolatry, emphasizing His intolerance of rivals. This divine jealousy is a testament to His faithfulness and commitment to His covenant, as seen in [[Isaiah 9:7]] where the "zeal of the LORD of hosts" brings about salvation. Similarly, [[Joel 2:18]] speaks of the LORD being "zealous for His land and pitying His people."
* **Human Righteous Zeal:** Individuals can also exhibit positive zeal. Phinehas, in [[Numbers 25:11]], is commended for being "zealous with My zeal" (God's zeal), demonstrating a fierce commitment to God's holiness by executing judgment against sin. This act averted a plague. King David expresses similar zeal for God's house in [[Psalm 69:9]], stating, "For zeal for Your house has consumed me."
* **Human Sinful Jealousy/Envy:** This is a recurring negative theme. Rachel "became jealous of her sister" Leah in [[Genesis 30:1]] due to Leah's ability to bear children. Joseph's brothers "were jealous of him" because of his father's favor and his dreams ([[Genesis 37:11]]). This envy ultimately led to their treacherous actions. The wise man warns against the destructive nature of envy, as in [[Proverbs 24:1]] where one is cautioned not to "be envious of evil men."
* **Provoking to Jealousy:** The causative form often describes actions that provoke God to righteous indignation, particularly through idolatry or unfaithfulness. [[Deuteronomy 32:16]] states, "They made Him jealous with foreign gods; with abominations they provoked Him to anger." This highlights God's demand for exclusive worship and His response to covenant infidelity.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is the noun form, קִנְאָה (qin'ah, `{{H7068}}`), which directly derives from H7065 and carries the same dual meaning of "zeal" or "jealousy/envy." Understanding the verb qânâʼ is crucial for grasping the nuances of its nominal counterpart.
Other related concepts include:
* **Divine attributes:** God's holiness, righteousness, and sovereignty are intrinsically linked to His "jealousy."
* **Covenant:** The concept of qânâʼ is deeply embedded in the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where God's jealousy safeguards the covenant and Israel's unfaithfulness can provoke it.
* **Idolatry:** A primary target of God's jealousy, as it represents a violation of the first commandment and a betrayal of the covenant.
* **Covetousness:** Human envy often stems from covetous desires, a violation of the tenth commandment.
* **Anger/Wrath:** God's jealousy can manifest in righteous anger or wrath against sin.
* **Love:** Paradoxically, God's jealousy is an expression of His profound, exclusive love for His people. He desires their complete devotion.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H7065 is profound, particularly in understanding the character of God and the nature of human sin.
* **God's Exclusive Sovereignty:** The divine "jealousy" (קַנָּא, qannāʼ, often translated "jealous God") reveals a fundamental truth about God: He is absolutely unique and will not share His glory with another. His jealousy is not a flaw, but a holy attribute that protects His honor and the integrity of the covenant. It underscores His demand for exclusive worship and His fierce commitment to His people's well-being. This divine jealousy is a powerful deterrent against idolatry and syncretism, serving as a pillar of monotheism.
* **The Nature of Sin:** When applied to humanity, qânâʼ often exposes the destructive power of sin. Envy and sinful jealousy are corrosive emotions that lead to strife, resentment, and often, violent acts (e.g., Cain and Abel, Joseph's brothers). They are antithetical to love and community, reflecting a self-centered desire that undermines God's design for human relationships.
* **Call to Righteous Zeal:** The positive application of qânâʼ serves as a model for human devotion. Believers are called to emulate God's zeal for righteousness, justice, and truth. This involves a fervent passion for God's kingdom, a commitment to His commands, and an active pursuit of holiness, prioritizing God's honor above all else.
### Summary
The Hebrew root H7065 (קָנָא, qânâʼ) encapsulates the powerful concept of "zeal," manifesting in both positive and negative forms. In its righteous expression, it describes a fervent devotion, notably God's holy, protective jealousy for His covenant and His exclusive claim to worship, as well as human zeal for God's honor and righteousness. Conversely, it denotes sinful human jealousy or envy, a destructive emotion born of covetousness and rivalry. The interpretation of qânâʼ is always context-dependent, revealing a crucial aspect of God's character as the sovereign Lord who demands exclusive allegiance, and highlighting the human capacity for both fervent devotion and destructive sin.
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