### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic verb qᵉnâʼ (`{{H7066}}`) is directly defined as corresponding to the Hebrew verb qanah (`{{H7069}}`). Its primary and most straightforward meaning is "to purchase" or "to buy." This denotes the acquisition of goods or services through payment or exchange of value. Unlike its broader Hebrew counterpart, which can encompass acquiring, creating, or even God "possessing" His people, the Aramaic qᵉnâʼ (`{{H7066}}`) appears with a more restricted semantic range, focusing specifically on commercial transactions for material goods. Its usage in the biblical text is limited, reinforcing this precise and literal interpretation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The Aramaic qᵉnâʼ (`{{H7066}}`) occurs exclusively in the book of Ezra, specifically in the context of the Persian king Artaxerxes' decree concerning the provision for the temple in Jerusalem.
* In [[Ezra 7:17]], the word appears in the instruction given to Ezra: "that with this money thou shalt diligently buy bullocks, rams, lambs, with their meat offerings and their drink offerings, and offer them upon the altar of the house of your God which is in Jerusalem." Here, qᵉnâʼ (`{{H7066}}`) is used for the literal purchasing of sacrificial animals and offerings.
* The surrounding verses, particularly [[Ezra 7:22]], detail the vast quantities of silver, wheat, wine, and oil allocated for this purpose, emphasizing the scale of the "buying" activity.
The context is purely transactional and practical, focusing on the acquisition of necessary supplies for the re-establishment and maintenance of the temple cult in post-exilic Judah. There is no metaphorical or theological extension of the term within these occurrences; it remains firmly rooted in the literal act of procurement.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is the Hebrew qanah (`{{H7069}}`), from which qᵉnâʼ (`{{H7066}}`) derives its core meaning. While qᵉnâʼ (`{{H7066}}`) is restricted to "buying" in a commercial sense, qanah (`{{H7069}}`) has a much wider semantic field in Hebrew, encompassing:
* **Acquisition of property:** [[Genesis 25:10]] (a field), [[Jeremiah 32:9]] (a field).
* **Acquisition of persons:** [[Genesis 17:12]] (slaves), [[Exodus 21:2]] (a Hebrew servant).
* **Acquisition of wisdom/understanding:** [[Proverbs 4:5]], [[Proverbs 23:23]].
* **God's "acquiring" or "creating" His people:** [[Exodus 15:16]], [[Deuteronomy 32:6]], [[Psalm 74:2]]. This latter usage carries profound theological weight, speaking of divine ownership and covenant.
Other related concepts include terms for "price" (e.g., məḥîr `{{H4242}}`), "money" (e.g., keseph `{{H3701}}`), and verbs denoting "giving" or "receiving" in exchange. However, the direct correspondence with qanah (`{{H7069}}`) is paramount for understanding qᵉnâʼ (`{{H7066}}`), even if the Aramaic usage is a narrow subset of the Hebrew's broader applications.
### Theological Significance
While qᵉnâʼ (`{{H7066}}`) itself is a functionally specific term with limited theological depth, its usage in Ezra carries indirect theological significance through its context. The act of "buying" in these verses underscores:
1. **Divine Provision:** The resources for purchasing sacrificial animals and offerings came from the Persian king's treasury, demonstrating God's sovereign ability to move even pagan rulers to provide for the needs of His people and His worship.
2. **Meticulous Worship:** The detailed instructions to "diligently buy" specific items highlight the importance of precise adherence to the requirements of the Mosaic law for temple service. Worship was not an arbitrary act but demanded specific, purchased provisions.
3. **Material Support for Spiritual Endeavors:** The verb emphasizes that spiritual activities, such as temple worship and sacrifice, often require significant material resources. This provides a biblical precedent for the practical and financial support necessary for religious institutions and ministries.
4. **Continuity of Cultic Practice:** The ability to "buy" and offer sacrifices ensured the continuity of the Israelite cultic system, a vital aspect of their covenant relationship with God, even in the challenging post-exilic period.
### Summary
The Aramaic verb qᵉnâʼ (`{{H7066}}`) means "to purchase" or "to buy," directly paralleling the Hebrew qanah (`{{H7069}}`) in its most literal sense. Its occurrences are limited to the book of Ezra, where it consistently refers to the acquisition of animals and supplies for the re-established temple worship in Jerusalem ([[Ezra 7:17]]). While its semantic range is narrow, focusing strictly on commercial transactions, its contextual use highlights the practical requirements for maintaining cultic purity and the divine provision that enabled the post-exilic community to fulfill their sacrificial obligations. It serves as a functional term describing the necessary material support for spiritual devotion.
TRV