קְנָא

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Aramaic word qᵉnâʼ, represented by H7066, means to purchase or buy. It appears only 1 time in the Bible, in a single verse. This word is the Aramaic equivalent of the Hebrew קָנָה and highlights a specific commercial transaction for a sacred purpose.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

The sole use of H7066 is found in a royal decree concerning the restoration of worship in Jerusalem. The command is to buy (qᵉnâʼ) speedily with money items essential for temple sacrifice, including bullocks, rams, and lambs, along with their associated offerings Ezra 7:17. This transaction is not for personal gain but for the express purpose of offering them upon the altar of the house of God in Jerusalem, directly linking a financial act to a holy duty.

Related Words & Concepts

The context of this purchase is further illuminated by several related Aramaic words:

• H3702 kᵉçaph (money, silver): This is the medium of exchange used to buy the sacrificial animals. It is explicitly mentioned as the resource to be used for the purchase Ezra 7:17.
• H8450 tôwr (bullock, ox): This represents one of the specific, high-value animals that were to be purchased for the offerings at the dedication of the house of God Ezra 6:17 and for the ongoing sacrifices Ezra 7:17.
• H7127 qᵉrêb (to approach, come near): After the items are purchased, this word is used for the command to offer them, or bring them near, upon the altar. This shows the ultimate purpose of the purchase is to facilitate worship Ezra 7:17.

Theological Significance

Though it appears only once, the theological significance of H7066 is clear within its context:

• Sanctification of Commerce: The act of buying, a common secular activity, is here commanded for a holy purpose. It demonstrates that financial transactions can be sanctified when directed toward the fulfillment of God's will and the support of His worship.
• Provision for Worship: The command to buy these items is part of a decree from King Artaxerxes, showing God's provision for His people through a foreign ruler Ezra 7:21. The funds enable the priests to acquire the necessary elements for proper sacrificial worship.
• Obedience in Detail: The purchase is specific, detailing the types of animals and offerings required Ezra 7:17. This underscores the importance of obedience to the particulars of God's commands for worship.

Summary

In summary, H7066 provides a focused look at the act of purchasing within a sacred framework. Its single appearance in scripture is powerful, illustrating how a common financial transaction is elevated into an act of obedience and worship. It connects the material resource of money directly to the spiritual service of sacrifice at the altar of God in Jerusalem.