feminine of קָנֶה; reediness; Kanah, the name of a stream and of a place in Palestine; Kanah.
Transliteration:Qânâh
Pronunciation:kaw-naw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma `{{H7071}}`, *Qânâh* (קָנָה), is primarily a proper noun, designating a specific geographical location. Its base definition, "feminine of קָנֶה; reediness," indicates its etymological root. It is derived from the common noun `{{H7069}}` (*qaneh*), which means "reed," "stalk," "cane," or "calamus." Therefore, the name "Kanah" signifies a place characterized by the presence of reeds, perhaps a reedy stream, marshland, or an area where such vegetation was prominent. Unlike verbs or common nouns, `{{H7071}}` itself does not possess a broad semantic range; its meaning is fixed as a place name, though its etymology informs our understanding of the location's natural features.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name "Kanah" appears twice in the Hebrew Bible, both times in the book of Joshua, specifically in the context of the tribal allotments of the Promised Land.
* In [[Joshua 16:8]], "the brook Kanah" (נַחַל קָנָה, *nachal qanah*) is mentioned as a boundary marker for the territory of the children of Ephraim. It is described as extending westward to the sea.
* Similarly, [[Joshua 17:9]] reiterates "the brook Kanah" as a boundary, this time delineating the border between the inheritance of the children of Manasseh and the children of Ephraim. The text specifies that the border went down to the brook, southward of the brook, indicating Ephraim's territory lay to the south and Manasseh's to the north of this significant natural feature.
In both instances, the "brook Kanah" serves a crucial function as a clear and identifiable natural landmark used to precisely define the divinely ordained tribal boundaries. This reiterates the importance of geographical features in the ancient world for establishing legal and territorial claims. The descriptor "brook" (נַחַל, *nachal*) further reinforces the idea of a watercourse, a natural habitat for reeds.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct and significant related word to `{{H7071}}` is `{{H7069}}` (*qaneh*), the common noun for "reed," "stalk," or "cane." This root word appears extensively in the Old Testament, referring to:
* Physical reeds or stalks, often found by water (e.g., [[Job 40:21]]).
* A measuring reed or rod, used for architectural or land measurements (e.g., [[Ezekiel 40:3]], [[Revelation 11:1]]).
* The aromatic spice calamus, derived from a reed-like plant (e.g., [[Exodus 30:23]], [[Song of Solomon 4:14]]).
The concept of "Kanah" as a boundary marker connects it to broader themes of land inheritance, tribal divisions, and the fulfillment of God's promises regarding the land of Canaan. Other place names in the Bible are also derived from natural features (e.g., En Gedi, "spring of the kid"; Beer-sheba, "well of the oath").
### Theological Significance
As a geographical marker, the theological significance of "Kanah" lies primarily in its role within the narrative of the distribution of the Promised Land. The meticulous detail with which the tribal boundaries are described, including specific natural features like "the brook Kanah," underscores several theological points:
1. **Divine Faithfulness:** The precise delineation of territories demonstrates God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises to Abraham and his descendants regarding the land (e.g., [[Genesis 12:7]], [[Genesis 15:18]]). The land was not seized haphazardly but was meticulously apportioned by divine decree.
2. **Order and Justice:** The orderly division of the land, guided by divine instruction and carried out through leaders like Joshua and Eleazar, reflects God's character as a God of order and justice. Each tribe received its inheritance, and the boundaries were clearly defined to prevent disputes and ensure equitable distribution.
3. **Tangible Inheritance:** The physical landmarks, including "the brook Kanah," made the inheritance tangible and verifiable. This land was a concrete manifestation of God's blessing and presence among His people. While "Kanah" itself does not carry a deep symbolic meaning beyond its etymology, its function within the land division narrative highlights the precision and reliability of God's word.
### Summary
`{{H7071}}`, *Qânâh*, is a proper noun referring to "the brook Kanah," a geographical feature in ancient Israel. Its name is derived from the Hebrew word for "reed," indicating a reedy watercourse. It appears in [[Joshua 16:8]] and [[Joshua 17:9]] as a crucial boundary marker delineating the tribal territories of Ephraim and Manasseh. The theological significance of "the brook Kanah" lies not in the name itself, but in its function as part of the detailed and divinely ordained distribution of the Promised Land, thereby underscoring God's faithfulness, order, and justice in fulfilling His covenant promises to Israel.
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