כָּנָה
to address by an additional name; hence, to eulogize
Definition
The Hebrew verb כָּנָה (kânâh) means to give a name, title, or epithet to someone, often as an act of recognition or honor. In its four biblical occurrences, it primarily conveys the idea of bestowing an additional or descriptive name upon a person. In Job 32:21-22, Elihu vows not to 'give flattering titles' (KJV), showing a negative usage where the naming is insincere or manipulative. Conversely, in Isaiah 44:5 and 45:4, the action is positive: one will 'surname himself' by the name of Israel (Isa 44:5) and God 'surnames' Cyrus (Isa 45:4), indicating a gracious act of identification and calling.
Biblical Usage
This verb is used only four times in the Old Testament, appearing in the poetic books of Job and Isaiah. In Job 32:21-22, it describes the hypocritical act of using flattering titles to gain favor, which Elihu rejects. In Isaiah, the usage shifts to a divine and covenantal context. In Isaiah 44:5, individuals voluntarily identify themselves with Israel by taking its name, and in Isaiah 45:4, God is the subject, conferring a title of honor on the Persian king Cyrus for a specific purpose. The pattern shows a movement from a negative, human action to a positive, divine one.
Etymology
כָּנָה is considered a primitive root. It is related to the common Hebrew root כּוּן (kûn, H3559), meaning 'to establish, prepare, or be firm,' suggesting a conceptual link between naming and establishing identity or purpose. The specific sense of 'to surname' or 'address by name' developed from this core idea of designation and recognition.
Semantic Range
This word is theologically significant as it highlights the power of naming and identity in the biblical worldview. In Isaiah, God's act of 'surnaming' Cyrus (Isa 45:4) demonstrates His sovereign authority to call and use even a foreign king for His redemptive plans. The contrast between insincere human flattery (Job 32:21-22) and God's gracious naming underscores themes of divine election, covenant identity, and the integrity of speech. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches reading by revealing how names and titles are not mere labels but carry weighty implications for relationship and purpose.
In ancient Near Eastern culture, bestowing a name or title was a significant act that conferred status, indicated relationship, or described character. A 'surname' or additional name was not merely a family identifier but could be an honorific or descriptive epithet. The negative use in Job reflects a known social practice of using flattery for advancement, which wisdom literature condemned. God's naming of Cyrus would have been a startling concept, as it applied covenant language of calling to a pagan ruler.
קָרָא (qārā', H7121) — a more general verb for 'to call' or 'proclaim,' used for naming and summoning. שֵׁם (shēm, H8034) — the noun for 'name,' representing the thing given or declared. כּוּן (kûn, H3559) — the related root meaning 'to establish,' sharing the conceptual field of fixing an identity or purpose.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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