כָּנַן

to set out, i.e. plant

Definition

The Hebrew verb כָּנַן (kânan) means 'to set out' or 'to plant,' specifically in the context of establishing a vineyard. It describes the deliberate act of planting vines, often implying cultivation and preparation for future growth and fruitfulness. While its primary meaning is agricultural, the act of planting a vineyard in the Old Testament frequently carries symbolic weight, representing settlement, inheritance, and divine blessing or judgment on a land. The word is used in a specific, vivid context in Ezekiel 17:7, 10, describing the planting of a vine.

Biblical Usage

This verb is used exclusively in the book of Ezekiel, specifically in the allegory of the two eagles and the vine in Ezekiel 17:7 and 17:10. In this prophetic passage, it describes the act of planting a vine (representing the exiled king and people) by a great eagle (representing Babylon). The usage is metaphorical, illustrating political transplantation and dependence. Its occurrence is rare and highly contextual, tied directly to this extended metaphor.

Etymology

כָּנַן is a primitive root. Its core meaning relates to fixing or establishing something firmly in place. Cognates in other Semitic languages support the sense of 'to set up' or 'found.' While its biblical usage is narrow, the root concept implies intentional placement and preparation for permanence, which fits the agricultural context of planting a vineyard for long-term yield.

Semantic Range

Though used only a few times, כָּנַן is theologically significant within its context in Ezekiel 17. Its use in the allegory of the vine highlights themes of divine sovereignty, covenant faithfulness, and judgment. God is the one who ultimately plants and uproots nations (Jeremiah 1:10). Understanding this specific Hebrew term enriches the reading of Ezekiel's prophecy by emphasizing that the 'planting' by Babylon was under God's permissive will, setting the stage for His pronouncement of judgment on those who break covenant. It connects to the broader biblical metaphor of God as a vinedresser (e.g., Isaiah 5:1-7, John 15:1).

In ancient Israel, planting a vineyard was a significant long-term investment, symbolizing stability, hope for the future, and claiming one's inheritance in the land (Leviticus 19:23-25, 1 Kings 21:1-3). It required careful preparation of the soil, selection of vines, and years of waiting before a full harvest. Ezekiel's audience would have immediately understood the metaphor of planting a vine as an act of establishing a dependent kingdom or colony, making the allegory of Ezekiel 17 powerfully clear.

נָטַע (nāṭaʿ, H5193) — A more common general verb for 'to plant,' used for trees, vineyards, and metaphorically for people. כָּנַן is a more specific, rare term for setting out a vineyard. שָׁתַל (shāthal, H8362) — To transplant, often used for moving a plant to a new location, carrying a sense of deliberate relocation.

Word Details