פֵּן
an angle (of a street or wall)
Definition
The Hebrew noun פֵּן (pên) refers to an angle or corner, specifically the turning point where two walls or streets meet. In its single biblical occurrence in Zechariah 14:10, it describes the geographical transformation of Jerusalem, where the city will be raised up and inhabited in its place, 'from the Gate of Benjamin to the place of the First Gate, to the Corner Gate.' This 'corner' likely signifies a fortified or significant structural point in the city's perimeter. The word conveys the idea of a defined, turning boundary rather than a general area.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only once in the Old Testament, in the prophetic book of Zechariah (Zechariah 14:10). It appears in a futuristic description of Jerusalem's topography. The context is eschatological, detailing the city's exalted and secure state. The 'Corner Gate' is listed among other specific gates, indicating it was a known landmark, possibly a defensive strongpoint at a city wall's angle.
Etymology
פֵּן (pên) derives from an unused Hebrew root meaning 'to turn.' This root sense directly informs its meaning as a corner or angle—a place where direction changes. It is related to the concept of turning aside or facing a different direction. Cognates in other Semitic languages support this meaning of a projecting corner or edge.
Semantic Range
Though used only once, פֵּן contributes to the rich prophetic imagery of Zechariah 14. The specific mention of the 'Corner Gate' in the description of a transformed Jerusalem (Zechariah 14:10-11) underscores the theme of God's precise restoration and secure establishment of His city. It moves from a mundane architectural term to a detail in a vision of divine renewal, highlighting that God's future kingdom will be orderly, defined, and immovable.
In ancient Near Eastern cities, corners of walls were strategically important. They were often reinforced and served as defensive positions or locations for towers. A 'corner gate' would be a major entry or fortified point, not just a simple intersection. Understanding this helps visualize the prophecy in Zechariah 14:10 not as a minor detail, but as a promise of complete and secure fortification for Jerusalem.
פִּנָּה (pinnâh, H6438) — a more common word for corner, often of a building or altar, also used metaphorically for chief leader. כָּנָף (kānāp, H3671) — can mean 'extremity' or 'corner' (of the earth). זָוִית (zāwîṯ) — a later Hebrew word for corner, not used in the biblical text.
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.
Full methodology & sources →