קָנָה

Kanah, the name of a stream and of a place in Palestine

Definition

Kanah is a proper noun referring to both a stream and a place in the territory of the tribes of Israel. The 'brook Kanah' (Joshua 16:8) served as a geographical boundary between the tribal inheritances of Ephraim and Manasseh. The 'Kanah' mentioned in Joshua 19:28 is a town located in the territory allotted to the tribe of Asher, near the Phoenician coast. These two distinct references highlight its dual role as a natural landmark and a settled location in the Promised Land.

Biblical Usage

The word is used exclusively in the book of Joshua, specifically in chapters 16, 17, and 19, which detail the division of Canaan among the Israelite tribes. In Joshua 16:8 and 17:9, it refers to the 'brook Kanah' as a precise border marker. In Joshua 19:28, it identifies a town within Asher's territory. Its usage is strictly geographical, providing specific details for land allotment.

Etymology

The name Kanah (קָנָה) is the feminine form of the common Hebrew noun קָנֶה (qāneh, H7070), meaning 'reed,' 'stalk,' or 'measuring rod.' It derives from a root meaning 'to be erect.' The name likely describes a place characterized by reeds or rushes, suggesting a location near water, which fits both the stream and the coastal town.

Semantic Range

In the ancient Near East, geographical features like streams and towns were crucial for defining tribal territories and identity. A boundary stream like Kanah was a clear, natural, and God-given marker for dividing the land, preventing disputes. Naming a place after reeds (qāneh) was a common practice, directly linking its identity to the local environment and resources.

קָנֶה (Qāneh, H7070) — The root noun meaning 'reed' or 'stalk,' from which the place name Kanah is derived, describing its physical characteristic.

Word Details

Scripture References