Bible Word Study
פִּנָּה
pinnâh · an angle; by implication, a pinnacle; figuratively, a chieftain
פִּנָּה
an angle; by implication, a pinnacle; figuratively, a chieftain
Definition
The Hebrew noun פִּנָּה (pinnâh) primarily refers to a physical 'corner' or 'angle,' such as the horns or corner projections on the altar of burnt offering (Exodus 27:2). By extension, it can denote a 'cornerstone' or a 'pinnacle' of a building, a key structural element. Figuratively, it is used to describe a 'chief' or 'cornerstone' of the people—a leader who provides stability and defense, much like a cornerstone in architecture (Judges 20:2, 1 Samuel 14:38).
Biblical Usage
פִּנָּה appears 29 times across various contexts. In architectural and construction settings, it describes the corners of altars (Exodus 38:2), temple pillars (1 Kings 7:34), and city walls (2 Chronicles 26:9). In a military or social context, it metaphorically denotes leaders or chieftains who are the 'cornerstones' of their tribes or armies, as seen in Judges 20:2 and 1 Samuel 14:38. The word is used in historical books like Exodus, Kings, and Chronicles.
Etymology
פִּנָּה is the feminine form of the noun פֵּן (pēn, H6434), which means 'corner.' It derives from a root suggesting turning or facing. Related words include פָּנָה (pānâh, H6437), meaning 'to turn,' highlighting the concept of a directional angle or a facing side.
Semantic Range
This word is theologically significant as it connects physical architecture with spiritual leadership. The 'cornerstone' imagery is foundational, later echoed in the New Testament where Jesus is described as the chief cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20, 1 Peter 2:6). Understanding פִּנָּה enriches the biblical metaphor of God's people as a building, with leaders and ultimately the Messiah providing essential stability and unity. In ancient Israelite culture, the corner of a building or altar was not just a geometric point but a place of strength, sanctity, and sometimes sacrifice. City corners housed defensive towers (2 Chronicles 26:9), making them crucial for protection. A 'chief' as a 'corner' conveyed the idea of a person upon whom the community's safety and integrity depended, a concept more tangible in a society reliant on sturdy stone construction. פֵּן (pēn, H6434) — the masculine, more basic term for 'corner.' זָוִית (zāwîṯ, H2106) — another word for 'corner,' often used in later Hebrew. רֹאשׁ (rō'sh, H7218) — 'head,' used for a leader, but lacks the architectural metaphor of פִּנָּה.
Word Details
How this works
Definitions are from the Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (BDB, 1906, public domain). Concordance and morphology data are from the OSHB (Open Scriptures Hebrew Bible).
Full methodology & sources →References
- Abbott-Smith, G. (1921) A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament. Edinburgh: T&T Clark. [Public Domain]
- Brown, F., Driver, S.R. and Briggs, C.A. (1906) A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament. Oxford: Clarendon Press. [Public Domain]
- Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Tyndale Brief lexicon of Extended Strongs for Greek (TBESG). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
- Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Formatted full LSJ (TFLSJ). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
- Thayer, J.H. (1889) A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament. [Public Domain]
- Gesenius, W. (1846) Gesenius' Hebrew-Chaldee Lexicon to the Old Testament. [Public Domain]
- Dodson, J. (2010) Greek Lexicon. Biblical Humanities. [CC0]