קִנֵּן
qa.nan
to make a nest
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Hebrew word קִנֵּן (qa.nan) is defined as "to make a nest." This verb is part of the Creation & Nature semantic domain, indicating its connection to the natural world. With five occurrences in the Bible, qa.nan is not a common word, but its usage suggests a specific focus on the act of creating a nest, likely for the purpose of shelter or protection. The significance of qa.nan lies in its representation of the intricate and often unseen aspects of creation. By highlighting the process of making a nest, the word emphasizes the complexity and care involved in preparing a safe space for oneself or others. This concept can be seen as a metaphor for human endeavors, such as building homes or creating communities, where careful planning and attention to detail are essential for success. In the context of the Bible, qa.nan may be used to describe the natural world's ability to provide for itself, as well as the creative efforts of humans. Its limited occurrences suggest that the word is used to convey a specific idea or image, rather than to describe a general concept.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
5 total occurrences across the text
where the birds make their nests. The stork makes its home in the cypress trees.
Isaiah 34:15The arrow snake will make her nest there, and lay, hatch, and gather under her shade. Yes, the kites will be gathered there, every one with her mate.
Jeremiah 22:23Inhabitant of Lebanon, who makes your nest in the cedars, how greatly to be pitied you will be when pangs come on you, the pain as of a woman in travail!
Jeremiah 48:28You inhabitants of Moab, leave the cities, and dwell in the rock. Be like the dove that makes her nest over the mouth of the abyss.
Ezekiel 31:6All the birds of the sky made their nests in its boughs. Under its branches, all the animals of the field gave birth to their young. All great nations lived under its shadow.