גָּנַן (ga.nan)
ga.nan
to defend
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb ganan means to defend or protect by covering and surrounding. It appears seven times in the Old Testament, primarily in Isaiah and Zechariah. The word suggests a protective barrier that shields someone from harm, often implying divine intervention on behalf of the vulnerable.
In its Qal stem, it simply denotes defense, while the Hiphil form emphasizes causing or enabling protection. This distinction highlights God’s active role as shield. For instance, in Isaiah 30:5, it describes how nations may be ashamed because their help offers no real covering. The imagery is physical and immediate, portraying God as a wall that cannot be breached.
Its root likely relates to enclosure or sheltering, reinforcing the idea of safety through proximity to the protector. Translators often render it "defend" or "protect," capturing both the action and the result. This term underscores a core biblical theme: God’s presence is not passive but actively guards those who trust in Him.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When life feels overwhelming, the image of a protective barrier offers real comfort. The Hebrew word ganan describes God actively shielding those who trust in Him. It is not a distant observation but a close, enclosing defense that surrounds the vulnerable with safety.
This assurance appears clearly in Isaiah 31:5, where God’s protection is compared to birds hovering over their young. Such imagery reminds us that divine care is both gentle and powerful. You are held securely, not by chance, but by a deliberate act of love.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ I will defend4×
- he will defend3×
- he will defend [it]1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/גַנּוֹתִ֛י2×
- יָגֵ֤ן1×
- יָגֵ֣ן1×
- יָגֵ֛ן1×
- וְ/גַנּוֹתִי֙1×
- וְ/גַנּוֹתִ֖י1×
- גָּנ֥וֹן1×
Key Verses
-
II Kings 19:34
‘For I will defend this city to save it, for my own sake and for my servant David’s sake.’”
This verse shows the word applied to Jerusalem’s survival against Assyria, highlighting God’s personal commitment to His promises.
-
Isaiah 31:5
As birds hovering, so Yahweh of Armies will protect Jerusalem. He will protect and deliver it. He will pass over and preserve it.”
Here the verb is paired with bird imagery, emphasizing tender, active hovering rather than static defense.
-
Zechariah 9:15
Yahweh of Armies will defend them. They will destroy and overcome with sling stones. They will drink, and roar as through wine. They will be filled like bowls, like the corners of the altar.
The text links divine protection with victory, showing that God’s covering enables His people to overcome threats.