כֵּן (ken)
ken
stand
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 17 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun ken refers to a physical base or pedestal that supports something heavy or significant. In the Old Testament, it most commonly describes the stone or metal foundation upon which statues stand, providing stability and elevation. This usage appears prominently in Daniel, where the golden statue of King Nebuchadnezzar is described as being set on such a stand (Daniel 2:31). The word emphasizes the structural role of the object, serving as the literal ground that holds up the figure above it.
Beyond its architectural meaning, ken also carries the abstract sense of an office, position, or place of authority. This figurative extension suggests that just as a pedestal supports a statue, a designated role provides the framework for leadership or status. The term appears in 1 Kings and Exodus to denote these established positions or places of power. Translators often render it as "base," "stand," or "office" depending on whether the context is physical or institutional.
The word’s etymology links it to the idea of being fixed or established, reinforcing its connection to stability. Whether describing a literal foundation for an idol or the abstract concept of a governmental post, ken consistently points to something that serves as a support system. This dual usage highlights how ancient Hebrew thought connected physical structures with social hierarchies, viewing both as requiring a solid and unshakable base.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word ken points to something that holds weight, whether it is a bronze base for a sacred basin or the established position of a leader. In the ancient world, stability was not assumed; it had to be built on a solid foundation. When Scripture describes these pedestals, it reminds us that true authority and service require a firm ground beneath them. Without that support, even the most significant roles would collapse under their own burden.
For your daily life, this imagery offers comfort. You do not have to carry the weight of your responsibilities alone. Just as the basin needed its base to remain upright, your faith is sustained by a foundation that does not shift. When you feel overwhelmed by the demands of your office or your family, remember that stability comes from being anchored in something greater than yourself.
This word invites us to look at where we place our trust. Are we building on sand, or are we resting on the unshakable support of God’s presence? The biblical writers knew that physical structures reflected spiritual truths. By acknowledging our need for a solid base, we open ourselves to the strength that holds us up when our own efforts fall short.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 17 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- base/ its7×
- place/ his3×
- a base2×
- place/ its1×
- office/ your1×
- office/ my1×
- and/ base of/ its1×
- [the] base of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- כַּנּֽ/וֹ\׃4×
- כַּנּ֖/וֹ2×
- כַּנּ֑/וֹ2×
- כַּנֶּ֑/ךָ1×
- כַּנִּ֖/י1×
- כַּנּ֣/וֹ1×
- כַּנּ֛/וֹ1×
- כַּנּ/וֹ֙1×
- כֵּ֣ן1×
- כֵן\־1×
- כֵ֔ן1×
- וְ/כַנּ֥/וֹ1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 40:13
Within three more days, Pharaoh will lift up your head, and restore you to your office. You will give Pharaoh’s cup into his hand, the way you did when you were his cup bearer.
This verse uses ken to describe Joseph's restoration to his specific office, highlighting how God establishes individuals in their positions of service.
-
Exodus 30:18
“You shall also make a basin of bronze, and its base of bronze, in which to wash. You shall put it between the Tent of Meeting and the altar, and you shall put water in it.
Here the word refers to the physical base of the bronze basin, emphasizing the structural necessity of a foundation for holy use.
-
Daniel 11:7
“But out of a shoot from her roots one will stand up in his place, who will come to the army and will enter into the fortress of the king of the north, and will deal against them and will prevail.
The text uses ken metaphorically for a ruler standing up in his place, illustrating how political power relies on an established position of authority.