כָּנָה (ka.nah)
ka.nah
to flatter
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb kanah, primarily found in the Piel stem, means to bestow a name or title upon someone. It goes beyond simple identification; it involves assigning an epithet that defines a person’s role or status. In its basic sense, it is the act of calling someone by a specific designation, often with the implication of granting them a distinct identity or honor.
A notable nuance in its usage is the potential for flattery or deceptive praise. While it can denote legitimate naming, such as God calling Abraham his friend, it also appears in contexts where titles are used to manipulate or appease. This dual nature means the word carries weight depending on whether the title reflects truth or serves as a tool of social maneuvering.
The sources highlight its occurrence in Job and Isaiah, where it often underscores the tension between true identity and imposed labels. Translators sometimes render it "to call by name" or "to give a title," but the underlying sense remains one of authoritative naming. This verb reminds readers that names in Scripture are not merely labels but carry theological and relational significance.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
This word reminds us that names carry weight. In Scripture, to call someone by a name is often an act of authority and identity. It is not just a label but a statement of who they are before God. When we understand this, we see how deeply personal God’s relationship with His people is.
Yet the word also warns us about using titles for manipulation. In Job, the speaker refuses to give flattering titles to avoid dishonesty. This shows that true respect does not require empty praise or social maneuvering. We are called to speak truthfully, honoring others without resorting to flattery that serves our own interests.
God’s naming of Israel in Isaiah 45:4 highlights His grace. He calls people by name even when they do not know Him. This invites us to trust that God sees us clearly and defines us by His love, not by the empty titles we might seek from others.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- I will use flattery2×
- he will name1×
- I will give a title/ you1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יְכַנֶּֽה\׃\ \פ1×
- אֲכַנֶּֽה\׃1×
- אֲכַנֶּ֑ה1×
- אֲכַנְּ/ךָ֖1×
Key Verses
-
Job 32:21
Please don’t let me respect any man’s person, neither will I give flattering titles to any man.
Elihu explicitly rejects giving flattering titles to show his commitment to honest speech rather than social manipulation.
-
Isaiah 45:4
For Jacob my servant’s sake, and Israel my chosen, I have called you by your name. I have given you a title, though you have not known me.
God declares He has called Cyrus by name and given him a title, demonstrating His sovereign authority to define identity regardless of the person's current knowledge of Him.
-
Isaiah 44:5
One will say, ‘I am Yahweh’s.’ Another will be called by the name of Jacob; and another will write with his hand ‘to Yahweh,’ and honor the name of Israel.”
The people declare they will be called by the name of Jacob, linking their identity directly to the covenant heritage rather than seeking new or flattering epithets.