כָּנַף (ka.naph)
ka.naph
to corner
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb kânaph appears only once in the Old Testament, found in Isaiah 30:20. In this specific context, it describes a state of being cornered or thrust into a confined space. The form used is the Niphal, which indicates that the subject is acted upon; people are not actively choosing to hide, but are instead forced into a position where they have no room to maneuver and are hidden from view.
This rare usage highlights a vivid image of entrapment. Unlike words for fleeing or hiding voluntarily, kânaph suggests an external pressure that drives someone into a corner. The lexicon sources emphasize this passive experience of being thrust aside or confined, painting a picture of vulnerability where escape seems impossible until relief arrives.
Its singular occurrence makes it a unique lexical item in biblical Hebrew. Translators typically render it as "cornered" to preserve the physical sense of confinement. This single verse provides a stark contrast to other biblical imagery of safety, reminding readers that even those who feel trapped are within the scope of divine attention.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Life sometimes feels like a room with no exit. The word kânaph in Isaiah 30:20 captures this exact feeling of being cornered, where external pressures leave you with nowhere to run. It is not a choice to hide, but a forced confinement that makes escape seem impossible.
Yet even in this trapped state, God’s promise remains steady. Your teachers will not stay hidden forever. This rare verb reminds us that our current confinement does not mean God has forgotten us. He sees your vulnerability and brings clarity when the walls feel thickest.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- he will hide himself1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יִכָּנֵ֥ף1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 30:20
Though the Lord may give you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, yet your teachers won’t be hidden any more, but your eyes will see your teachers;
The verb describes people being forced into a corner, emphasizing that their hiding is involuntary and driven by external pressure rather than personal choice.