כָּנָף (ka.naph)
ka.naph
wing
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 51 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun kânaph primarily means "wing," but its meaning extends to any projecting edge or extremity. In Genesis 7:14, it describes the wings of living creatures, while in Exodus 25:20, it refers to the wings of the cherubim that overshadowed the Ark. The word captures both the physical structure of a wing and the protective space beneath it, as seen when Ruth asks Naomi to spread her wing over her in Ruth 2:12.
Beyond biology, kânaph frequently denotes the hem or corner of a garment. When Saul cuts off a corner of Samuel’s robe in 1 Samuel 24:5, he is cutting off a kânaph, symbolizing an attack on the king’s authority or life. This physical edge also expands metaphorically to mean the farthest reaches of the earth or a building’s pinnacle, emphasizing distance and boundary.
Translators render kânaph variously as "wing," "skirt," "corner," or "uttermost part" depending on context. The imagery consistently points to protection and coverage. In Psalm 91:4, God is described as covering the believer with His feathers, using the wing metaphor to convey intimate shelter. This dual sense of physical edge and divine care connects the tangible world with spiritual refuge.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word kânaph brings together two powerful images: the protective shelter of a bird’s wing and the visible edge of a garment. In Ruth 2:12, the phrase 'under whose wings you have come to take refuge' captures a deep human longing for safety. It reminds us that God does not stand at a distance but offers intimate coverage, shielding those who seek Him from the storms of life.
This same word also appears in the instructions for Israel’s clothing, where fringes were placed on the corners of garments (Deuteronomy 22:12). These physical edges served as constant reminders to live faithfully. For you, this means your daily actions are visible markers of your identity. Just as the fringe pointed to God’s commands, your life points others to His grace.
Whether we see wings in creation or fringes on our clothes, kânaph teaches us that God cares for both the grand and the small. He is the refuge that shelters us and the guide who calls us to holy living. We can rest in His protection while walking confidently in the path He has set before us.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 51 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- wings7×
- wing7×
- [the] wings of7×
- wings/ its5×
- [the] wing of5×
- wings/ his4×
- [the] corners of4×
- with/ wings/ their2×
- on/ [the] skirt of2×
- and/ the/ wing2×
- and/ [the] wing of2×
- a wing2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- כָּנָֽף\׃5×
- כַּנְפֵ֥י3×
- כַּנְפ֥וֹת3×
- כְּנָפָ֖י/ו3×
- לִ/כְנַ֖ף2×
- כָּנָ֔ף2×
- כַּנְפֵי\־2×
- כַּנְפֵ֣י2×
- כְּנָפָֽי/ו\׃2×
- כְּנָפָ֣י/ו2×
- כְּנָפַ֖יִם2×
- כְּנָפַ֔יִם2×
Key Verses
-
Ruth 2:12
May Yahweh repay your work, and a full reward be given to you from Yahweh, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.”
This verse uses the metaphor of divine wings to describe taking refuge under God’s care, highlighting His protective nature toward those who seek Him.
-
Exodus 19:4
‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings, and brought you to myself.
Here, eagles’ wings symbolize God’s powerful and gentle deliverance of Israel from Egypt, showing how He bears His people to Himself.
-
Deuteronomy 22:12
You shall make yourselves fringes on the four corners of your cloak with which you cover yourself.
The command to make fringes on the corners of garments links the physical edge (kânaph) to a tangible reminder of obedience and covenant identity.
-
Ruth 3:9
He said, “Who are you?” She answered, “I am Ruth your servant. Therefore spread the corner of your garment over your servant; for you are a near kinsman.”
Ruth’s request for Boaz to spread his garment over her uses the 'wing' imagery to ask for protection and redemption as a kinsman-redeemer.