כְּנַשׁ (ka.nash)
ka.nash
to gather
A:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb kânash means simply to gather or assemble, appearing only three times in the Old Testament, all within the book of Daniel. In these instances, it describes the gathering of people or forces, reflecting its basic sense of bringing separate elements together into a single group.
While the word is rare, its usage in Daniel highlights moments of significant assembly, such as when kings gather their armies or when nations are brought together for judgment. The sources note both active forms, where someone gathers others, and participial forms describing those who are gathered, emphasizing the result of the action rather than just the process.
Its limited occurrence makes each appearance in Daniel particularly notable, often marking a turning point where dispersed groups converge for a decisive event. Translators typically render it as "gather" or "assemble," capturing the straightforward physical or political act of coming together without adding extra theological nuance beyond the context of the narrative.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The verb kânash appears only three times in the Old Testament, all within the book of Daniel. It describes the act of gathering people or forces together. In these rare instances, it marks moments where dispersed groups converge for a decisive event. This simple action often signals a turning point in the narrative, bringing separate elements into a single assembly.
For your faith, this word reminds us that God is present even when people are gathered for their own purposes. Nebuchadnezzar called his officials together to honor an image he had made. Yet, in Daniel 3:27, those same gathered leaders witnessed something they could not control. They saw that the fire had no power over Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.
This shows that human assemblies do not dictate God’s presence. When you feel scattered or uncertain, remember that God gathers what is broken. He brings order to chaos and reveals His glory in the midst of human plans. You can trust that He is working even when circumstances seem overwhelming.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to/ gather1×
- and/ [were] gathered1×
- [were] gathered1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מִֽתְכַּנְּשִׁ֡ין1×
- לְ/מִכְנַ֣שׁ\׀1×
- וּ֠/מִֽתְכַּנְּשִׁין1×
Key Verses
-
Daniel 3:2
Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the local governors, the deputies, and the governors, the judges, the treasurers, the counselors, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces, to come to the dedication of the image which Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up.
This verse shows the king actively calling his officials together, highlighting the political weight of the assembly.
-
Daniel 3:3
Then the local governors, the deputies, and the governors, the judges, the treasurers, the counselors, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces were gathered together to the dedication of the image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up; and they stood before the image that Nebuchadnezzar had set up.
Here the focus shifts to those who were gathered, emphasizing their unified presence before the idol.
-
Daniel 3:27
The local governors, the deputies, and the governors, and the king’s counselors, being gathered together, saw these men, that the fire had no power on their bodies. The hair of their head wasn’t singed. Their pants weren’t changed. The smell of fire wasn’t even on them.
The same group, now gathered again, witnesses divine protection, showing how God uses assembly for revelation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word kânash mean?
Where does kânash appear in the Bible?
Why is this word significant in Daniel?
Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)
Daniel 3 verses
Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the local governors, the deputies, and the governors, the judges,…
Daniel 3:3Then the local governors, the deputies, and the governors, the judges, the treasurers, the counselors, the sheriffs,…
Daniel 3:27The local governors, the deputies, and the governors, and the king’s counselors, being gathered together, saw these…