קֵן (qen)
qen
nest
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 12 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun qen refers to a nest, specifically the shelter built by birds for their young. In the Old Testament, this word appears twelve times, offering a glimpse into the natural world as described in Scripture. It is most frequently found in the book of Job, where it helps illustrate themes of security and providence, but also appears in Deuteronomy and Isaiah.
While primarily used for avian homes, the term has an interesting secondary application. In Genesis 6:14, qen describes the "rooms" or compartments within Noah’s Ark. This usage suggests that the ark was divided into small, sheltered spaces, much like individual nests, providing protection for the animals inside.
The word carries a sense of intimacy and care. When Deuteronomy 22:6-7 commands Israel to take the mother bird only after removing the young from the qen, it highlights a balance between human need and respect for creation. The nest is not just a structure; it is a place of life and continuity.
In Isaiah 11:6, the image of a child leading animals whose homes are in the qen paints a picture of future peace. Here, the nest symbolizes safety and harmony in God’s restored order. The word reminds readers that even the smallest creatures have their place under divine care.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word qen describes a nest, a shelter built with care for the safety of young life. In Scripture, this image appears in moments of both deep comfort and stark warning. It reminds us that God cares for the smallest creatures, providing them with places to rest and grow. This attention to detail shows that nothing is too small for His providence.
Yet the nest also carries a weight of responsibility. When Deuteronomy instructs believers to spare the mother bird while taking the young, it teaches a balance between need and mercy. We are not meant to exploit creation but to steward it with respect. The nest becomes a symbol of how we treat what is vulnerable.
In Isaiah, the image shifts to show peace restored, where even wild animals live securely in their nests. This points to a future where harmony replaces fear. For you, this word invites trust in God’s care for your own life and a commitment to protect those under your influence.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 12 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- nest/ your3×
- nest/ its3×
- nests1×
- nest/ my1×
- nest/ his1×
- like <the>/ nest1×
- a nest of1×
- a nest1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- קִנּ֔/וֹ2×
- קַן\־1×
- קֵ֣ן1×
- קִנּֽ/וֹ\׃1×
- קִנָּ֑/הּ1×
- קִנֶּֽ/ךָ\׃1×
- קִנֶּ֔/ךָ1×
- קִנֶּ֑/ךָ1×
- קִנִּ֣/י1×
- קִנִּ֖ים1×
- כַ/קֵּ֤ן\׀1×
Key Verses
-
Deuteronomy 22:6
If you come across a bird’s nest on the way, in any tree or on the ground, with young ones or eggs, and the hen sitting on the young, or on the eggs, you shall not take the hen with the young.
This verse establishes the ethical boundary of taking only the young, preserving the mother and the continuity of life within the nest.
-
Job 39:27
Is it at your command that the eagle mounts up, and makes his nest on high?
Here the eagle’s high nest highlights God’s sovereign design, showing that even the most powerful birds follow His commands.
-
Isaiah 16:2
For it will be that as wandering birds, as a scattered nest, so will the daughters of Moab be at the fords of the Arnon.
The scattered nest illustrates the vulnerability of Moab, using the image of displaced young to convey loss and exile.
-
Obadiah 1:4
Though you mount on high as the eagle, and though your nest is set among the stars, I will bring you down from there,” says Yahweh.
The prideful nest set among stars serves as a metaphor for human arrogance that God will inevitably bring down.