קָנֶה (qa.neh)
qa.neh
branch
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 25 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun qaneh primarily denotes a hollow, upright stalk, most commonly referring to the reeds found along riverbanks and marshes. Its basic meaning captures the physical nature of plants like the calamus or common reed, which are straight and tubular. This imagery appears in passages such as Isaiah 42:3, where a bruised reed is not broken, highlighting both fragility and resilience.
Because of its shape and utility, the word extends metaphorically to describe other long, cylindrical objects. In Exodus 25:31, qaneh refers to the branches of the golden lampstand, illustrating how the term applies to crafted structures that mimic natural forms. It also serves as a unit of measurement, specifically a reed of six cubits used in Ezekiel’s vision of the temple (Ezekiel 40:3), and even denotes the beam of a balance scale in Isaiah 46:6.
The semantic range demonstrates how ancient Hebrew vocabulary often moved from concrete botanical terms to technical or architectural usage. Translators must carefully distinguish between the literal plant, the measuring tool, and the structural component based on context. This flexibility allows qaneh to bridge the natural world with human systems of order and worship.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word qaneh describes a hollow, upright stalk, often found growing along riverbanks. In its most familiar sense, it refers to a reed that bends with the wind but rarely snaps unless crushed. This image appears in Isaiah 42:3, where God promises not to break a bruised reed. It suggests a gentle care for those who feel fragile or worn down by life’s pressures.
Beyond its botanical meaning, qaneh also describes the sturdy branches of the golden lampstand in Exodus 25:32. Here, the term shifts from a wild plant to a crafted part of sacred worship. This duality reminds us that God values both the fragile human spirit and the structured beauty of devotion.
Whether understood as a delicate plant or a solid support, this word points to dependence. We rely on God for strength when we feel weak, just as the reed relies on the water’s edge. His presence sustains us in our vulnerability and orders our lives with purpose.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 25 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ branches10×
- branches of4×
- <the>/ reed3×
- reed[s]2×
- on/ a stalk2×
- calamus2×
- branches2×
- and/ shaft/ its2×
- and/ branches/ their2×
- [will be] on the/ branch2×
- on <the>/ scale[s]1×
- from/ arm/ its1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- קְנֵ֣י4×
- הַ/קָּנִ֔ים4×
- בַּ/קָּנֶ֣ה3×
- בְּ/קָנֶ֥ה3×
- קָנִ֔ים2×
- וּ/קְנֹתָ֖/ם2×
- וְ/קָנָ֔/הּ2×
- הַ/קָּנֶ֨ה2×
- הַ/קָּנִים֙2×
- הַ/קָּנִ֜ים2×
- הַ/קָּנִ֖ים2×
- קָנֶה֙1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 42:3
He won’t break a bruised reed. He won’t quench a dimly burning wick. He will faithfully bring justice.
This verse uses the image of a bruised reed to show God’s gentle refusal to destroy those who are already weakened.
-
Exodus 25:32
There shall be six branches going out of its sides: three branches of the lamp stand out of its one side, and three branches of the lamp stand out of its other side;
Here qaneh refers to the branches of the lampstand, showing how the word applies to crafted structures in worship.
-
II Kings 18:21
Now, behold, you trust in the staff of this bruised reed, even in Egypt. If a man leans on it, it will go into his hand and pierce it. So is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all who trust on him.
The prophet uses a bruised reed as a metaphor for Egypt’s unreliable military support, contrasting it with trust in God.
-
Exodus 30:23
“Also take fine spices: of liquid myrrh, five hundred shekels; and of fragrant cinnamon half as much, even two hundred and fifty; and of fragrant cane, two hundred and fifty;
This occurrence identifies fragrant cane as an ingredient for the holy anointing oil, linking the plant to sacred ritual.