קָנָה (qa.nah)
qa.nah
Kanah
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The noun qanah means "reed," referring to the tall, hollow plants that grow along waterways in the ancient Near East. In the Hebrew Bible, it appears only three times, serving as a proper name for specific geographical locations rather than describing the plant itself.
Most frequently, it identifies a stream flowing into the Mediterranean Sea. This river marked the boundary between the tribal territories of Ephraim to the south and Manasseh to the north (Joshua 16:8). The name likely derives from the reeds that lined its banks, providing a natural landmark for travelers and surveyors.
Less commonly, qanah names a town within the territory of Asher (Joshua 19:28). Some scholars suggest this settlement may be related to Cana in Galilee, where Jesus performed his first miracle, though the biblical text itself treats them as distinct entries. The word’s brevity and specific usage highlight how everyday objects often shaped the landscape names remembered in Scripture.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Qanah appears in Scripture not as a description of nature, but as a marker on a map. It refers to a brook lined with reeds that served as a boundary between the territories of Ephraim and Manasseh. This physical landmark helped the tribes understand their inheritance and limits.
For us today, this word reminds us that God provides clear guidance in our lives. Just as the brook marked the edge of a tribe’s land, God sets boundaries that protect and define our path. We do not need to wander aimlessly; His direction is specific and reliable.
When we feel uncertain about where we belong or what our limits are, we can look to these ancient markers. They show that God cares about the details of our lives, giving us structure and peace through His clear word.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Kanah2×
- and/ Kanah1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- קָנָ֜ה1×
- קָנָ֔ה1×
- וְ/קָנָ֑ה1×
Key Verses
-
Joshua 16:8
From Tappuah the border went along westward to the brook of Kanah; and ended at the sea. This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Ephraim according to their families;
This verse establishes Qanah as the western boundary for Ephraim, showing how a natural feature defined tribal inheritance.
-
Joshua 17:9
The border went down to the brook of Kanah, southward of the brook. These cities belonged to Ephraim among the cities of Manasseh. The border of Manasseh was on the north side of the brook, and ended at the sea.
Here the brook separates Ephraim from Manasseh, highlighting its role in resolving territorial disputes between brothers.
-
Joshua 19:28
and Ebron, Rehob, Hammon, and Kanah, even to great Sidon.
Qanah is listed as a town in Asher’s territory, demonstrating that the name applied to both waterways and settlements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Qanah mean in the Bible?
Is Qanah the same as Cana?
Why does the Bible mention Qanah?
Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)
Joshua 3 verses
From Tappuah the border went along westward to the brook of Kanah; and ended at the sea. This is the inheritance of the…
Joshua 17:9The border went down to the brook of Kanah, southward of the brook. These cities belonged to Ephraim among the cities…
Joshua 19:28and Ebron, Rehob, Hammon, and Kanah, even to great Sidon.