כָּנַף
𐤊𐤍𐤐
kânaph
H3670 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To be separated, withdrawn, or removed; in the reflexive or passive sense, indicating withdrawal or removal to one side, or being excluded/separated from a group or place. The root can also indicate the act of covering or hiding oneself (in some related forms), but this sense is not strongly attested for the qal/root form.
Semantic Range
to withdraw, to be removed, to be excluded, to be separated, to move aside, to be swept away
Root / Etymology
Root: כ-נ-ף (כנף). The basic root meaning is 'to project' or 'wing' (as in 'edge' or 'extremity'), but this verbal form is likely derived from the sense of 'moving to the side' or 'withdrawing to the edge.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
Verb כָּנַף (kânaph) in this specific qal/root form is rare, appearing only a few times, where it denotes the act of being withdrawn or separated (e.g., Zephaniah 3:1: 'the oppressing city, she obeyed no voice, she accepted no correction; she did not trust in YHWH, she did not draw near to her God'). Derived forms (e.g., noun כָּנָף, 'wing, edge, corner') are far more common and reflect the core image of something extended to the side or projecting outward, such as a wing of a bird or the edge of a garment. In late biblical and post-biblical Hebrew, the verb sometimes takes on the sense of 'being swept away' or 'removed.' English translations commonly render contexts of כָּנַף with verbs like 'withdraw,' 'remove,' or 'be swept away,' but this can obscure the subtle image of moving aside or to an edge. Not to be confused with uses of כָּנָף referring to literal wings, corners, or extremities.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
a primitive root; properly, to project laterally, i.e. probably (reflexive) to withdraw; be removed.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
כנף (k-n-p̄) — to project, extend to the side, move to an edge
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H3671 | כָּנָף | in their wings |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H3670-01 |
יִכָּנֵ֥ף | yikanef | HVNi3ms |
will be hidden | he will be withdrawn | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H3670-01 |
Isaiah 30:20 | יִכָּנֵ֥ף | yikanef | HVNi3ms |
will be hidden | he will be withdrawn |