קַנָּא
𐤒𐤍𐤀
qannâʼ
H7067 adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
An adjective describing one who is zealous or intensely protective of something, most often used to express an exclusivist, ardent attitude (typically of a deity) regarding rights or devotion. In biblical usage, most commonly refers to being 'jealous' or 'zealous' for exclusive faithfulness, especially in covenantal or relational contexts.
Semantic Range
zealous, ardent, fervent, jealous (exclusively protective or demanding of fidelity), passionate, intensely devoted (especially of the deity toward Israelite loyalty or worship)
Root / Etymology
From the root קנא, which carries the sense of ardor, zeal, or intense emotion directed toward protecting one’s possession or relationship. The form קַנָּא is an intensive adjective form reflecting the state or disposition of being jealous or zealous. The noun and verb forms of this root are also attested in Hebrew, showing a cohesive semantic field around jealousy, zeal, and passion.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In the Hebrew Bible, קַנָּא is a rare adjective, used primarily with reference to YHWH, emphasizing divine zeal or passionate protectiveness toward exclusive worship (e.g. Exodus 20:5, Deuteronomy 4:24, Nahum 1:2). Human application is limited and usually appears in participial or noun forms of the same root. The term should not be conflated with later conceptions of 'jealousy' tied strongly to envy; in biblical contexts, קַנָּא focuses on the positive or neutral sense of zealous guardianship or devotion, particularly within covenantal relationships. English translations as 'jealous' can both capture and obscure this nuance—as modern usage often implies pettiness or insecurity absent from the biblical concept. The related form קַנּוֹא (qanô) is similarly applied, sometimes interchangeably, with scant distinction in many texts. The use of the adjective is marked, signifying not merely possessiveness but a commitment to exclusive relationship or loyalty, especially with reference to the deity's relationship with the people of Israel.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from קָנָא; jealous; jealous. Compare קַנּוֹא.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
קנא (q-n-ʾ) — zeal, ardor, jealousy, passionate protectiveness
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H7065 | קָנָא | I will provoke them to zeal |
| H7068 | קִנְאָה | in my ardent zeal |
| H7072 | קַנּוֹא | intensely zealous |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7067-01 |
קַנָּ֔א | qana | HAamsa |
jealous | zealously protective | 6 |
Occurrences in Scripture
6 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7067-01 |
Exodus 20:5 | קַנָּ֔א | qana | HAamsa |
jealous | zealously protective |
H7067-01 |
Exodus 34:14 | קַנָּ֣א | qana | HAamsa |
Jealous | zealously protective |
H7067-01 |
Exodus 34:14 | קַנָּ֖א | qana-2 | HAamsa |
jealous | zealously protective |
H7067-01 |
Deuteronomy 4:24 | קַנָּֽא | qana | HAamsa |
jealous | zealously protective |
H7067-01 |
Deuteronomy 5:9 | קַנָּ֔א | qana | HAamsa |
jealous | zealously protective |
H7067-01 |
Deuteronomy 6:15 | קַנָּ֛א | qana | HAamsa |
jealous | zealously protective |