Lexical Summary kanaph: hide Original Word: כָּנַף Strong's Exhaustive Concordance be removed A primitive root; properly, to project laterally, i.e. Probably (reflexive) to withdraw -- be removed. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origindenominative verb from kanaph Definition to be cornered or thrust into a corner NASB Translation hide (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [כָּנַף] verb denominative from כָּנָף 2 only Niph`al be cornered, thrust into a corner, or aside; — Imperfect3masculine singular וְלֹא יִכָּנֵף עוֺד מוֺרֶי֔ךָ Isaiah 30:20 and no more shall thy teachers be thrust into a corner (compare Di); > others, who render hide themselves, (compare Arabic כנר (possibly √ of following; meaning unknown). Topical Lexicon Linguistic Nuance The verb כָּנַף in Isaiah 30:20 describes being pushed aside, obscured, or hidden away as one would tuck something into a corner. The image conveys both concealment and restriction rather than outright removal. The form is passive, underscoring how the condition is imposed from outside rather than self-chosen. Biblical Occurrence and Context Isaiah 30 addresses Judah’s temptation to seek political refuge in Egypt instead of relying on the LORD. Verses 18–22 introduce a gracious turning‐point: discipline will be followed by renewed revelation. “Your teachers will no longer be hidden; with your own eyes you will see them” (Isaiah 30:20). Here כָּנַף marks the end of a period in which sound instruction had been driven into the shadows by national unbelief. The promise anticipates a day when prophetic guidance will stand in the open, unmistakable and accessible. Historical Background In eighth-century B.C. Judah, the prophetic office was often marginalized by court politics and popular idolatry. When kings silenced unwelcome voices (compare 1 Kings 22:27; Jeremiah 36:23), true teachers were literally pushed into obscurity. Isaiah’s assurance that they will no longer be “cornered” forms part of a larger covenant motif: exile for disobedience, then restoration with clarified instruction (Deuteronomy 30:1–6; Jeremiah 3:15). The verb therefore evokes memories of both the shame of hiding and the dignity of public reinstatement. Theological Themes 1. Divine Faithfulness in Revelation – Even when judgment falls, God preserves a witness so His people are never finally without light (Psalm 119:105). Ministry Significance Pastors, teachers, and missionaries draw encouragement from Isaiah 30:20. Opposition may confine biblical preaching to a “corner,” yet God vows to restore it to public view. The verb כָּנַף warns churches against sidelining uncomfortable truth and challenges leaders to resist self-imposed obscurity. Rather than retreat, ministers are to proclaim “the whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:27), trusting the Lord to vindicate His word. Christological Perspective Jesus Christ embodies the fulfillment of this oracle. During His earthly ministry He declared, “I have spoken openly to the world; I always taught in the synagogues and at the temple” (John 18:20). In Him, teaching once hidden stands manifest. Furthermore, by sending the Spirit (John 16:13) and appointing pastor-teachers (Ephesians 4:11), the risen Lord ensures that true instruction cannot remain permanently suppressed. Practical and Devotional Reflection • Examine personal and congregational patterns that may push biblical counsel into a corner—selective hearing, cultural pressure, or fear of offense. Conclusion Although כָּנַף appears only once, it captures a timeless reality: God may allow His word to be obscured for a season, but He is committed to bringing it back into the open for the life of His people. Forms and Transliterations יִכָּנֵ֥ף יכנף yik·kā·nêp̄ yikkaNef yikkānêp̄Links Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Isaiah 30:20 HEB: לָ֑חַץ וְלֹֽא־ יִכָּנֵ֥ף עוֹד֙ מוֹרֶ֔יךָ NAS: longer hide Himself, but your eyes KJV: yet shall not thy teachers be removed into a corner any more, but thine eyes INT: of oppression will no hide longer teachers 1 Occurrence |
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enclose, guard, but this rather for protection).