Defining the Word Humble found in II Chronicles 7 vs 14
Hebrew Strong's Number: 3665
Hebrew Word: כָּנַע
Transliteration: kānaʿ
Phonetic Pronunciation:kaw-nah'
Root: a primitive root
Cross Reference: TWOT - 1001
Part of Speech: v
Vine's Words: Humble (Self) (To)
Usage Notes:
English Words used in KJV:
humble 18
subdue 11
bring low 2
bring down 3
subjection 1
miscellaneous translations 1
[Total Count: 36]
a primitive root; properly to bend the knee; hence to humiliate, vanquish :- bring down (low), into subjection, under, humble (self), subdue.
Source: Strong's Talking Greek & Hebrew Dictionary.
ע
Ayin |
| The word (ayin 1612) means eye in all regular senses, but also as means of expression (knowledge, character, etc). The word (ayin 1613) means spring or fountain. The eye is one of four bodily "fountains," the other three being mouth, skin and urethra (and only the mouth is not supposed to produce water outwardly). Transpiration releases the body of excessive heat; urine evaluates toxins, and the eye produces water commonly when grief or pain is prosessed. All have to do with cleansing or purification. |
Also: eye-to see, understand, obey—spiritual light of God
נַ
Nun |
| The verb means propagate, increase. Derivative means offspring, posterity. The letter is often said to mean and resemble a fish, but the word nun is not used as such in the Bible. In stead, the word for fish comes from another verb which means multiply, increase: (daga 401) |
Also: fish, continue, offspring, heir
כָּ
Kaph |
| One of two regular words for hand (the other being the 10th letter). (kap 1022a) denotes the hand as outstretched, asking and weak. The word basically encompasses anything that is hollow or outstretched in order to receive something: dish, plate, etc. |
Also: bend, allow, open tame
A possible meaning of humble from the lexicon is:
כָּנַע Vine's words: Humble (Self) (To)
Possible meaning from the meaning of the Hebrew letters: To be open to continually reaching out, increasing in understanding, and obeying the spiritual light of God through cleansing or purification.
Some of the meanings of the Hebrew letters of the word humble are listed below:
כָּ
The letter could mean outstretched in order to receive something. The letter could also mean 'to allow'.
נ
The letter could mean 'to continue'
ע
The letter could mean 'to see', 'to understand', 'to obey', in relationship to the spiritual light of God. The letter could also mean 'purification' or 'cleansing'.
Each letter in Hebrew has a meaning, and sometimes a variety of meanings. It is possible that several meanings or definitions of the word being examined could possibly be obtained looking at the letters of the word. It takes reviewing the context of scripture like II Chronicles 7:14 to develop a possible meaning of a word in Hebrew using the letters.
We must also remember that in Hebrew, letters are red from Right to Left in putting together the meaning of the letters in obtaining a possible meaning of the word.
As you study the word Humble, you will find the meaning of that word does have a significant meaning, and adds much depth to our understanding of II Chronicles 7:14.
Comments
Christ was our example while He was on earth. He lived a humble life and taught us to pray. The acts and attitude of humility and prayer go together, which is also stated in the Old Testament in II Chronicles 7:14, "if my people, who are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin,".
When we pray, our prayer should be through an attitude of humbleness.
From this study of the word humble, we can also see a relationship with God through humility, laying "aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us" (Heb 12:1) is important. That comes through cleansing or purification. Sin will block our prayers. PS 66:18 says "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear:"
In review of the above scriptures, it is evident that humility and prayer are closely tied together.