Simple question for someone who knows Hebrew

[daveleau]

Hi everybody!

First, this is not a loaded question full of theological ramifications. I am simply looking for information to do a word study in the OT and would like some input from someone who knows Biblical Hebrew.

I am looking at studying the word translated into "Humbly" in Micah 6:8 for our class. It is translated from the word "sana". There are many other instances of words that translate into humbly, but none other verses use "sana". One of the words used is "kana". Is this the same worxd in a different tense? Is it incorrect to use both words interchangably for the sake of understanding Micah 6:8? Just FYI, this is for a graded assignment.

Thank you very much,
Dave

[shmuel]

I wouldn't want to be responsible for a bad grade, so checkout what I say.

Tsana` (tsadi-nun-ayin) appears as a verb only once in the Hebrew Bible in Mi 6:8. The same root is used as an adjective in Pr 11:2. The idea seems to be modest, i.e. not proud.

Kana` (kaf-nun-ayin) can either be reflexive, to humble one's self or passive, to be humbled or subdued by another. Actively it means to humble or subdue (for example enemies). I think here is the idea to be put in a low estate, to be put down, etc.

I hope this is a little help.

S

[daveleau]

But are they close enough to be considered together in a study, or are they like the Greek words for love, agape and phileo, in that they have overlap but are usually considered to be different representations of love?

Thanks
Dave

[shmuel]

They are used differently. Tsana` describes a state such as a character trait, perhaps not just modesty but also caution. Since tsana` is so infrequently used, its exact meaning is hard to determine.

Kana` describes an action, the process of subduing. It can be active, the subject does the subduing; passive, the suject is subdued by another; or refleive, the subject subdues himself.

S

[daveleau]

Thanks. Your input is right on. I broke down and asked my professor and he said basically what you have and that the words ana, kana and shapel are all synonymns with slightly different meanings. So, I am going to move on to a more basic word to study, since this is one of my first projects like this.
Thanks for all of your help!