Original Word: קְנָא
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: qna'
Pronunciation: keh-naw'
Phonetic Spelling: (ken-aw')
KJV: buy
NASB: buy
Word Origin: [(Aramaic) corresponding to H7069 (קָנָה - buy)]

1. to purchase

buy

(Aramaic) corresponding to qanah; to purchase -- buy.

see HEBREW qanah

Word Origin
(Aramaic) corresponding to qanah
Definition
to acquire, buy
NASB Translation
buy (1).

[קְנָא] verb acquire, buy (see Biblical Hebrew I. קנה); —

Pe`al Imperfect2masculine singular תִּקְנֵא Ezra 7:17 with accusative of thing, + בְּכַסְמָּא.

Concept Overview

The verb קְנָא depicts purposeful acquisition for the service of God. Its lone biblical appearance centers on procuring sacrificial animals and accompanying elements, highlighting decisive action that restores ordered worship after exile.

Occurrence and Immediate Context

Ezra 7:17—“With this money, therefore, you are to buy diligently bulls, rams, and lambs, together with their grain offerings and drink offerings, and you are to offer them on the altar of the house of your God in Jerusalem.”

Artaxerxes’ edict authorizes Ezra to purchase everything necessary for full-orbed temple sacrifice. The word stresses prompt, conscientious procurement, legitimized by royal command yet ultimately directed by divine providence.

Historical Setting

• Post-exilic Judah was rebuilding national and religious life.
• Persian policy supported local cults; Ezra, a priestly scribe, led the second return (458 BC).
• Funds from the empire and willing Jews converged, enabling re-establishment of the Mosaic sacrificial system in the renewed Second Temple.

Theological Significance

1. Divine Provision—God channels resources through unexpected agents (compare Exodus 12:36; Isaiah 45:13).
2. Covenant Fidelity—Re-instituted sacrifices restore atonement, fellowship, and thanksgiving rites prescribed in Leviticus 1–7.
3. Acceptable Worship—“Buy diligently” underscores quality; only unblemished offerings satisfy God (Malachi 1:7-14).
4. Foreshadowing Redemption—Supplying bulls, rams, and lambs anticipates the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ that ends the need for repeated purchases (Hebrews 10:11-14).

Stewardship and Ministry Lessons

• Transparent allocation of funds to biblically mandated worship honors both donor and God (2 Corinthians 8:20-21).
• Leaders must translate financial provision into actual ministry, guarding against neglect or misuse (Nehemiah 13:10-13).
• Intentional budgeting for essential worship elements today—Word, ordinances, evangelism, mercy—mirrors Ezra’s priorities.

Continuity within the Canon

Abraham’s costly obedience (Genesis 22), David’s purchase for sacrifice (2 Samuel 24:24), and Solomon’s temple preparation (1 Kings 8) all echo Ezra’s acquisition. Each episode points forward to the supreme price of redemption, “not with perishable things such as silver or gold…but with the precious blood of Christ” (1 Peter 1:18-19).

Practical Implications

• Encourage generosity that targets gospel-centered worship and mission.
• Cultivate diligence in procurement—excellence in what is offered to God reflects His worth.
• Recognize that God can use civil authorities and secular resources to advance His kingdom purposes.

Summary

Though קְנָא appears only once, it captures a pivotal moment when God stirred hearts and opened royal treasuries so His people could “buy diligently” what was needed for sacrificial worship. The term therefore embodies divine provision, covenant renewal, responsible stewardship, and a forward look to the ultimate, once-for-all sacrifice that would end the era of continual purchasing.

תִקְנֵ֜א תקנא tikNe ṯiq·nê ṯiqnêInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts