The Hebrew verb גָּנַן (root: ג-נ-ן) means “to shield,” “to cover,” or “to protect.” It is often used in poetic and prophetic contexts to describe divine protection—particularly God’s shielding of His people, city, or sanctuary. The imagery behind the root involves enclosing or surrounding something to keep it safe.
This verb typically appears in the Qal and Pual stems:
– Qal: to shield, to cover (rare)
– Pual: to be shielded, to be surrounded (passive or intensive)
It is related to the noun מָגֵן (shield) and shares thematic connections with protection and defense.
Qal Binyan Conjugation of גָּנַן (“to shield, protect”)
Past (Perfect) Tense
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| 1st person singular | גָּנַנְתִּי |
| 2nd person masculine singular | גָּנַנְתָּ |
| 2nd person feminine singular | גָּנַנְתְּ |
| 3rd person masculine singular | גָּנַן |
| 3rd person feminine singular | גָּנְנָה |
| 1st person plural | גָּנַנּוּ |
| 2nd person masculine plural | גְּנַנְתֶּם |
| 2nd person feminine plural | גְּנַנְתֶּן |
| 3rd person plural | גָּנְנוּ |
Present (Participle) Tense
| Gender/Number | Form |
|---|---|
| Masculine singular | גּוֹנֵן |
| Feminine singular | גּוֹנֶנֶת |
| Masculine plural | גּוֹנְנִים |
| Feminine plural | גּוֹנְנוֹת |
Future (Imperfect) Tense
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| 1st person singular | אֶגְנֵן |
| 2nd person masculine singular | תִּגְנֵן |
| 2nd person feminine singular | תִּגְנְנִי |
| 3rd person masculine singular | יִגְנֵן |
| 3rd person feminine singular | תִּגְנֵן |
| 1st person plural | נִגְנֵן |
| 2nd person masculine plural | תִּגְנְנוּ |
| 2nd person feminine plural | תִּגְנֵנָה |
| 3rd person plural | יִגְנְנוּ |
Imperative Mood
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| 2nd person masculine singular | גּוֹנֵן |
| 2nd person feminine singular | גּוֹנְנִי |
| 2nd person masculine plural | גּוֹנְנוּ |
| 2nd person feminine plural | גּוֹנֵנָה |
Usage in Scripture
- Zechariah 9:15 – יְהוָה צְבָאוֹת יָגֵן עֲלֵיהֶם
“The LORD of hosts will shield them.” — divine protection in battle. - Isaiah 31:5 – כְּצִפֳּרִים עָפוֹת כֵּן יָגֵן יְהוָה צְבָאוֹת עַל יְרוּשָׁלִַם
“As birds flying, so will the LORD of hosts shield Yerushalayim.” - Psalm 5:13 – כִּי־אַתָּה תְבָרֵךְ צַדִּיק יְהוָה כַּצִּנָּה רָצוֹן תַּעְטְרֶנּוּ
(Though a different verb, this verse shares the concept of divine shielding.)
Summary
The verb גָּנַן is closely tied to the imagery of divine defense, conveying a sense of security and blessing. Whether shielding a city, a person, or a covenant people, this verb emphasizes God’s role as protector and guardian. Its rich metaphors make it a favorite in biblical poetry and prophecy.
