====== כּוּן ======

Meaning
  * To be firm
  * Establish
  * Prepare
  * Set

Verb. Occurs about 200 times in the Old Testament.

===== Meanings by Stem =====

==== Qal Stem (basic form) ====

To be firm, stable, fixed, established.

Describes something that stands securely or endures.

For example, "Your throne is established (נָכוֹן) from of old" — <autott>psalm_93:2|Psalm 93:2</autott>

==== Niphal Stem (passive/reflexive form) ====

To be established, be fixed, be prepared.

Often refers to plans or purposes that are set.

For example, "The LORD’s throne is established (נָכוֹן) in the heavens." — <autott>psalm_103:19|Psalm 103:19</autott>

==== Hiphil Stem (causative form) ====

To establish, set up, prepare, make firm.

This is the most common form and often means to make something stable or ready.

For example, "The LORD establishes (הֵכִין) his steps." — <autott>proverbs_16:9|Proverbs 16:9</autott>

===== Theological Significance =====

The verb כּוּן often refers to God’s action in establishing creation, kingship, and moral order.
It expresses the idea that what God does is permanent, reliable, and purposeful.

Examples:
  * Creation: "He established (כּוֹנֵן) the world, it shall not be moved." — <autott>psalm_96:10|Psalm 96:10</autott>
  * Covenant and throne: "Your kingdom shall be established (נָכוֹן) forever before you." — <autott>2_samuel_7:16|2 Samuel 7:16</autott>
  * Moral order and plans: "Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established (יִכּוֹנוּ)." — <autott>proverbs_16:3|Proverbs 16:3</autott>

===== LXX translations of כּוּן =====

The translators did not use a single Greek word for כּוּן; instead, they chose terms that fit the context:
  * When the emphasis is on preparation or readiness, they used ἑτοιμάζω / ἑτοῖμος.
  * When the focus is on stability or firmness, they used στηρίζω, βεβαιόω, or θεμελιόω.

Together these words paint a full picture of what it means for something (or someone) to be firmly set, trustworthy, and enduring, whether a throne, the world, or the human heart.

===== New Testament Connections =====

The same Greek verbs used in the LXX show up again in the New Testament, carrying forward the Hebrew theology of firm establishment:

| Greek verb  | NT examples | Connection to כּוּן |
| **στηρίζω** — "to strengthen, make firm" | <autott>luke_22:32|Luke 22:32</autott>, <autott>1_peter_5:10|1 Peter 5:10</autott> | God *establishes* believers just as He *establishes* His creation and throne |
| **βεβαιόω** — "to confirm, make sure" | <autott>1_corinthians_1:8|1 Corinthians 1:8</autott>, <autott>hebrews_2:3|Hebrews 2:3</autott> | The confirming work of God parallels how He *makes firm* His word and covenant |
| **θεμελιόω** — "to lay a foundation" | <autott>colossians_1:23|Colossians 1:23</autott> | Believers are *founded* on Christ — the ultimate fulfillment of stability |
| **ἑτοιμάζω** — "to prepare" | <autott>matthew_25:34|Matthew 25:34</autott> | Echoes God's *preparing* of His throne or world in the Psalms |

===== Common Grammatical Forms =====

| **Form (Description)** | **English Meaning** | **Hebrew Spelling** |
| Qal Perfect 3 masculine singular | he was established / firm  | כּוּן — **rare / not clearly attested** |
| Niphal Perfect 3 masculine singular | he was established | נָכוֹן |
| Niphal Participle masculine singular | established, fixed | נָכוֹן |
| Niphal Infinitive Absolute | to be established | הִכּוֹן |
| Niphal Imperfect 3 masculine singular | he will be established | יִכּוֹן |
| Niphal Imperfect 3 feminine singular | she will be established | תִּכּוֹן |
| Hiphil Perfect 3 masculine singular | he established / prepared  | הֵכִין  |
| Hiphil Imperfect 3 masculine singular | he will establish / prepare | יָכִין |
| Hiphil Imperative masculine singular | establish! / prepare! | הָכֵן |
| Hiphil Infinitive Construct | to establish / prepare | הָכִין |
| Hiphil Participle masculine singular | establishing / preparing | מֵכִין |
| Hiphil Participle feminine singular | establishing / preparing | מְכִינָה  |