Quranic root
كهن
k · h · n
The root's attested semantic field centers on soothsaying: a kāhin is one who claims to disclose hidden reports through conjecture.
The noun extends to the name of the practice and to derived forms for engaging in, specializing in, or undertaking soothsaying. The supplied evidence does not establish a broader abstract root principle.
- Maqāyīs · row 4059
- Mufradāt · row 1275
- 1
- Quran-attested forms
- 1
- Quran senses
- 2
- Quran occurrences
Forms in the Quran
The forms this root actually takes in the Quran. Select one to jump to its senses and examples.
كَاهِن
kāhin
- Part of speech
- Noun · Soothsayer
- Quran occurrences
- 2 occurrences
Selected examples are shown with the sense they illustrate — chosen to teach that sense, not the complete list of this form’s Quran occurrences.
A soothsayer: one who claims, by conjecture, to disclose hidden reports.
The lexical discussion specifically describes the kāhin as reporting hidden past events by conjecture, while distinguishing the ʿarrāf as one who claims to report future events. In the Quranic occurrences, كَاهِن characterizes the alleged speaker rather than specifying a separate temporal scope.
- Mufradāt · row 1275
Selected Quran examples
Quran 52:29word 6
“a soothsayer”
Quran 69:42word 3
“(of) a soothsayer”
Occurrences in the Quran
Every place this root appears, in Quran order. The first few are shown here.
View all 2 occurrencesBroader Classical Arabic meanings
Recorded for this root in the Classical lexicons beyond its Quran usage. These are secondary to the Quran senses above.
Show 1 Classical meanings
كَهَانَة، كَهَنَ، تَكَهَّنَ
To engage in, specialize in, or undertake the practice of soothsaying.
The derived usages distinguish engaging in the practice, specializing in it, and undertaking or taking it up.
- Mufradāt · row 1275
Cautions
Points that affect how this root should be read.
No Lane primary entry was matched for this root in the supplied evidence packet; the Quranic lexical sense and the derived Classical usages are therefore supported here by the supplied Mufradat discussion.