Lexical Definition
קְנַז Qᵉnaz (ken-az') Kenaz N:N-M-P
probably from an unused root meaning to hunt; hunter
Kenaz.
- § Kenaz = "hunter"
- Kenaz, the name of an Edomite and of two Israelites
1) son of Eliphaz and grandson of Esau; one of the dukes of Edom
2) a brother of Caleb and father of Othniel
| Form | Translated As | In Verse(s) |
|---|---|---|
| קְנַֽז | Kenaz | Judg.3.11 |
| קְנַ֖ז | Kenaz | Josh.15.17 |
| קְנַ֔ז | Kenaz | Judg.1.13 • Judg.3.9 • 1Chr.4.13 |
Extended Information
- A man living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Num.32.12
- son of: Jephunneh (יְפֻנֶּה)
- brother of: Caleb (כָּלֵב)
- father of: Othniel (עׇתְנִיאֵל) and Seraiah (שְׂרָיָה); also called Kenizzite at Num.32.12
- Also named: qe.niz.zi (קְנִזִּי "Kenizzite" קְנִזִּי)
Brown-Driver-Briggs
קְנַז proper name, masculine in Edom, Κενεζ: son of Eliphaz Gen 36:11 = 1Chr 1:36; Gen 36:15 compare vGen 36:42 = 1Chr 1:53, and father of Othniel Josh 15:17; Judg 1:13; Judg 3:9; Judg 3:11(see DiGn Bu RS 9.Comm. Judg 1:13 GFM Judg 1:13ff. MeyEntstehung 115 f.).
Brown-Driver-Briggs References
| Book | Refs |
|---|---|
| Genesis | 36:11 · 36:15 · 36:42 |
| Joshua | 15:17 |
| Judges | 1:13 · 3:9 · 3:11 |
| 1 Chronicles | 1:36 · 1:53 |
Profile
Male • Father of Othniel • Father of Othniel, a judge of Israel
Man living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness
Kenaz was the father of Othniel, a judge of Israel who delivered the Israelites from the oppression of Cushan-rishathaim.
- A man living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Num.32.12;
- referred to as Kenaz קְנַז, or Kenizzite קְנִזִּי;
- son of Jephunneh יְפֻנֶּה;
- a brother of Caleb כָּלֵב;
- father of Othniel עׇתְנִיאֵל and Seraiah שְׂרָיָה.
Kenaz is mentioned in several passages as the father of Othniel, a prominent figure in the early history of Israel. Othniel was a brave warrior and a judge who delivered the Israelites from the oppression of Cushan-rishathaim, king of Mesopotamia (Judges 3:9-11).
Kenaz is first mentioned in the context of Caleb's conquest of Hebron. Caleb offered his daughter Achsah in marriage to whoever would attack and capture the city of Debir. Othniel, the son of Kenaz and Caleb's younger brother, successfully accomplished this task and married Achsah (Joshua 15:17; Judges 1:13).
Othniel's father Kenaz is also mentioned in the genealogy of the tribe of Judah (1 Chronicles 4:13). This genealogical record confirms Kenaz's relationship to Caleb and his place within the tribe of Judah.
Furthermore, Kenaz is mentioned in the context of Caleb's faithfulness to God. Caleb and Joshua were the only two spies who brought back a positive report about the Promised Land and encouraged the Israelites to trust in God (Numbers 32:12; Joshua 14:6, 14). Caleb is referred to as "the Kenizzite," indicating his connection to the Kenizzite clan, likely through his father Jephunneh.
The story of Kenaz and his son Othniel highlights the importance of faith, courage, and obedience to God in the early history of Israel. Othniel's role as a judge and deliverer of Israel also demonstrates God's faithfulness in raising up leaders to guide and protect His people.
All entries for Kenaz: קְנַז ☩ קְנִזִּי