of Hebrew origin (קֵינָן); Cainan (i.e. Kenan), the name of two patriarchs:--Cainan.
Transliteration:Kaïnán
Pronunciation:kah-ee-nan'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek proper noun Καϊνάν (Kaïnán), Strong's `{{G2536}}`, is a transliteration of the Hebrew name קֵינָן (Qeynan), Strong's `{{H7018}}`. The Hebrew root from which Qeynan is derived (קנה, *qanah*) carries a semantic range related to "acquire," "possess," "create," or "form." Consequently, the name Qeynan is often interpreted as "possessor," "smith" (one who acquires and works metal), or "lament." In the biblical context, it primarily refers to a specific individual within the antediluvian genealogies. The base definition indicates its application to "two patriarchs," implying both the Kenan of Genesis 5 and the Kainan mentioned in the Septuagint and Luke's genealogy.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Καϊνάν (Kaïnán) appears notably in the New Testament in the genealogy of Jesus Christ as recorded by Luke:
* [[Luke 3:36]]: "the son of Arphaxad, the son of Shem, the son of Noah, the son of Lamech..." (This is the context immediately preceding the mention of Kainan).
* [[Luke 3:37]]: "...the son of Cainan, the son of Arphaxad, the son of Shem, the son of Noah, the son of Lamech..." (This verse explicitly lists Kainan as the son of Arphaxad and father of Shelah.)
This mention in Luke's Gospel aligns with the Septuagint (LXX) version of Genesis, specifically:
* [[Genesis 10:24 (LXX)]]: "And Arphaxad begot Cainan, and Cainan begot Salah..."
* [[Genesis 11:12 (LXX)]]: "And Arphaxad lived a hundred and thirty-five years, and begot Cainan."
It is critical to note a significant textual variant here: the Masoretic Text (MT) of Genesis (the basis for most modern Old Testament translations) does *not* include Kainan between Arphaxad and Shelah in these passages. In the MT, Arphaxad is directly the father of Shelah (e.g., [[Genesis 10:24]], [[Genesis 11:12]]). Luke's genealogy, by including Kainan, clearly follows the Septuagint tradition, which was the common Greek translation of the Old Testament in the first century.
The other patriarch referred to by the base definition, Kenan (`{{H7018}}`), is found in:
* [[Genesis 5:9]]: "And Enosh lived ninety years, and begot Kenan."
* [[Genesis 5:12]]: "And Kenan lived seventy years, and begot Mahalalel."
In the Septuagint, this Kenan is also transliterated as Καϊνάν (Kaïnán), thus linking the two figures under the same Greek Strong's number. This demonstrates the consistent Greek rendering of the Hebrew name, even for different individuals in separate genealogical branches.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is its Hebrew equivalent, קֵינָן (Qeynan), Strong's `{{H7018}}`. The study of Καϊνάν naturally leads to several interconnected concepts:
* **Genealogy (γενεαλογία, *genealogia* `{{G1076}}`):** Kainan's place within the meticulously recorded lineages underscores the importance of ancestry in biblical narrative, particularly the tracing of the messianic line.
* **Textual Criticism:** The discrepancy between the Masoretic Text and the Septuagint regarding Kainan between Arphaxad and Shelah is a prime example of textual variants. Understanding this variance is crucial for appreciating the textual history of the Bible and Luke's reliance on the LXX.
* **Patriarchs:** Kainan is one of the early patriarchs, figures whose lives span vast periods in the pre-Abrahamic era, serving as foundational links in the unfolding history of salvation.
* **Names and their Meaning:** The potential meanings of "possessor" or "smith" for Qeynan, while not explicitly elaborated in the biblical text for Kainan, reflect the common practice in ancient Near Eastern cultures of names carrying significant meaning or prophecy.
### Theological Significance
The inclusion of Kainan, particularly in Luke's genealogy of Jesus, carries several layers of theological significance:
* **Divine Providence in Lineage:** Kainan's presence, whether through the MT or LXX tradition, signifies God's meticulous and sovereign hand in preserving the lineage through which the Messiah would come. Every individual, even those with limited narrative presence, plays a part in the grand tapestry of God's redemptive plan.
* **Continuity of Salvation History:** Kainan serves as a vital link in the unbroken chain of human generations from Adam to Christ. This unbroken lineage emphasizes the continuity of God's covenant promises and His faithfulness across millennia.
* **Luke's Universal Scope:** By tracing Jesus' lineage back through Kainan to Adam and ultimately to God ([[Luke 3:38]]), Luke emphasizes Jesus' identity as the Son of God and the Savior of all humanity, not just Israel. Kainan, as a pre-Abrahamic figure, contributes to this universal scope.
* **Biblical Authority and Textual Variants:** The textual difference regarding Kainan (Arphaxad's son) invites reflection on the nature of biblical authority and the inspiration of Scripture amidst textual variations. While the MT is foundational, the Septuagint's influence on New Testament writers, exemplified by Luke, highlights the complexity and richness of the biblical tradition. It suggests that the Spirit guided the New Testament authors in their use of available sacred texts.
### Summary
Καϊνάν (Kaïnán, `{{G2536}}`) is the Greek transliteration of the Hebrew name קֵינָן (Qeynan, `{{H7018}}`), meaning "possessor" or "smith." This name refers to two distinct patriarchs in biblical genealogies: Kenan, the son of Enosh ([[Genesis 5:9]]), and Kainan, the son of Arphaxad. The latter figure is particularly significant as he is included in the Septuagint version of Genesis ([[Genesis 10:24]], [[Genesis 11:12]]) and subsequently in Luke's genealogy of Jesus ([[Luke 3:37]]), though he is absent from the Masoretic Text of Genesis. The study of Kainan illuminates the critical role of genealogies in demonstrating God's faithful preservation of the messianic line, the universal scope of Christ's saving work, and the important considerations surrounding textual variants in biblical scholarship. Kainan, though a name with little narrative detail, stands as a testament to God's meticulous and sovereign plan throughout salvation history.
TRV