### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word Κίς (Kís), Strong's `{{G2797}}`, is a direct transliteration of the Hebrew proper noun קִישׁ (Qish), Strong's `{{H7027}}`. As a personal name, its core meaning is simply to identify a specific individual. While the Hebrew root קִישׁ may be associated with concepts such as "bow" or "snare" in other contexts, in this instance, it functions solely as an appellation. Therefore, the semantic range of Κίς is limited to denoting the historical figure known as Kish.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term Κίς (Kís) appears in the New Testament exclusively in [[Acts 13:21]]. In this passage, the Apostle Paul, while delivering a sermon in the synagogue at Pisidian Antioch, recounts the history of Israel's leadership, transitioning from the period of the judges to the establishment of the monarchy. He states, "Then they asked for a king, and God gave them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years."
This reference to Κίς (Kish) serves to historically ground Paul's discourse, connecting it to the foundational events of Israel's past as recorded in the Hebrew Scriptures. In the Old Testament, Kish (`{{H7027}}`) is introduced in [[1 Samuel 9:1]] as a prominent man from the tribe of Benjamin and the father of Saul, who would become Israel's first king. The narrative in 1 Samuel details how Kish's search for lost donkeys providentially led his son Saul to encounter the prophet Samuel, resulting in Saul's anointing as king. The New Testament's use of Κίς thus acts as an affirmation of this Old Testament historical record, validating the lineage and circumstances surrounding the inception of the Israelite monarchy.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is the Hebrew original, קִישׁ (Qish), Strong's `{{H7027}}`, from which Κίς is transliterated. Other significant related concepts include:
* Σαοῦλ (Saoul), Strong's `{{G4549}}`, the Greek form of Saul, who was Kish's son and the first king of Israel.
* Βενιαμίν (Beniamin), Strong's `{{G958}}`, referring to the tribe of Benjamin, from which Kish and Saul hailed.
* Kingship and monarchy: Kish's primary biblical significance derives from his paternal relationship to the first king of Israel, placing him within the broader theological narrative of divine governance and human leadership.
* Genealogy and historical lineage: The mention of Κίς underscores the importance of historical continuity and the meticulous recording of figures within God's unfolding plan for His people.
### Theological Significance
While Κίς (Kís) is not a figure of direct theological instruction or prophecy, his place in the biblical narrative, particularly his inclusion in the New Testament, carries subtle yet profound theological significance. His identity as the father of Saul, Israel's first king, highlights God's sovereign involvement in the establishment of the monarchy. Even though Saul's reign ultimately ended in failure due to disobedience, his initial selection and the lineage from which he came were part of God's ordained plan for Israel.
Paul's reference to Kish in [[Acts 13:21]] serves as a crucial historical marker, anchoring the New Covenant narrative in the verifiable history of the Old Covenant. It demonstrates the continuity of God's redemptive work through the ages, from the giving of a king to Israel, through the Davidic line, and ultimately to the Messiah, Jesus Christ. The meticulous preservation of such names within the biblical record underscores the historical reliability of Scripture and the purposeful progression of God's divine plan, in which even seemingly minor historical figures play their part.
### Summary
Κίς (Kís), Strong's `{{G2797}}`, is the Greek transliteration of the Hebrew name קִישׁ (Qish), Strong's `{{H7027}}`. This proper noun refers specifically to Kish, the father of Saul, Israel's first king. Its singular appearance in the New Testament, in [[Acts 13:21]], is within a historical overview delivered by Paul, affirming the biblical account of Israel's monarchy. While Kish himself is not a central theological figure, his inclusion serves to ground the New Testament narrative in the historical reality of the Old Testament, illustrating God's sovereign hand in the lineage and leadership of Israel, a history that ultimately culminates in the advent of Jesus Christ. The presence of such precise historical details reinforces the veracity and continuity of God's grand redemptive design.
TRV