The Greek word Kís G2797, which is of Hebrew origin, refers to the Israelite man Cis. It appears only 1 time in 1 verse in the entire Bible. Its singular function is to identify a specific individual within the lineage of Israel's leadership.
The sole use of G2797 is found in a historical summary where the people of Israel's journey is recounted. The narrative explains that after a period of judges, the people desired G154 a king G935. In response, God gave G1325 them Saul, who is explicitly identified as "the son G5207 of Cis G2797, a man G435 of the tribe G5443 of Benjamin G958" Acts 13:21. This mention of Cis firmly roots Saul's identity in a specific family and tribe, providing a crucial genealogical anchor to the account of Israel's first monarchy.
Several related words in the surrounding text clarify the context of Cis's identity:
- G5207 huiós (son): This word defines the direct kinship between Saul and Cis. It is used widely to establish lineage, whether immediate or figurative Acts 13:21.
- G4549 Saoúl (Saul): The name of the individual identified as the son of Cis. This is the Jewish name for the man who would become Israel's first king Acts 13:21.
- G935 basileús (king): This term defines the sovereign role that Saul, the son of Cis, was given. The desire for a king is what prompts the entire event where Cis is mentioned Acts 13:21.
- G958 Beniamín (Benjamin): This identifies the tribe or clan to which Cis and his son Saul belonged, a detail emphasized in other passages as part of the apostle Paul's heritage Philippians 3:5.
The significance of G2797 is tied entirely to its role in the larger biblical narrative.
- Genealogical Marker: The name Cis serves to provide a specific, historical lineage for Saul. This grounds the story of Israel's first king in a real family and tribe, emphasizing the importance of ancestry in the biblical record Acts 13:21.
- Human Desire and Divine Action: The context highlights a pivotal moment where the Israelites desired G154 a human leader. God's response was to give G1325 them Saul, the son of Cis, illustrating how God acts within the framework of human history and requests.
- A Link in Redemptive History: Cis, as the father of Saul, is part of the historical progression that leads from the period of judges to the monarchy under David. This line is crucial, as the sermon in Acts later points from David to Jesus, the ultimate King G935 Acts 13:22.
In summary, G2797 Kís is not a theological concept but a proper name. Its importance comes from its single appearance, where it identifies Cis as the father of King Saul. This detail serves to validate the historical account, establish the lineage of a key figure in Israel's history, and place the rise of the monarchy within God's sovereign plan.
TRV