### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Kalneh**, also rendered as **Calno**, is represented by `{{H3641}}`. It is the name of a place in the Assyrian empire. This term appears **3 times** across **3 unique verses** in the Bible, consistently used as a geographical and political reference point to illustrate broader themes of power, pride, and judgment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical appearances, `{{H3641}}` marks significant historical and prophetic moments. In Genesis, it is named as one of the foundational cities in the first **kingdom** `{{H4467}}` on earth, established alongside **Babel** `{{H894}}`, **Erech** `{{H751}}`, and **Accad** `{{H390}}` in the **land** `{{H776}}` of Shinar [[Genesis 10:10]]. Centuries later, the prophet Amos points to **Calneh** `{{H3641}}` and **Hamath** `{{H2574}}`, challenging the people of Israel to consider whether they were truly superior to these other **kingdoms** `{{H4467}}` as a warning against their pride [[Amos 6:2]]. Similarly, Isaiah uses **Calno** `{{H3641}}` in a rhetorical taunt from the king of Assyria, who boasts of conquering it just as he would conquer **Samaria** `{{H8111}}` and **Damascus** `{{H1834}}` [[Isaiah 10:9]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the significance of Calneh as a city and kingdom:
* `{{H894}}` **Bâbel** (Babel): Defined as "confusion; Babel (i.e. Babylon), including Babylonia and the Babylonian empire," it is listed with Calneh as the beginning of Nimrod's **kingdom** `{{H4467}}` [[Genesis 10:10]].
* `{{H2574}}` **Chămâth** (Hamath): A "walled" city in Syria, it is used alongside Calneh by the prophets as a comparative city-state, both as a benchmark for power [[Amos 6:2]] and as an example of a conquered territory [[Isaiah 10:9]].
* `{{H4467}}` **mamlâkâh** (kingdom): Meaning "dominion... or... the country (realm)," this word establishes the political status of Calneh, both as part of the first earthly **kingdom** [[Genesis 10:10]] and as one of the **kingdoms** `{{H4467}}` Israel pridefully compared itself to [[Amos 6:2]].
* `{{H8111}}` **Shômᵉrôwn** (Samaria): A "watch-station" and major city, its fate is directly compared to that of Calno by the Assyrians, highlighting the inevitability of its coming judgment [[Isaiah 10:9]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3641}}` is demonstrated through its use by the prophets as a symbol.
* **The Rise of Human Empire:** Calneh's inclusion in the list of the first cities of Nimrod's kingdom marks it as a representative of early, human-centered civilization and power, originating from **Babel** `{{H894}}` [[Genesis 10:10]].
* **A Warning Against Pride:** The prophet Amos uses Calneh as an object lesson to confront Israel's arrogance. By directing them to "Pass ye unto Calneh, and see," he uses it to deflate their sense of exceptionalism and security [[Amos 6:2]].
* **A Symbol of Worldly Frailty:** In Isaiah's prophecy, Calno is a testament to the futility of resisting the instruments of God's judgment. Its fall is presented as a known fact, a warning that no city, not even Samaria, is immune to divine discipline [[Isaiah 10:9]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3641}}` is more than just an ancient place name. Though mentioned infrequently, Calneh serves as a powerful biblical marker. It begins as a foundational city in the world's first empire, and later becomes a prophetic symbol used to rebuke the pride of nations and illustrate the sovereignty of God over all kingdoms. Its journey from a seat of power to a cautionary tale shows how scripture uses historical places to convey timeless theological truths.
TRV