### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Kᵉnaʻănâh**, represented by `{{H3668}}`, is a proper name for two Israelites. Its base definition is the feminine of כְּנַעַן. The name appears **5 times** in **5 unique verses**, primarily associating it with the father of a prominent false prophet during the time of the kings of Israel.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name **Chenaanah** is most notably mentioned as the father of Zedekiah, a prophet who opposed Micaiah. Zedekiah, the son of **Chenaanah** `{{H3668}}`, created horns of iron to symbolically prophesy victory over the Syrians ([[1 Kings 22:11]], [[2 Chronicles 18:10]]). In a direct confrontation, he went near and smote the prophet Micaiah on the cheek, challenging the Spirit of the LORD's message ([[1 Kings 22:24]], [[2 Chronicles 18:23]]). Separately, a different individual named **Chenaanah** `{{H3668}}` appears in a genealogy as one of the sons of Bilhan, a descendant of Jediael in the tribe of Benjamin [[1 Chronicles 7:10]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the narratives involving **Chenaanah**:
* `{{H6667}}` **Tsidqîyâh** (Zedekiah): Meaning "right of Jah," this is the name of the son of **Chenaanah** who features prominently as a false prophet [[1 Kings 22:11]].
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (son): This word, meaning a **son** "as a builder of the family name," is crucial for establishing the identity of both individuals named **Chenaanah** through their lineage, either as a father or a son ([[1 Kings 22:11]], [[1 Chronicles 7:10]]).
* `{{H1270}}` **barzel** (iron): Zedekiah's prophetic sign was made of **iron**, a material often symbolizing unyielding strength or judgment. He made horns of **iron** to predict a military victory [[1 Kings 22:11]].
### Theological Significance
The occurrences of `{{H3668}}` highlight several key themes:
* **Prophetic Confrontation:** The primary story connected to **Chenaanah** is the dramatic conflict between his son, Zedekiah, and the prophet Micaiah `{{H4321}}`. This event serves as a biblical case study in discerning true prophecy from false, culminating in Zedekiah striking Micaiah on the **cheek** `{{H3895}}` [[1 Kings 22:24]].
* **Symbolic Prophecy:** Zedekiah's act of making **horns** `{{H7161}}` of iron illustrates the practice of using symbolic actions to communicate a divine message. He prophesied that with these horns, the king would **push** `{{H5055}}` the Syrians until they were consumed [[1 Kings 22:11]].
* **Genealogical Record:** The name's appearance in 1 Chronicles places it within the formal lineage of the tribe of Benjamin. This mention of **Chenaanah** as a son of **Bilhan** `{{H1092}}` and descendant of **Jediael** `{{H3043}}` is a matter of historical and tribal record [[1 Chronicles 7:10]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3668}}` **Kᵉnaʻănâh** is a personal name that appears in two distinct contexts. It is most famously associated with the father of the false prophet Zedekiah, whose actions provide a powerful narrative on prophetic conflict. The name's other use securely places it within the genealogical framework of the tribe of Benjamin, illustrating how a single name can be tied to both a significant historical event and the structured lineage of the people of Israel.
TRV