or כִּנֶּרֶתlemma כִּנֶרֶת missing dagesh, corrected to כִּנֶּרֶת; respectively plural and singular feminine from the same as כִּנּוֹר; perhaps harp-shaped; Kinneroth or Kinnereth, a place in Palestine; Chinnereth, Chinneroth, Cinneroth.
Transliteration:Kinnᵉrôwth
Pronunciation:kin-ner-oth'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H3672}}`, "Kinnᵉrôwth" (plural) or "Kinnᵉreth" (singular), refers to a significant geographical location in ancient Israel, primarily a city and the body of water associated with it. The name is derived from `{{H3658}}`, "kinnor," meaning "harp" or "lyre." This etymological connection strongly suggests that the name "Kinnereth" was given due to the "harp-like" shape of the lake, which is now famously known as the Sea of Galilee. The semantic range of `{{H3672}}` is thus exclusively geographical, denoting a specific region and its central body of water, often serving as a key landmark or boundary marker within the Promised Land.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term "Kinnereth" or "Kinneroth" appears seven times in the Old Testament, consistently referring to the same geographical area or its principal city.
* **[[Numbers 34:11]]**: Kinnereth is mentioned as a boundary point for the western border of the Promised Land, specifically noting the "east side of the Sea of Kinnereth." This highlights its role as a prominent geographical marker in the divine allocation of territory.
* **[[Deuteronomy 3:17]]**: Here, the "Sea of Kinnereth" is described as the eastern boundary of the Araba (Jordan Valley) and a part of the territory given to the Transjordanian tribes, extending to the Sea of the Araba (Dead Sea). It underscores its importance in defining the extent of the land.
* **[[Joshua 11:2]]**: Kinneroth is cited as a region north of the Arabah, indicating a strategic location involved in the northern campaigns of Joshua against the Canaanite kings. The kings gathered "by the Sea of Chinneroth" for battle.
* **[[Joshua 12:3]]**: In the list of conquered territories, the "Sea of Chinneroth" is again specified as a boundary of Sihon's kingdom, emphasizing its significance in the division of land east of the Jordan.
* **[[Joshua 13:27]]**: Kinnereth is listed as part of the inheritance of the tribe of Gad, specifically mentioning "the Sea of Chinnereth" as a border. This confirms its status as a critical landmark for tribal demarcation.
* **[[Joshua 19:35]]**: Kinnereth is identified as one of the fortified cities allotted to the tribe of Naphtali. This indicates the presence of a significant urban center in addition to the lake itself, suggesting a populated and strategically important area.
* **[[1 Kings 15:20]]**: During the reign of King Asa of Judah, Ben-Hadad, king of Aram, conquered various cities in Naphtali, including "Chinneroth." This historical account demonstrates the city's ongoing strategic importance and its vulnerability in times of conflict.
Across these occurrences, Kinnereth/Kinneroth consistently functions as a crucial geographical reference, defining boundaries, marking tribal inheritances, and serving as a strategic point in military and political events.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is `{{H3658}}` (kinnor), the Hebrew term for a "harp" or "lyre." The etymological connection suggests a visual similarity between the instrument and the shape of the lake, underscoring the descriptive nature of ancient Hebrew place names.
Geographically, Kinnereth is intrinsically linked to:
* **The Sea of Galilee**: This is the later and more commonly known name for the "Sea of Kinnereth" in the New Testament. Its transformation in name does not diminish its historical continuity.
* **The Jordan River**: The Jordan River flows through the Sea of Kinnereth, connecting it to the Dead Sea and forming a central geographical axis of the Promised Land.
* **The Araba/Jordan Valley**: Kinnereth is consistently described as being within or bordering this significant rift valley.
* **Tribal Territories**: The region of Kinnereth was a key part of the inheritance of the tribes of Naphtali, Gad, and Manasseh (east of Jordan), highlighting its role in the organized settlement of Israel.
* **Strategic Fortifications**: As seen in [[Joshua 19:35]] and [[1 Kings 15:20]], the city of Kinnereth was a fortified center, indicating its importance for defense and control of the surrounding fertile lands.
### Theological Significance
The consistent mention of Kinnereth/Kinneroth in the biblical narrative, particularly in boundary descriptions, carries significant theological weight.
1. **Divine Faithfulness and Covenant Fulfillment**: The precise delineation of the Promised Land, with Kinnereth as a prominent marker, underscores God's meticulous fulfillment of His covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The land's boundaries were divinely appointed, and its allocation to the tribes was a tangible manifestation of God's faithfulness to Israel.
2. **The Land as a Place of Blessing and Provision**: The region around the Sea of Kinnereth was known for its fertility and abundance, supporting agriculture and fishing. This reflects God's provision for His people within the land He gave them, a land flowing with milk and honey.
3. **Continuity of Sacred History**: While the name changed to the Sea of Galilee in the New Testament, the geographical continuity of this location is profound. It became the primary setting for much of Jesus' earthly ministry, including miraculous healings, teachings, and the calling of disciples. This demonstrates a continuity of divine activity and revelation in a specific, divinely designated landscape, moving from the establishment of Israel to the inauguration of the Kingdom of God.
4. **Strategic Importance in God's Plan**: The repeated references to Kinnereth as a strategic military and political point, whether in conquest or defense, illustrate that even the geopolitical realities of Israel were within the purview of God's sovereign plan for His people.
### Summary
`{{H3672}}`, Kinnereth or Kinneroth, is a significant geographical place name in the Old Testament, referring to both a city and the lake now known as the Sea of Galilee. Its name, likely meaning "harp-shaped," reflects the distinctive form of the lake. Biblically, it functions as a crucial boundary marker for the Promised Land and tribal inheritances, and as a fortified city involved in Israel's early history and later conflicts. Theologically, Kinnereth serves as a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises regarding the land, His provision for His people, and the enduring significance of this region as a stage for salvation history, culminating in its central role during the ministry of Jesus.
TRV