The Hebrew word Qadmônîy, represented by H6935, refers to an ancient or aboriginal people known as the Kadmonites. Defined as the name of a tribe in Palestine, this term appears 1 times across 1 unique verses in the Bible, marking it as a highly specific designation.
The sole biblical appearance of H6935 is in a list of peoples. In Genesis 15:19, the Kadmonites are named alongside other tribes, specifically "The Kenites, and the Kenizzites, and the Kadmonites". This context establishes them as one of the groups inhabiting the land at the time of the biblical patriarchs.
The other tribes listed in the same verse provide greater context for the region and its peoples:
- H7017 Qêynîy (Kenite): A member of the tribe of Kajin. The Kenites were associated with Moses' father-in-law Judges 4:11 and showed kindness to Israel during the exodus 1 Samuel 15:6. They are also mentioned as dwelling among the people of Judah Judges 1:16.
- H7074 Qᵉnizzîy (Kenizzite): A descendant of Kenaz. This term is directly associated with Caleb the son of Jephunneh, who is identified as "the Kenezite" (Numbers 32:12, Joshua 14:6, Joshua 14:14).
The significance of H6935 is tied to its specific historical and geographical context rather than a broad theological theme.
- Ancient Inhabitants: The term's definition as "ancient, i.e. aboriginal" suggests the Kadmonites were considered one of the earliest known groups in the region of Palestine.
- Territorial Listing: Its inclusion in Genesis 15:19 serves as a biblical marker, identifying the Kadmonites as one of the tribes whose land is part of the scriptural narrative.
- Collective Identity: By being listed with the Kenites and Kenizzites, the Kadmonites are framed within a collective of peoples that define the landscape of ancient Palestine in the biblical account.
In summary, H6935 Qadmônîy is a term that exclusively identifies the Kadmonites. While it appears only once, its placement in Genesis 15:19 is significant. It records them as an ancient, aboriginal tribe of Palestine, situating them alongside more frequently mentioned peoples like the Kenites and Kenizzites and cementing their place in the biblical record of the inhabitants of the land.
TRV