the same as קִינָה; Kinah, a place in Palestine; Kinah.
Transliteration:Qîynâh
Pronunciation:kee-naw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word `{{H7016}}` (Qîynâh) is a proper noun, designating a specific geographical location. Its base definition indicates it is "the same as `{{H7015}}`," which is the common noun קִינָה (qîynāh), meaning "a lamentation" or "a dirge." Therefore, the name "Kinah" itself carries the semantic weight of "lamentation" or "wailing." While `{{H7016}}` refers exclusively to the place, its etymological root firmly connects it to the concept of profound sorrow or ritual mourning. This suggests that the place may have been named due to an event of significant sorrow or perhaps its geographical features evoked such a sentiment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word `{{H7016}}` (Qîynâh) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of Joshua:
* [[Joshua 15:22]]: "And Kinah, and Dimonah, and Adadah,"
This verse is part of the detailed enumeration of the cities allotted to the tribe of Judah. Specifically, Kinah is listed among the cities located in the Negeb (or "South") of Judah, described as "the farthest south toward the border of Edom." The meticulous listing of these cities in [[Joshua 15]] underscores the precise fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham regarding the land and its division among the tribes of Israel. Kinah's inclusion in this list, alongside other lesser-known towns, highlights the comprehensive nature of the tribal inheritance. Its solitary appearance provides no further contextual clues regarding its specific history or why it bore a name associated with lamentation. It simply stands as one of the many towns within Judah's vast and diverse territory.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is `{{H7015}}` (qîynāh), the common noun from which the place name `{{H7016}}` is derived. This noun signifies "a lament" or "a dirge," often associated with funeral rites or expressions of national sorrow (e.g., [[2 Samuel 1:17]], [[Jeremiah 7:29]], [[Ezekiel 19:1]]).
Other Hebrew words related to mourning and sorrow include:
* `{{H5091}}` (nāhāh): "to wail, lament"
* `{{H6061}}` (ānāh): "to mourn, lament"
* `{{H1058}}` (bākhāh): "to weep, bewail"
The concept of place names bearing significant meaning is pervasive throughout the Bible. Often, a location's name reflects a key event that occurred there (e.g., Bethel, "house of God," after Jacob's dream in [[Genesis 28:19]]), a characteristic of the place, or even a prophetic utterance. While the specific reason for Kinah's name is not given, its connection to "lamentation" places it within this broader biblical pattern of meaningful nomenclature.
### Theological Significance
As a geographical marker, the theological significance of `{{H7016}}` (Kinah) is primarily indirect, residing in its inclusion within the divinely ordained allocation of the Promised Land to the tribe of Judah. The detailed lists in Joshua emphasize God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises to Israel, providing them with a specific inheritance. Every city, including Kinah, represents a piece of this divine promise brought to fruition.
While the name "Kinah" (Lamentation) might evoke thoughts of human sorrow, its singular appearance offers no direct theological narrative tied to this meaning. It is not mentioned in contexts of great national mourning or as a site of significant lamentation. However, one might reflect on the subtle irony or depth implied by such a name within the context of a land promised for blessing and rest. Even in the midst of divine provision, the human experience includes sorrow and lament. The presence of a place named "Lamentation" within the inheritance could serve as a quiet reminder of the fallen human condition and the ever-present reality of suffering, even in a land of promise. Ultimately, Kinah stands as a testament to the meticulous detail of God's providential ordering of the land and its inhabitants.
### Summary
`{{H7016}}` (Qîynâh) is a Hebrew proper noun, referring to the place name "Kinah." Its etymological root, `{{H7015}}`, signifies "lamentation" or "dirge," suggesting the place may have been named due to an association with sorrow or wailing. It appears only once in the Old Testament, specifically in [[Joshua 15:22]], where it is listed among the cities allotted to the tribe of Judah in the Negeb region. Its significance lies primarily in its inclusion within the detailed account of Israel's tribal inheritance, underscoring God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises. While its name hints at human sorrow, the biblical text does not elaborate on any specific event of lamentation connected to this particular location, leaving its direct theological import tied to its role as a divinely apportioned territory.
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