The Hebrew word Qîynâh, represented by H7016, refers to a specific location in Palestine. Its base definition identifies it simply as Kinah. This term is exceptionally rare, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse within the biblical text, marking it as a specific geographical reference rather than a common noun.
The single appearance of H7016 is in the book of Joshua, where it is listed as one of the cities in the territory allotted to the tribe of Judah. The verse states, "And Kinah, and Dimonah, and Adadah," Joshua 15:22. Its context is purely geographical, serving to document the precise boundaries and settlements of the inheritance given to Judah in the southernmost part of the promised land.
Several related words appear in the same verse, helping to establish its geographical context:
- H1776 Dîymôwnâh: Defined as Dimonah, a place in Palestine, this city is listed immediately after Kinah, identifying it as a neighboring town within the same region Joshua 15:22.
- H5735 ʻĂdʻâdâh: Defined as Adadah, a place in Palestine, this location is also named in the same list, further detailing the collection of cities in this southern district Joshua 15:22.
While H7016 does not carry direct theological weight in the way a word like "father" or "covenant" does, its inclusion is significant for other reasons.
- Historical Specificity: The mention of Kinah contributes to the Bible's detailed geographical and historical record, grounding the narrative of the tribal allotments in a specific, named location.
- Territorial Inheritance: Its primary function is to help define the inheritance of the tribe of Judah. The precise listing of towns like Kinah underscores the fulfillment of the land promise to a specific people in a specific place.
In summary, H7016 is a proper noun for a town named Kinah. Its sole mention in scripture is found within a genealogical and geographical list in Joshua 15:22. While not a term with broad conceptual meaning, its presence is crucial for establishing the historical and geographical accuracy of the biblical account of the Israelite settlement and the allotment of tribal lands.
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