### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Qêynîy**, represented by `{{H7017}}`, is a patronymic term for a **Kenite**, a member of the tribe of Kajin. It appears **13 times** across **10 unique verses**, identifying a specific people group that interacted with the nation of Israel.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, the **Kenites** `{{H7017}}` are first mentioned as one of the peoples inhabiting the land promised to Abraham [[Genesis 15:19]]. They are closely associated with Moses' **father in law** `{{H2859}}` and traveled with the **children** `{{H1121}}` of **Judah** `{{H3063}}` to **dwell** `{{H3427}}` among them [[Judges 1:16]]. This relationship was remembered centuries later when Saul warned the **Kenites** `{{H7017}}` to move away from the Amalekites, sparing them because they showed **kindness** `{{H2617}}` to Israel during the Exodus [[1 Samuel 15:6]]. A notable member of this tribe was **Heber** `{{H2268}}` the **Kenite** `{{H7017}}`, whose wife **Jael** `{{H3278}}` was **blessed** `{{H1288}}` for slaying Sisera [[Judges 5:24]]. The tribe also occupied a specific territory, as David mentions raiding against the **south** `{{H5045}}` of the **Kenites** `{{H7017}}` and later sends them spoils of war ([[1 Samuel 27:10]], [[1 Samuel 30:29]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the Kenites' identity and story:
* `{{H2859}}` **châthan** (father in law): The Kenites are repeatedly identified through their connection to Moses' **father in law** `{{H2859}}`, establishing their long-standing relationship with Israel's origins ([[Judges 1:16]], [[Judges 4:11]]).
* `{{H2617}}` **chêçêd** (kindness): This word is central to the Kenites' protected status, as Saul cites their **kindness** `{{H2617}}` to the children of Israel as the reason for sparing them from destruction [[1 Samuel 15:6]].
* `{{H7064}}` **qên** (nest): In Balaam's parable, the Kenites' dwelling is described as strong, with their **nest** `{{H7064}}` put in a rock `{{H5553}}`, suggesting security and a fortified position [[Numbers 24:21]].
* `{{H1004}}` **bayith** (house): This term defines the lineage and clan structure, as the Kenites are described as the **father** `{{H1}}` of the **house** `{{H1004}}` of **Rechab** `{{H7394}}` [[1 Chronicles 2:55]], and peace existed between King Jabin and the **house** `{{H1004}}` of Heber the Kenite [[Judges 4:17]].
### Theological Significance
The narrative surrounding `{{H7017}}` highlights several key themes:
* **Enduring Alliance:** The Kenites maintained a favorable relationship with Israel over a long period. This is established through their connection to Moses' family and reaffirmed by Saul's actions hundreds of years later ([[Judges 1:16]], [[1 Samuel 15:6]]).
* **Distinct but Integrated People:** While maintaining their own identity, the Kenites lived among the people of Israel. Heber the Kenite **had severed** `{{H6504}}` himself from the other Kenites but still lived within the land, while others **dwelt** `{{H3427}}` among the people of Judah ([[Judges 4:11]], [[Judges 1:16]]).
* **Genealogical Significance:** The Kenites are linked to important scribal **families** `{{H4940}}` who **dwelt** `{{H3427}}` at **Jabez** `{{H3258}}` and are identified as the ancestors of the **house** `{{H1004}}` of **Rechab** `{{H7394}}`, indicating their integration into Israelite society [[1 Chronicles 2:55]].
* **Providential Instrument:** Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite, becomes a pivotal figure used to deliver Israel from **Sisera** `{{H5516}}`, the commander of the army of **Jabin** `{{H2985}}`, and is declared **blessed** `{{H1288}}` for her actions [[Judges 5:24]].
### Summary
In summary, **Qêynîy** `{{H7017}}` refers to a specific tribe that was a consistent and long-term ally of Israel. Their story is woven into Israel's history from the Exodus to the monarchy, marked by acts of **kindness** `{{H2617}}`, shared settlement, and pivotal roles in Israel's battles. Rather than being an enemy, the Kenites are portrayed as a friendly, integrated people, with lineages that contributed to Israelite society, most notably through the families of scribes and the house of Rechab.
TRV