from the same as קֵן; fixed; Kenan, an antediluvian; Cainan, Kenan.
Transliteration:Qêynân
Pronunciation:kay-nawn'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma קֵינָן (Qêynân, `{{H7018}}`) is primarily a proper noun, identifying an antediluvian patriarch. Its base definition indicates a derivation "from the same as קֵן," which is the Hebrew word for "nest" or "dwelling" (קֵן, `{{H7064}}`). From this root, the meaning "fixed" or "established" is inferred for the name Qêynân. While the name itself does not carry a broad semantic range beyond its identity as a personal name, the underlying etymology suggests connotations of stability, permanence, or a settled existence. This etymological connection may hint at the character or role of the individual, or perhaps even a divine purpose associated with his life within the biblical narrative.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Qêynân (Kenan) appears predominantly in the genealogical records of the Old Testament. His primary mention is in [[Genesis 5:9-14]], where he is introduced as the son of Enosh and the father of Mahalalel. This passage details his birth at 70 years of his father's life, his fathering of Mahalalel, and his total lifespan of 910 years, concluding with the recurring phrase, "and he died." This formulaic presentation emphasizes both the longevity of the antediluvian patriarchs and the universal reality of death.
Kenan's name also appears in the condensed genealogical list in [[1 Chronicles 1:2]], which traces the lineage from Adam through the patriarchs, serving as a foundational historical record for the Israelite people. While `{{H7018}}` itself is exclusive to the Old Testament Masoretic Text, the patriarch Kenan is also referenced in the New Testament through its Greek equivalent, *Kainan* (`{{G2551}}`), in the genealogy of Jesus presented in [[Luke 3:37]]. This inclusion underscores his role as a vital link in the lineage from Adam to Christ, affirming the continuity of God's redemptive plan across both testaments. In all contexts, Kenan functions as a crucial generational link, ensuring the unbroken transmission of the human line from creation towards the promise of redemption.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relation to Qêynân (`{{H7018}}`) is the noun קֵן (qēn, `{{H7064}}`), meaning "nest" or "dwelling place." This connection suggests a sense of being settled, established, or having a secure abode. The concept of "fixed" or "established" implied in the name resonates with broader biblical themes of divine order, the stability of creation, and the steadfastness of God's purposes.
Within the broader context of Genesis 5, Kenan is related to other antediluvian patriarchs such as Adam, Seth, Enosh, Mahalalel, Jared, Enoch, Methuselah, Lamech, and Noah. Their collective narrative highlights themes of longevity, the progression of generations (*toledot*), human mortality, and the increasing wickedness that eventually led to the Flood. The inclusion of each patriarch, including Kenan, serves to demonstrate the unbroken lineage through which God's redemptive plan would unfold. The concept of genealogy itself is a crucial related concept, emphasizing divine preservation of a chosen line.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Kenan (Qêynân, `{{H7018}}`) is primarily found in his role as an indispensable link in the divinely preserved lineage leading to Noah, and ultimately to Abraham and the Messiah. His very existence, meticulously recorded, testifies to God's sovereign oversight of human history and His faithfulness in maintaining a chosen line through which His redemptive purposes would be realized.
The potential meaning of his name, "fixed" or "established," subtly reinforces the idea of God's unwavering plan. In a world rapidly descending into moral decay before the Flood, the presence of individuals with names suggesting stability could be seen as a quiet testament to God's enduring order amidst chaos, and His commitment to establishing a righteous remnant. Kenan's life, like those of his contemporaries, concludes with "and he died," a stark reminder of the consequence of sin and the universal reality of human mortality. Yet, his inclusion in the sacred genealogies, culminating in the lineage of Christ (`{{G2551}}` in [[Luke 3:37]]), transforms this mortality into a testament to divine hope. It underscores that even in the face of death and widespread sin, God's promise of a future deliverer remained fixed and unshakeable, preserved through the successive generations.
### Summary
Qêynân (`{{H7018}}`) is the Hebrew name of an antediluvian patriarch, son of Enosh and father of Mahalalel. Derived from the root for "nest" or "dwelling," his name carries the connotation of being "fixed" or "established." He is prominently featured in the genealogies of [[Genesis 5:9-14]] and [[1 Chronicles 1:2]], and his Greek equivalent (`{{G2551}}`) appears in the New Testament lineage of Christ in [[Luke 3:37]]. Theologically, Kenan's significance lies in his critical role as an unbroken link in the divinely preserved lineage leading to Noah and ultimately to the Messiah. His inclusion underscores God's meticulous care for His redemptive plan, the stability of His purposes even amidst human mortality and sin, and the continuity of His promise through successive generations.
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