### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Qîysh**, represented by `{{H7027}}`, is used as a proper name for five distinct Israelites. The name appears **21 times** across **17 unique verses** in scripture. Its primary significance is tied to the genealogies of prominent figures, most notably as the father of Israel's first king, Saul.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H7027}}` is most famously associated with the lineage of King Saul. Kish is introduced as a man of Benjamin `{{H1144}}`, a "mighty man of power" [[1 Samuel 9:1]]. The story of Saul's anointing as king begins with Kish sending his son to search for his lost asses `{{H860}}` [[1 Samuel 9:3]]. The name also appears in other significant lineages. In the book of Esther, Kish is named as an ancestor of Mordecai `{{H4782}}` [[Esther 2:5]]. The name is also found among the Levites `{{H3881}}`, identifying individuals who participated in the reforms under King Hezekiah [[2 Chronicles 29:12]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help establish the context and identity of the individuals named Kish:
* `{{H7586}}` **Shâʼûwl** (Saul): The most direct and significant connection, as Kish is repeatedly identified as the father of Saul `{{H7586}}` ([[1 Samuel 14:51]], [[1 Chronicles 8:33]], [[1 Chronicles 9:39]]).
* `{{H1145}}` **Ben-yᵉmîynîy** (Benjamite): This identifies the tribal identity of the most prominent Kish, as well as his son Saul and his descendant Mordecai ([[1 Samuel 9:1]], [[Esther 2:5]]).
* `{{H1}}` **ʼâb** (father): This term solidifies the genealogical relationship, used in phrases like "Kish his father" [[2 Samuel 21:14]] and "Kish was the father of Saul" [[1 Samuel 14:51]].
* `{{H4847}}` **Mᵉrârîy** (Merari): This shows the name's use outside the tribe of Benjamin, identifying a Levite family line that includes a man named Kish ([[1 Chronicles 23:21]], [[2 Chronicles 29:12]]).
### Theological Significance
The name `{{H7027}}` is carried by several key individuals, linking royal, heroic, and priestly lines.
* **Father of King Saul:** The most well-known Kish was a Benjamite `{{H1145}}`, the son `{{H1121}}` of Abiel `{{H22}}`, and a man of great power `{{H2428}}` [[1 Samuel 9:1]]. His family sepulchre `{{H6913}}` in Zelah `{{H6762}}` became the final resting place for the bones `{{H6106}}` of Saul and Jonathan [[2 Samuel 21:14]].
* **Ancestor of Mordecai:** A Kish from the tribe of Benjamin is listed in the lineage of Mordecai `{{H4782}}`, the Jew `{{H3064}}` who lived in Shushan `{{H7800}}` the palace `{{H1002}}` [[Esther 2:5]].
* **Levitical Descendants:** At least two Levites were named Kish. One was a son of Abdi `{{H5660}}` from the family of Merari `{{H4847}}` who helped cleanse the temple [[2 Chronicles 29:12]]. Another was a son of Mahli `{{H4249}}`, also a Merarite [[1 Chronicles 23:21]].
### Summary
In summary, **Qîysh** `{{H7027}}` serves as an important genealogical marker within the Old Testament. Though most remembered as the father of King Saul, the name's appearance in the lineages of the Levites and Mordecai demonstrates its presence across different spheres of Israelite life. It connects the establishment of the monarchy, the purity of temple worship, and the deliverance of the Jewish people in Persia, highlighting how a single name can trace through pivotal moments of biblical history.
TRV