from קוֹשׁ; a bow; Kish, the name of five Israelites; Kish.
Transliteration:Qîysh
Pronunciation:keesh
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma קִישׁ (Qîysh) `{{H7027}}` is primarily a proper noun, serving as the name for several individuals in the Old Testament. Its base definition, "from קוֹשׁ `{{H6999}}`; a bow," indicates an etymological root connected to the concept of a "bow" (as in, a weapon) or, more broadly, "a snare" or "to catch." While the etymological link to a "bow" suggests strength, hunting prowess, or a tool for capture, קִישׁ itself is not used as a common noun for "bow" in the biblical text. Its semantic range is thus almost exclusively confined to its function as a personal name, with the underlying etymology providing a subtle layer of meaning or characteristic association for those bearing the name.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Kish (קִישׁ) appears multiple times in the Hebrew Bible, referring to distinct individuals:
* **Kish, the father of King Saul:** This is the most significant and frequently mentioned Kish. He is identified as a Benjamite, son of Abiel, and a "mighty man of valor" residing in Gibeah ([[1 Samuel 9:1]]). His story is pivotal as his lost donkeys lead his son Saul to Samuel, resulting in Saul's anointing as the first king of Israel ([[1 Samuel 9:3-10:1]]). Kish is further mentioned in genealogies confirming Saul's lineage ([[1 Samuel 14:51]], [[1 Chronicles 8:33]], [[1 Chronicles 9:39]]). His role, though seemingly minor, is instrumental in God's providential unfolding of the monarchy.
* **Kish, a Merarite Levite:** Listed in the Levitical genealogies as a son of Mahli ([[1 Chronicles 23:21]], [[1 Chronicles 24:29]]). This individual is distinct from Saul's father.
* **Kish, another Merarite Levite:** A son of Abdi, who participated in the purification of the temple during the reign of King Hezekiah ([[2 Chronicles 29:12]]). This indicates a later period and a separate individual from the other Merarite Kish.
* **Kish, a Benjamite ancestor:** Mentioned in the genealogies of Benjamin ([[1 Chronicles 8:29]], [[1 Chronicles 9:35]]), possibly related to Saul's family line, though not directly identified as his father in these specific contexts.
* **Kish, an ancestor of Mordecai:** In the book of Esther, Mordecai is identified as "the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite" ([[Esther 2:5]]). This lineage connects Mordecai to the tribe of Benjamin, the same tribe as King Saul, adding a subtle layer of historical and tribal continuity to the narrative.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **קוֹשׁ (qôsh) `{{H6999}}`**: The root verb from which קִישׁ is derived, meaning "to lay a snare," "to catch," or "to hunt." This etymological connection subtly ties the name Kish to concepts of skill, capture, or even destiny, though this is not explicitly developed in the biblical narrative.
* **קֶשֶׁת (qeshet) `{{H7198}}`**: The common Hebrew word for "bow" (as a weapon or a rainbow). While קִישׁ is etymologically linked to "bow," קֶשֶׁת is the functional term used in the text.
* **Genealogy and Lineage**: The repeated appearance of Kish in various genealogies (Saul's, Levites, Mordecai's) underscores the biblical emphasis on ancestral records, tribal identity, and the continuity of families within God's covenant plan.
* **Divine Providence**: The story of Saul's anointing, initiated by Kish's lost donkeys, exemplifies how God uses seemingly ordinary circumstances to bring about His extraordinary purposes.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of קִישׁ is primarily derived from the role of the individuals bearing the name, particularly Kish, the father of King Saul. His incidental action of losing donkeys becomes a divinely orchestrated event, setting in motion the anointing of Israel's first king ([[1 Samuel 9]]). This highlights God's sovereignty and His ability to use everyday occurrences to fulfill His overarching plan for His people. The inclusion of other individuals named Kish in Levitical and tribal genealogies underscores the meticulous nature of biblical record-keeping, which serves to establish legitimate lineage for priestly service, tribal identity, and the continuation of God's covenant promises through specific families. In the case of Mordecai, his descent from Kish of Benjamin subtly links him to Israel's royal past and the ongoing faithfulness of God to His people, even in exile. The name itself, while not a theological term, points to the intricate web of human lives through which divine history unfolds.
### Summary
The Hebrew lemma קִישׁ (Qîysh) `{{H7027}}` serves exclusively as a proper noun, primarily known as the name of at least five distinct individuals in the Old Testament. While its etymological root points to "a bow" or "snare" (from קוֹשׁ `{{H6999}}`), this underlying meaning is secondary to its function as a personal identifier. The most prominent figure bearing this name is Kish, the father of King Saul, whose role in the narrative of Israel's monarchy is pivotal, as his lost donkeys providentially lead Saul to Samuel ([[1 Samuel 9:3]]). Other individuals named Kish appear in Levitical genealogies ([[1 Chronicles 23:21]]) and as an ancestor of Mordecai ([[Esther 2:5]]), emphasizing the biblical importance of lineage and tribal identity. The significance of קִישׁ lies in its connection to God's providential working through human lives and the meticulous preservation of Israel's historical and tribal records.
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