The Hebrew word Qᵉnaz, represented by H7073, is a proper name defined as "probably from an unused root meaning to hunt; hunter; Kenaz, the name of an Edomite and of two Israelites; Kenaz." It appears 11 times across 11 unique verses. The name is used to identify distinct individuals within both Edomite and Israelite lineages, primarily appearing in genealogies and historical accounts.
In the biblical narrative, H7073 identifies key figures in different family lines. In the lineage of Esau, Kenaz is named as a grandson of Esau and a son of Eliphaz (Genesis 36:11, 1 Chronicles 1:36). He is also listed as a "duke" among the descendants of Esau, signifying a position of leadership or a chieftain (Genesis 36:15, Genesis 36:42). In the Israelite lineage, Kenaz is most notably the father of Othniel, who would become the first judge and deliverer of Israel Judges 3:9. This connection to Othniel solidifies Kenaz's place in the history of the tribe of Judah. A later descendant of Caleb is also named Kenaz 1 Chronicles 4:15.
Several related words help clarify the role and relationships of the individuals named Kenaz:
- H1121 bên (a son): This word is fundamental to establishing Kenaz's identity in genealogies. He is recorded as a son of Eliphaz Genesis 36:11, and his own legacy is carried on by his son, Othniel Judges 3:11.
- H441 ʼallûwph (captain, duke, (chief) friend, governor, guide, ox): This title is directly applied to the Edomite Kenaz, identifying him as a duke and a leader within his clan Genesis 36:42.
- H6274 ʻOthnîyʼêl (force of God; Othniel, an Israelite; Othniel): The name Kenaz is intrinsically linked to Othniel, who is consistently identified as "Othniel the son of Kenaz" Judges 3:9.
- H251 ʼâch (a brother): The family connection is further detailed by identifying Othniel, son of Kenaz, as Caleb's younger brother Joshua 15:17, establishing a key relationship within the tribe of Judah.
- H3612 Kâlêb (Caleb, the name of three Israelites; Caleb): The story of Kenaz's family is tied to Caleb. Othniel, son of Kenaz, is identified as Caleb's brother who took a city and was given Caleb's daughter as a wife Judges 1:13.
The name Kenaz carries significance through the actions and positions of those who bore it.
- Dual Lineages: The name appears in the genealogies of both Esau (Edom) and Israel. An Edomite Kenaz was a duke Genesis 36:15, while the Israelite Kenaz was the father of a deliverer Judges 3:9, illustrating how the name was present in two related, yet distinct, national histories.
- Foundation of Leadership: Kenaz is consistently linked to leadership. In Edom, he is a tribal chieftain or "duke" 1 Chronicles 1:53. In Israel, he is the progenitor of Othniel, the first judge whom the LORD "raised up" to deliver the children of Israel Judges 3:9.
- Genealogical Link to Deliverance: The identity "Othniel the son of Kenaz" is crucial. It is through this lineage, connected to Caleb, that Othniel acts to take a city and is given Achsah, Caleb's daughter, as a wife Joshua 15:17. Kenaz serves as the direct genealogical link to Israel's first appointed deliverer in the era of the Judges.
In summary, H7073 is a name that marks figures of consequence in the Old Testament. While its direct meaning points to a "hunter," its biblical usage points to men associated with leadership and heritage. From an Edomite duke in the line of Esau to the father of Israel's first judge, the name Kenaz is embedded in the foundational genealogies that structure the biblical narrative and establish the identity of its key players.
TRV