Lexical Summary Kainam: Kainam Original Word: Καϊνάμ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Cainan. Of Hebrew origin (Qeynan); Cainan (i.e. Kenan), the name of two patriarchs -- Cainan. see HEBREW Qeynan NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof Hebrew origin Qenan Definition Cainan, two ancestors of Christ NASB Translation Cainan (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2536: ΚαινανΚαιναν (so R G L both 1 and 2; Tr Καιναν in 1 and Tr text in 2, but Tr marginal reading Καϊνάμ in 2, WH Καϊνάμ 1 and 2; T Καϊνάμ both 1 and 2), ὁ (Hebrew קֵינָן a lance-maker (others, 'possessor' or 'possession')), Cainan; 1. son of Enos (Genesis 5:9f): Luke 3:37. 2. son of Arphaxad, according to the Sept. of Genesis 10:24; Genesis 11:12; (1 Chronicles 1:18 Alex.), which Luke follows in Kainam (sometimes rendered Cainan or Kenan) carries the sense of “possession” or “acquisition,” echoing Eve’s exclamation in Genesis 4:1. The name points to God-given blessing within the human family line. Occurrences in the New Testament The form Καϊνάμ (Strong’s 2536) appears twice, both in Luke’s genealogy of Jesus Christ (Luke 3:36; Luke 3:37). Each occurrence marks a different individual: “...the son of Cainan, the son of Arphaxad, the son of Shem, the son of Noah...” (Luke 3:36) “...the son of Mahalalel, the son of Cainan, the son of Enosh, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God.” (Luke 3:37) Old Testament Background 1. Antediluvian Kenan (Genesis 5:9–14) lived 910 years, part of the righteous Sethite line that preserved true worship before the Flood. Genealogical Significance The dual appearance of Kainam highlights God’s faithfulness across two critical epochs: before the Flood and after it. Both links reinforce that Jesus is legally and biologically tied to all humanity, yet uniquely the promised Seed (Genesis 3:15; Luke 1:35). Each Kainam stands as a milestone in redemptive history, showing uninterrupted covenant continuity from Adam to Messiah. Textual Considerations The post-Flood Cainan’s absence in the Hebrew canon has prompted discussion. Luke’s reliance on the Septuagint reflects the common Scripture of the early Church and underscores that inspiration encompasses the autograph text in its transmitted form. Conservatively understood, no doctrinal tension arises: whether counted or telescoped, the generations still funnel inexorably toward Christ, preserving both the integrity of Luke’s record and the authority of Genesis. Theological Themes • Divine Providence: The preservation of a godly seed through both Kenan and Cainan manifests the unbroken thread of grace. Historical and Cultural Insights In Second Temple Judaism the Septuagint carried authority in the Diaspora, shaping messianic expectations. Luke, writing to a predominantly Gentile audience, employs this textual stream to demonstrate that messianic hope was never parochial but always global. Early patristic writers such as Irenaeus and Africanus cited Luke’s two Cainans to defend the virgin birth and the historicity of Jesus’ humanity. Lessons for Ministry and Faith 1. Scripture Harmonizes: Apparent genealogical differences invite deeper study, strengthening confidence rather than undermining it. Related Passages Genesis 5:9–14; Genesis 11:12–13 (LXX); 1 Chronicles 1:18, 24 (LXX); Luke 1:35; Luke 3:23–38; Acts 17:26; 1 Peter 2:9. Summary Strong’s Greek 2536, Kainam, embodies God’s sovereign acquisition of a people through successive generations, culminating in Jesus Christ. Its sparse New Testament footprint belies a rich theology of providence, continuity, and gospel universality—encouraging believers to trust the meticulous care with which God weaves every name into His redemptive tapestry. Englishman's Concordance Luke 3:36 NGRK: τοῦ Καινάμ τοῦ Ἀρφαξάδ NAS: the son of Cainan, the son of Arphaxad, KJV: Which was [the son] of Cainan, which was [the son] of Arphaxad, INT: of Cainan of Arphaxad Luke 3:37 N |
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