Lexical Summary Konanyahu: Konaniah, Conaniah Original Word: כּוֹנַנְיָהוּ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Conaniah, Cononiah From kuwn and Yahh; Jah has sustained; Conanjah, the name of two Israelites -- Conaniah, Cononiah. Compare Knanyah. see HEBREW kuwn see HEBREW Yahh see HEBREW Knanyah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom kun and Yah Definition "Yah has sustained," two Levites NASB Translation Conaniah (3). Brown-Driver-Briggs כּוֺנַנְיָ֫הוּ Kt, כֳּנַנְיָ֫הוּ Qr, proper name, masculine Levites. 12Chronicles 31:12,13 (see Baer's note). 22Chronicles 35:9. — ᵐ5 Ξωμενιας, Ξωνενιας, A Ξωχενιας. כֳּנַנְיָ֫הוּ Qr proper name, masculine see כּוֺנַנְיָ֫הוּ below כון. II. כנן (√ of following; meaning dubious;see conjectures in Köii. 1, 100 Anm.) Topical Lexicon Name and Brief Identity Conaniah (also spelled Cononiah) appears in Scripture as a Levitical leader during the reigns of two reforming kings of Judah. His name bears witness to God’s sovereign establishment, a truth borne out by his appointed roles in the temple economy and national worship. Historical Context The name surfaces in the days of King Hezekiah (circa 715–686 BC) and again in the time of King Josiah (640–609 BC). Both kings initiated sweeping religious reforms that called the nation back to covenant fidelity. Conaniah is twice associated with these renewal movements—once in the administration of tithes and once in the orchestration of a national Passover—underscoring a generational continuity of faithful Levitical service. Conaniah in the Reforms of Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 31:12–13) During Hezekiah’s revival, the people “faithfully brought in the contributions, tithes, and dedicated things” (2 Chronicles 31:12). Conaniah the Levite was placed “in charge of these things,” with his brother Shimei as second. Under his leadership, ten additional Levites supervised the storehouses. The narrative repeatedly highlights faithfulness, organization, and transparency—qualities essential for maintaining confidence in the temple ministries. Conaniah’s charge exemplifies the biblical principle that spiritual renewal is inseparable from sound stewardship of God’s resources. Conaniah under King Josiah (2 Chronicles 35:9) Decades later, another Conaniah—likely a descendant sharing the honored name—emerges as one of the “leaders of the Levites” who “provided to the people five thousand lambs and young goats and five hundred bulls for the Passover offerings” (2 Chronicles 35:9). The generosity coordinated by these Levites made it possible for rich and poor alike to participate in the greatest Passover since the days of Samuel (2 Chronicles 35:18). Thus Conaniah’s ministry advanced true worship by removing economic barriers and ensuring that the nation could obey the law concerning the feast (Exodus 12; Deuteronomy 16). Theological and Ministry Significance Stewardship and Trust: Conaniah’s oversight of temple treasures under Hezekiah demonstrates how God raises trustworthy servants to safeguard offerings. Malachi 3:10 links faithful tithing to divine blessing; Conaniah’s efficient administration created the conditions for such blessing to flow to Judah. Generational Continuity: The appearance of the name in both reform eras illustrates how God preserves faithful service across generations. Psalm 145:4 affirms, “One generation shall declare Your works to the next.” Conaniah’s legacy shows that spiritual leadership is a relay, not a sprint. Facilitating Worship: By coordinating sacrificial resources, Conaniah enabled nationwide obedience. This mirrors the New Testament vision of leaders “equipping the saints for the work of ministry” (Ephesians 4:12). His work behind the scenes was as critical as the priests’ visible service at the altar. Leadership Characteristics: Scripture highlights Conaniah’s diligence, accountability, and generosity. These qualities align with New Testament directives for church officers to be “above reproach” and “good stewards of God’s varied grace” (1 Timothy 3:2; 1 Peter 4:10). Lessons for Today 1. God values administrative faithfulness as much as public ministry. Conaniah’s brief but strategic appearances remind modern believers that every gift—organizational, financial, or pastoral—plays a vital role in advancing the worship of the living God. Forms and Transliterations וְ֠כָֽנַנְיָהוּ וכנניהו כָּֽנַנְיָ֙הוּ֙ כָּֽנַנְיָ֣הוּ כנניהו kā·nan·yā·hū kananYahu kānanyāhū Vechananyahu wə·ḵā·nan·yā·hū wəḵānanyāhūLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Chronicles 31:12 HEB: [כֹּונַנְיָהוּ כ] (כָּֽנַנְיָ֣הוּ ק) הַלֵּוִ֔י NAS: and the consecrated things; and Conaniah the Levite KJV: [things] faithfully: over which Cononiah the Levite INT: charge the officer Conaniah the Levite Shimei 2 Chronicles 31:13 2 Chronicles 35:9 3 Occurrences |
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