Lexical Summary Kenanyah or Kenanyahu: Kenaniah or Kenanyahu Original Word: כְּנַנְיָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Chenaniah Or Knanyahuw {ken-an-yaw'-hoo}; from kanan and Yahh; Jah has planted; Kenanjah, an Israelite -- Chenaniah. see HEBREW kanan see HEBREW Yahh NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom ken and Yah Definition two Isr. NASB Translation Chenaniah (3). Brown-Driver-Briggs כְּנַנְיָ֫הוּ proper name, masculine (׳י is firm); — 1 a Levite 1 Chronicles 15:22 ᵐ5 Κωνενια, A Ξωνενια, ᵐ5L Ιεχονιας; = כְּנַנְיָה 1 Chronicles 15:27, ᵐ5 Ιεχονιας, A Ξενενιας, ᵐ5L Ξονενιας. 2 an Izharite 1 Chronicles 26:29, ᵐ5 Ξωνεν(ε)ια(ς). Topical Lexicon Identity and Genealogical Setting Kenaniah (also spelled Chenaniah) appears exclusively in the Chronicler’s record, where he is identified as a Levite of the sons of Izhar (1 Chronicles 26:23, 26:29). His placement among the Izharites associates him with the line of Kohath, the branch of Levi entrusted with the most sacred duties surrounding the tabernacle furnishings (Numbers 4:4-15). Custodian of Worship during David’s Ascent When King David brought the Ark of the Covenant from the house of Obed-Edom to Jerusalem, the king reorganized Levitical service to ensure proper reverence and order (1 Chronicles 15:1-13). In that setting Kenaniah emerges as “the director of the music, because he was highly skilled” (1 Chronicles 15:22). His appointment demonstrates that spiritual gifting and demonstrated competence, not merely lineage, determined roles in the renewed worship of the kingdom. Musical Oversight and Excellence Kenaniah’s charge “was in charge of the singing” (1 Chronicles 15:22) and he is listed among those clothed “with fine linen robes” when the procession began (1 Chronicles 15:27). Linen garments emphasized purity; the Chronicles narrative highlights that those who lead worship must be morally and ceremonially clean. The phrase “because he was highly skilled” underscores a biblical pattern: God-honoring worship calls for both sanctified hearts and trained hands. Kenaniah therefore models the union of holiness and artistry that later Psalms will celebrate (Psalm 33:3; Psalm 47:7). Administrative and Judicial Leadership A later notice records that “of the Izharites, Kenaniah and his sons were assigned duties outside the temple as officers and judges” (1 Chronicles 26:29, adapted from). Here Kenaniah functions not only as a choirmaster but as a civil-religious administrator. The Chronicler places music and adjudication side by side, revealing the comprehensive nature of Levitical service: worship leadership and societal order both spring from allegiance to the covenant God. Historical Significance 1. Transition from Tabernacle to Temple Preparations: Kenaniah’s ministry sits at the hinge between itinerant worship and the establishment of a centralized sanctuary. His skilled leadership helped shape the musical traditions that would continue under Solomon’s temple. Ministry Lessons and Theological Implications • God bestows diverse gifts for orderly worship; skill is to be cultivated, not neglected (cf. 2 Chronicles 34:12). Legacy Though mentioned briefly, Kenaniah stands as a benchmark for worship leaders, administrators, and every believer called to serve with both competence and consecration. His appearance at a decisive moment in Israel’s worship history underscores the enduring principle that “all things must be done decently and in order” (1 Corinthians 14:40). Forms and Transliterations וּכְנַנְיָ֛ה וּכְנַנְיָ֥הוּ וכנניה וכנניהו כְּנַנְיָ֣הוּ כנניהו kə·nan·yā·hū kenanYahu kənanyāhū ū·ḵə·nan·yā·hū ū·ḵə·nan·yāh uchenanYah uchenanYahu ūḵənanyāh ūḵənanyāhūLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Chronicles 15:22 HEB: וּכְנַנְיָ֥הוּ שַֽׂר־ הַלְוִיִּ֖ם NAS: Chenaniah, chief of the Levites, KJV: And Chenaniah, chief of the Levites, INT: Chenaniah chief of the Levites 1 Chronicles 15:27 1 Chronicles 26:29 3 Occurrences |
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