Lexical Summary Qenan: Kenan Original Word: קֵינָן Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Cainan, Kenan From the same as qen; fixed; Kenan, an antediluvian -- Cainan, Kenan. see HEBREW qen NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as qayin Definition a desc. of Seth NASB Translation Kenan (6). Brown-Driver-Briggs קֵינָן proper name, masculine a Sethite (Sabean proper name of deity קינן CISiv, no. 8, 1.2); — Genesis 5:9,10,12,13,14; 1 Chronicles 1:2, Καιναν. Topical Lexicon Name and Position in the Line of Seth Kenan appears in the antediluvian genealogy that traces the righteous line from Adam through Seth. The sequence runs Adam → Seth → Enosh → Kenan → Mahalalel → Jared → Enoch → Methuselah → Lamech → Noah. In Genesis 5 he stands as the fourth generation from Adam, and thus embodies the early continuity of God’s promise that the seed of the woman would one day crush the serpent’s head. Occurrences and Narrative Setting Six Hebrew-text occurrences cluster in two passages: Genesis 5:9-14 and 1 Chronicles 1:2. Each reference functions within a formal genealogy rather than an extended story, yet these lists are deliberate literary bridges. By linking the primeval world (Genesis 1–11) with Israel’s history (1 Chronicles) and, ultimately, the Gospel record (Luke 3:37), Scripture shows a seamless redemptive thread. Selected quotations: Chronology and Lifespan Kenan was born in year 325 after creation (calculated from the ages given in Genesis 5) and died in year 1235, forty-nine years after the translation of Enoch and 69 years before the birth of Noah. His 910-year span testifies to the vigor of the early patriarchs prior to the Flood and sets up the later post-Flood decline in longevity. Role in Salvation History 1. Preservation of the godly line: By fathering Mahalalel, Kenan ensured that the covenant-bearing lineage survived a violent and increasingly corrupt world (Genesis 6:5). Theological Themes • God’s faithfulness across millennia: Each recorded birth reiterates the Creator’s intent to populate the earth with image-bearers and to guard His redemptive purpose. Historical and Cultural Context Kenan lived before the Flood when agricultural and metallurgical advances were burgeoning (Genesis 4:20-22), urbanization had begun, and violence was escalating. Though Scripture offers no personal anecdotes, his inclusion within a worship-oriented genealogy (Genesis 4:26—“people began to call upon the name of the LORD”) implies participation in early organized devotion. Lessons for Faith and Ministry 1. Value of generational faithfulness: Like Kenan, believers today contribute to God’s ongoing account by nurturing the next generation in covenant truth. Summary Kenan, though briefly mentioned, occupies a vital link between Eden’s aftermath and the unfolding drama that culminates in Jesus Christ. His 910-year life, set amid growing human rebellion, showcases God’s unwavering commitment to preserve a lineage of faith and to advance redemption through ordinary generations until the fullness of time. Forms and Transliterations קֵינָ֔ן קֵינָ֖ן קֵינָ֗ן קֵינָ֥ן קֵינָֽן׃ קינן קינן׃ keiNan qê·nān qênānLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 5:9 HEB: וַיּ֖וֹלֶד אֶת־ קֵינָֽן׃ NAS: years, and became the father of Kenan. KJV: years, and begat Cainan: INT: years and became of Kenan Genesis 5:10 Genesis 5:12 Genesis 5:13 Genesis 5:14 1 Chronicles 1:2 6 Occurrences |
    |