Lexical Summary Qenizzi: Kenizzite Original Word: קְנִזִי Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Kenezite, Kenizzites Patronymic from Qnaz, a Kenizzite or descendant of Kenaz -- Kenezite, Kenizzites. see HEBREW Qnaz NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom Qenaz Definition desc. of Kenaz NASB Translation Kenizzite (4). Brown-Driver-Briggs קְנִזִּי adjective, of a people, with article ׳הַקּ, of Caleb Numbers 32:12; Joshua 14:6,14 (all J E); as n.collective Genesis 15:19 (in list; apparently South Canaanitish people). קֵנִי see קֵינִי. p 884 Topical Lexicon Meaning and Background The term קְנִזִי refers to a member of the people or clan known as the Kenizzites. In Scripture the designation functions both ethnically—identifying a pre-Israelite, Canaanite people group—and genealogically—describing descendants of Kenaz who attached themselves to the tribe of Judah through Caleb’s line. Ethnic Identity and Origins 1. Pre-Israelite nation: In the list of ten peoples inhabiting Canaan at the time of Abram (Genesis 15:19-21), the Kenizzites appear between the Kenites and the Kadmonites, marking them as one of the indigenous nations slated for dispossession when the covenant promise would be fulfilled. Occurrences in Scripture Genesis 15:19; Numbers 32:12; Joshua 14:6; Joshua 14:14. Only four occurrences use the specific form קְנִזִי, yet the narrative impact is considerable: it frames both ends of Israel’s journey—from promise to possession. Kenizzites and the Abrahamic Covenant Genesis 15 records the unilateral covenant in which the Lord assures Abram, “To your descendants I have given this land—from the river of Egypt to the great River Euphrates—… the Kenizzites” (Genesis 15:18-19). Their mention underlines the breadth of the divine grant. Though destined to be displaced, individual Kenizzites would later inherit within Israel, displaying the covenant’s expansive mercy toward all who trust in the Lord. Caleb the Kenizzite: Faith and Full Inheritance Numbers 32:12 introduces “Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite,” singled out for having “followed the Lord wholeheartedly.” Though his ancestral label sets him apart from native Israelites, his wholehearted faith overcomes ethnic boundaries. Joshua 14 records his claim to Hebron: “Now give me this hill country that the Lord promised me… The Lord will be with me, and I will drive them out, as He has spoken” (Joshua 14:12). Caleb’s possession of Hebron—later a Levitical and messianic town—illustrates that covenant inheritance is secured by faith rather than genealogy alone. Continuation through Othniel Caleb’s younger kinsman Othniel, son of Kenaz, becomes Israel’s first judge (Judges 3:9-11). The Kenizzite legacy thus inaugurates the era of the judges, embodying courage, covenant loyalty, and divine empowerment. Hudon emphasises the Lord “raised up Othniel… and the land had rest forty years” (Judges 3:10-11), reinforcing that God delights to use outsiders made insiders by faith. Prophetic and Redemptive Themes 1. Inclusion of the nations: The shift from Genesis 15 (Kenizzites as dispossessed) to Joshua 14 (a Kenizzite inheriting) foreshadows the gospel mystery—Gentiles made fellow heirs (Ephesians 3:6). Practical Ministry Reflections • Celebrate God’s impartial grace: Ethnic outsiders, once enemies, become family through faith. In sum, the Kenizzite designation—while linguistically brief—carries rich theological weight, demonstrating God’s faithfulness to covenant promises, His welcome to believing foreigners, and the triumph of steadfast faith. Forms and Transliterations הַקְּנִזִּ֑י הַקְּנִזִּ֔י הַקְּנִזִּי֙ הקנזי hakkenizZi haq·qə·niz·zî haqqənizzîLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 15:19 HEB: הַקֵּינִי֙ וְאֶת־ הַקְּנִזִּ֔י וְאֵ֖ת הַקַּדְמֹנִֽי׃ NAS: the Kenite and the Kenizzite and the Kadmonite KJV: The Kenites, and the Kenizzites, and the Kadmonites, INT: the Kenite and the Kenizzite and the Kadmonite Numbers 32:12 Joshua 14:6 Joshua 14:14 4 Occurrences |
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