Dictionary of Deities and Demons in the Bible Online

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Kenan קינן
(228 words)

I. Name

In genealogical lists of the antediluvian heroes, the son of Enosh is called qênān/Kenan (Gen. 5.9–14; 1 Chr. 1.2; cf. Luke 3.37 Kainam). Etymologically the name can be interpreted as derived from the noun or name qayinCain with a diminutive ending -ān. The name can mean either ‘smith; javelin’ (HALAT 1026) or ‘little Cain’ (Hess 1993). The name has been compared to a Southarabian deity Qaynān (Robertson Smith 1894:43 n. 4; Westermann 1974:483).

II. Identity

From Himyaritic inscriptions a Sabae…

Cite this page
B. Becking, “Kenan קינן”, in: Dictionary of Deities and Demons in the Bible Online, Edited by: Karel van der Toorn, Bob Becking, Pieter W. van der Horst. Consulted online on 23 March 2023 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/2589-7802_DDDO_DDDO_Kenan>



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