Father of Othniel, a judge of Israel
Kenaz
Named in 8 verses across 4 books, first in Numbers 32:12.
קְנַזKenaz
קְנִזִּיKenizzite
Also called Kenizzite.
The name means “this purchase; this lamentation.” Hitchcock's Bible Names, 1869
About Kenaz Written by AI
Kenaz is mentioned in several passages as the father of Othniel, a prominent figure in the early history of Israel. Othniel was a brave warrior and a judge who delivered the Israelites from the oppression of Cushan-rishathaim, king of Mesopotamia (Judges 3:9 to 11). Kenaz is first mentioned in the context of Caleb's conquest of Hebron. Caleb offered his daughter Achsah in marriage to whoever would attack and capture the city of Debir. Othniel, the son of Kenaz and Caleb's younger brother, successfully accomplished this task and married Achsah (Joshua 15:17; Judges 1:13). Othniel's father Kenaz is also mentioned in the genealogy of the tribe of Judah (1 Chronicles 4:13). This genealogical record confirms Kenaz's relationship to Caleb and his place within the tribe of Judah. Furthermore, Kenaz is mentioned in the context of Caleb's faithfulness to God. Caleb and Joshua were the only two spies who brought back a positive report about the Promised Land and encouraged the Israelites to trust in God (Numbers 32:12; Joshua 14:6). Caleb is referred to as "the Kenizzite," indicating his connection to the Kenizzite clan, likely through his father Jephunneh. The story of Kenaz and his son Othniel highlights the importance of faith, courage, and obedience to God in the early history of Israel. Othniel's role as a judge and deliverer of Israel also demonstrates God's faithfulness in raising up leaders to guide and protect His people.
Drafted by an AI model for STEPBible's TIPNR (Tyndale House Cambridge, CC BY 4.0). Check it against the verses below.
Easton's Bible Dictionary, 1897
This entry is on the name Kenaz, and may cover more than one person or place by that name.
Hunter. (1.) One of the sons of Eliphaz, the son of Esau. He became the chief of an Edomitish tribe (Gen. 36:11, 15, 42).
(2.) Caleb’s younger brother, and father of Othniel (Josh. 15:17), whose family was of importance in Israel down to the time of David (1 Chr. 27:15). Some think that Othniel (Judg. 1:13), and not Kenaz, was Caleb’s brother.
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(3.) Caleb’s grandson (1 Chr. 4:15).
M. G. Easton, Illustrated Bible Dictionary, third edition (1897), public domain, from CrossWire. Shown as written; its Scripture quotes are from older translations.
Where the Bible names him
- Numbers 32:12
not one except Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite and Joshua son of Nun—because they did follow the LORD wholeheartedly.’
- Joshua 14:6
Then the sons of Judah approached Joshua at Gilgal, and Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite said to him, “You know what the LORD said to Moses the man of God at Kadesh-barnea about you and me.
- Joshua 14:14
Therefore Hebron belongs to Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite as an inheritance to this day, because he wholly followed the LORD, the God of Israel.
- Joshua 15:17
So Othniel son of Caleb’s brother Kenaz captured the city, and Caleb gave his daughter Acsah to him in marriage.
- Judges 1:13
So Othniel son of Caleb’s younger brother Kenaz captured the city, and Caleb gave his daughter Acsah to him in marriage.
- Judges 3:9
But when the Israelites cried out to the LORD, He raised up Othniel son of Caleb’s younger brother Kenaz as a deliverer to save them.
- Judges 3:11
So the land had rest for forty years, until Othniel son of Kenaz died.
- 1 Chronicles 4:13
The sons of Kenaz: Othniel and Seraiah. The sons of Othniel: Hathath and Meonothai.
From STEPBible's TIPNR, Tyndale House Cambridge (CC BY 4.0): names, family, references and the AI written article. Verse text is the BSB.