Ancient Mesopotamian city, possibly Kullania or Kullanhu
Calneh
Named in 4 verses across 4 books, first in Genesis 10:10.
כַּלְנֵ֑הCalneh
כַּלְנוֹCalno
כַּנֶּהCanneh
Also called Calno, Canneh.
The name means “our consummation.” Hitchcock's Bible Names, 1869
About Calneh Written by AI
Calneh, also known as Calno, was an ancient city mentioned in the Bible as one of the cities founded by Nimrod in the land of Shinar (Genesis 10:10). It is also referred to in the prophetic books of Amos (6:2) and Isaiah (10:9) as a city of significance, and in Ezekiel (27:23) as a trading partner of Tyre. The exact location of Calneh is uncertain, but it is generally believed to have been situated in Mesopotamia, in the region of Babylonia or Assyria. Some scholars identify it with the ancient city of Kullania or Kullanhu, known from Assyrian inscriptions, which was located near the Tigris River. In the Bible, Calneh is mentioned alongside other notable cities such as Babel, Erech, and Accad, suggesting its importance in the ancient Near Eastern world. The prophet Amos used Calneh as an example of a great city that had fallen, warning Israel of impending judgment (Amo.6.2). Similarly, Isaiah mentioned Calneh in the context of Assyria's conquests and its arrogance against God (Isaiah 10:9). Ezekiel's reference to Calneh as a trading partner of Tyre (Ezk.27.23) indicates that the city was involved in commercial activities and had established economic ties with other major centers in the region. Although the biblical references to Calneh are brief, they suggest that it was a city of considerable significance in ancient Mesopotamia, known for its political, economic, and cultural importance. Its association with Nimrod and its mention alongside other prominent cities underscore its place in the early history of human civilization.
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
Fort, one of the four cities founded by Nimrod (Gen. 10:10). It is the modern Niffer, a lofty mound of earth and rubbish situated in the marshes on the left, i.e., the east, bank of the Euphrates, but 30 miles distant from its present course, and about 60 miles south-south-east from Babylon. It is mentioned as one of the towns with which Tyre carried on trade. It was finally taken and probably destroyed by one of the Assyrian kings (Amos 6:2). It is called Calno (Isa. 10:9) and Canneh (Ezek. 27:23).
M. G. Easton, Illustrated Bible Dictionary, third edition (1897), public domain, from CrossWire. Shown as written; its Scripture quotes are from older translations.
32.127, 45.230 See it on a map
Where the Bible names it
- Genesis 10:10
His kingdom began in Babylon, Erech, Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar.
- Isaiah 10:9
“Is not Calno like Carchemish? Is not Hamath like Arpad? Is not Samaria like Damascus?
- Ezekiel 27:23
Haran, Canneh, and Eden traded with you, and so did the merchants of Sheba, Asshur, and Chilmad.
- Amos 6:2
Cross over to Calneh and see; go from there to the great Hamath; then go down to Gath of the Philistines. Are you better than these kingdoms? Is their territory larger than yours?
From STEPBible's TIPNR, Tyndale House Cambridge (CC BY 4.0): names, family, references and the AI written article. Verse text is the BSB.