Καϊνάν, Καϊνάμ (Kainan, Kainam)
Kainan, Kainam
Cainan
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The name Kainan appears in two verses of the New Testament, both found in Luke’s genealogy of Jesus (Luke 3:36–37). It is a Greek transliteration of the Hebrew name Cainan, which means "their smith" or possibly "possession." The sources identify this figure as an ancestor in the long line of patriarchs stretching back to Adam and forward to Joseph.
One notable detail from the lexical data is that Kainan is listed as the son of Arphaxad in Luke 3:36, whereas Genesis 10:24 places him as the son of Shelah. This discrepancy reflects differences between the Hebrew text of Genesis and the Septuagint (Greek Old Testament), which Luke followed. The name serves as a link in the chain of generations, emphasizing Jesus’ connection to ancient history.
Though brief, these references highlight how early Christians traced their faith back through recorded lineage. Kainan’s presence shows the care taken in preserving ancestral records, even when textual variations exist between Old Testament versions. The name itself, meaning "smith," may hint at craftsmanship or provision, though its primary role here is genealogical.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Kainan appears in Luke’s genealogy as a link between Arphaxad and Methuselah. While Genesis places him differently, Luke follows the Greek translation of the Old Testament. This shows that early Christians valued their ancestral records, even when sources varied.
For your faith, this detail reminds us that God works through real history. Jesus is connected to ancient generations, including those with complex textual backgrounds. It encourages trust in Scripture’s preservation and God’s care for every name listed.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- of Cainan2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Καϊνὰμ2×
Key Verses
-
Luke 3:36
the son of Cainan, the son of Arphaxad, the son of Shem, the son of Noah, the son of Lamech,
This verse places Kainan as the son of Arphaxad, reflecting Luke’s use of the Septuagint rather than the Hebrew Masoretic text.
-
Luke 3:37
the son of Methuselah, the son of Enoch, the son of Jared, the son of Mahalaleel, the son of Cainan,
Here Kainan appears as the father of Methuselah, continuing the line back to Enoch and showing the genealogical chain Jesus inherits.