GospelMount
Search Topics Scripture Prayer Resources Ebooks About Support the mission Saved articles

כּוֹנַנְיָ֫הוּ (ko.nan.ya.hu)

ko.nan.ya.hu

Conaniah

H3562 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 3 verses

N:N-M-P

Quick Reference

Language
Biblical Hebrew
Testament
Old Testament
Occurrences
3 verses
Root
—
Part of speech
N:N-M-P

Word Overview

The name Konaniah, or Conaniah, is a Hebrew masculine proper noun meaning "Jehovah has established." It appears only three times in the Bible, specifically within the Second Chronicles during the era of the Divided Monarchy. The sources identify two distinct Levite figures bearing this name: one serving as a ruler under King Hezekiah and another as a chief under King Josiah.

Both men are noted for their administrative roles in maintaining religious order. The earlier Konaniah is mentioned alongside his brother Shimei in 2 Chronicles 31:12, overseeing the distribution of tithes and contributions to the temple. This usage highlights how personal names functioned as theological statements, affirming that the stability of worship depended on God’s enduring support rather than human effort alone.

Because the name is rare and confined to these historical records, it serves as a marker for specific periods of religious reform. The repetition of the name across two different kings’ reigns suggests a lineage or family tradition of Levitical service, anchoring the spiritual history of Judah in concrete, established leadership.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The name Conaniah carries a quiet but steady promise: "Jehovah has established." In a world where leadership often shifts with political winds, this name reminds us that true stability comes from God alone. When we see Levites like Conaniah managing temple resources, it is not just about accounting; it is about ensuring that worship remains pure and accessible to the people.

His role in overseeing tithes and Passover offerings shows that faithful service often happens behind the scenes. It was his job to ensure that contributions were handled with integrity, so that the community could focus on their relationship with God rather than administrative chaos. This offers a gentle encouragement for our own lives: when we serve faithfully in our assigned roles, we help establish an environment where others can encounter God without distraction.

Whether you are leading a team or simply managing your home, remember that God honors faithful stewardship. Like Conaniah, you may not always be in the spotlight, but your integrity supports the broader work of faith. Trust that He establishes what is done for Him, even when the details seem small.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • Konaniah2×
  • and/ Konaniah1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • כָּֽנַנְיָ֣הוּ1×
  • כָּֽנַנְיָ֙הוּ֙1×
  • וְ֠/כָֽנַנְיָהוּ1×

Key Verses

  • II Chronicles 31:12
    They brought in the offerings, the tithes, and the dedicated things faithfully. Conaniah the Levite was ruler over them, and Shimei his brother was second.

    This verse highlights Conaniah's specific responsibility as ruler over the faithful collection of tithes, showing how administrative order supports communal worship.

  • II Chronicles 35:9
    Conaniah also, and Shemaiah and Nethanel, his brothers, and Hashabiah, Jeiel, and Jozabad, the chiefs of the Levites, gave to the Levites for the Passover offerings five thousand small livestock and five hundred head of cattle.

    Here Conaniah contributes significantly to the Passover celebrations, demonstrating that his leadership extended beyond administration to active participation in religious renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Conaniah mean?

Conaniah is a Hebrew name meaning "Jehovah has established." It reflects a theological belief that God provides the stability and foundation for leadership and worship, rather than human effort alone.

Who was Conaniah in the Bible?

Conaniah was a Levite who served during the reigns of Kings Hezekiah and Josiah. He held administrative roles, overseeing the collection of tithes and the distribution of offerings for temple worship and Passover celebrations.

Why is Conaniah mentioned only three times?

He appears in only three verses because his role was specific to the historical records of religious reform in Judah. His mention serves as a marker for periods when the temple's administrative and worship practices were being restored and maintained with integrity.

Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)

II Chronicles 3 verses
II Chronicles 31:12

They brought in the offerings, the tithes, and the dedicated things faithfully. Conaniah the Levite was ruler over…

II Chronicles 31:13

Jehiel, Azaziah, Nahath, Asahel, Jerimoth, Jozabad, Eliel, Ismachiah, Mahath, and Benaiah were overseers under the hand…

II Chronicles 35:9

Conaniah also, and Shemaiah and Nethanel, his brothers, and Hashabiah, Jeiel, and Jozabad, the chiefs of the Levites,…