כַּלְנֵ֑ה (kal.neh)
kal.neh
Calneh
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The proper noun Kalneh refers to a city mentioned in Genesis, Isaiah, and Amos. Its name translates to "fortress of Anu," pointing to its ancient identity as a significant stronghold in the region of Babylonia. In the genealogies of Genesis 10:10, it is listed among the cities founded by Nimrod, establishing it as an early center of power and urban development.
The word appears later in the prophetic books to evoke memories of past imperial might. Isaiah and Amos cite Kalneh alongside other fallen nations like Carchemish and Hamath. By referencing this ancient city, the prophets highlight that even the most fortified historical powers are subject to judgment, serving as a sobering reminder of human vulnerability before divine sovereignty.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Calneh stands as a reminder that human power is temporary. Listed among Nimrod’s early cities, it once represented strength and urban growth. Yet prophets later used its name to show how even mighty kingdoms fall when they forget their dependence on God.
This history invites us to look beyond our own achievements or security. No fortress, no matter how strong, can replace trust in the Lord. When we feel secure in our own abilities, Calneh whispers a gentle warning: true safety comes only from Him.
May this ancient name help you rest in God’s lasting sovereignty rather than your own fleeting strength.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Calneh1×
- [is] Calneh1×
- Calneh1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- כַּלְנ֑וֹ1×
- כַֽלְנֵה֙1×
- וְ/כַלְנֵ֑ה1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 10:10
The beginning of his kingdom was Babel, Erech, Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar.
This verse establishes Calneh as part of Nimrod’s initial kingdom, showing its early role as a center of human power and city-building.
-
Isaiah 10:9
Isn’t Calno like Carchemish? Isn’t Hamath like Arpad? Isn’t Samaria like Damascus?”
Here the prophet uses Calneh to illustrate that even historically powerful cities are vulnerable to judgment, just like those currently opposing God.
-
Amos 6:2
Go to Calneh, and see. From there go to Hamath the great. Then go down to Gath of the Philistines. Are they better than these kingdoms? Is their border greater than your border?
Amos challenges Israel by comparing their current state to fallen powers like Calneh, urging them to recognize their spiritual decline despite outward stability.