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כְּנַנְיָ֫הוּ (ke.nan.yah)

ke.nan.yah

Chenaniah

H3663 · 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 Chenaniah, rendered from the Hebrew ke.nan.yah, carries the meaning "Jehovah establishes." In the Old Testament, this title belongs to two distinct Levites from the tribe of Levi, specifically within the lineage of Izhar. Both individuals appear exclusively in the books of Chronicles, serving during the reign of King David as part of the administrative and worship structures established for Israel.

The first Chenaniah is identified as a Levite song leader who played a key role in the procession bringing the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 15:22). His position highlights the importance of music and order in restoring proper worship. The second man, also named Chenaniah, served as an officer among the Izharites, further illustrating how this name was associated with faithful service within the temple hierarchy during the Divided Monarchy period.

Though brief in biblical record, these mentions underscore a theological theme: God establishes leaders for specific tasks. The repetition of the name in Chronicles suggests it was a recognized title among those dedicated to maintaining spiritual order. Translators consistently render it as Chenaniah, preserving the phonetic link to its divine root without adding interpretive commentary.

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

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The name Chenaniah means "Jehovah establishes." In the biblical narrative, this title belongs to Levites who served with precision and skill during King David’s reign. Their work was not merely administrative but deeply spiritual, ensuring that worship in Jerusalem was ordered and reverent. When we see these men appointed to lead singing or manage justice, it reminds us that God values both the heart of worship and the integrity of our daily duties.

For your own life, this word offers a quiet encouragement. Just as Chenaniah was established by God for specific tasks—whether leading music or overseeing judges—you too are equipped for the role you hold today. Your skills, whether in teaching, serving, or managing responsibilities, are not accidents. They are part of a larger design where God establishes leaders to bring order and blessing to His people.

How it's translated

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

  • and/ Kenaniah2×
  • Kenaniah1×

Forms in the text

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

  • כְּנַנְיָ֣הוּ1×
  • וּ/כְנַנְיָ֥הוּ1×
  • וּ/כְנַנְיָ֛ה1×

Key Verses

  • I Chronicles 15:22
    Chenaniah, chief of the Levites, was over the singing. He taught the singers, because he was skillful.

    This verse highlights Chenaniah’s dual role as both a performer and a teacher, showing that true leadership in worship requires both skill and the ability to instruct others.

  • I Chronicles 15:27
    David was clothed with a robe of fine linen, as were all the Levites who bore the ark, the singers, and Chenaniah the choir master with the singers; and David had an ephod of linen on him.

    Here Chenaniah is listed alongside David and other Levites, emphasizing his integral part in the communal act of bringing the ark into Jerusalem with joy and order.

  • I Chronicles 26:29
    Of the Izharites, Chenaniah and his sons were appointed to the outward business over Israel, for officers and judges.

    This occurrence shows a different Chenaniah serving in judicial matters, illustrating that the name is associated with faithful service in both spiritual and civic spheres.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Chenaniah mean?

Chenaniah is a Hebrew name that translates to "Jehovah establishes" or "Yahweh has founded." It combines the divine name Yahweh with a root meaning to set up or establish firmly.

How many people named Chenaniah appear in the Bible?

There are two distinct individuals named Chenaniah in the Old Testament, both Levites from the tribe of Levi. One is a song leader in 1 Chronicles 15, and the other is an officer in 1 Chronicles 26.

What was Chenaniah’s role in King David’s reign?

Chenaniah served as a chief Levite responsible for leading singing and teaching the singers. He also held administrative duties, ensuring that worship and justice were conducted with order and skill.

Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)

I Chronicles 3 verses
I Chronicles 15:22

Chenaniah, chief of the Levites, was over the singing. He taught the singers, because he was skillful.

I Chronicles 15:27

David was clothed with a robe of fine linen, as were all the Levites who bore the ark, the singers, and Chenaniah the…

I Chronicles 26:29

Of the Izharites, Chenaniah and his sons were appointed to the outward business over Israel, for officers and judges.