כְּנַעֲנָה (ke.na.a.nah)
ke.na.a.nah
Chenaanah
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Chenaanah appears in the Hebrew Bible as a personal identifier for two distinct men during the era of the Divided Monarchy. In the historical narratives of Kings and Chronicles, it denotes the father of Zedekiah, a prophet who falsely predicted victory for King Ahab against Aram (1 Kings 22:11; 2 Chronicles 18:10). This Chenaanah is remembered primarily through his son’s role in a dramatic confrontation with the true prophet Micaiah.
A second individual bearing this name is listed in the genealogies of the tribe of Benjamin (1 Chronicles 7:10). He is described as the son of Bilhan and the founder of a household within that clan. The sources indicate the name likely means "trader" or "merchant," reflecting a profession rather than a spiritual attribute. This usage highlights how common occupational terms were adopted as personal names in ancient Israelite society.
The recurrence of this name across different biblical contexts illustrates the variety of lives present in the period’s records. While one figure is associated with political intrigue and false prophecy, the other anchors a family line within the tribal structure. The meaning "trader" connects these individuals to the economic realities of their time, showing how everyday vocations left a mark on the scriptural record.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Chenaanah appears in Scripture attached to two very different kinds of lives. One man is the father of a prophet who used iron horns to promise easy victory, only to be struck down when his message clashed with the truth. The other is listed simply as part of a family line in Benjamin, anchoring a household within the tribe’s history. Both names likely mean 'trader,' reminding us that ordinary work and daily vocations are recorded by God just as surely as grand miracles.
This word invites us to see the full range of human experience in the Bible. It is not only about kings and prophets but also about merchants, fathers, and family members whose names might otherwise go unnoticed. In a world that often values loud declarations over quiet faithfulness, these entries show that God preserves the stories of those who live their lives with integrity, whether they are in the palace or on the street.
We can find comfort in knowing that our own daily efforts and honest labor are part of God’s larger story. Just as Chenaanah’s name remains in the text for future generations, our faithful presence in our families and workplaces matters to Him. We do not need to seek fame or loud recognition; simply living faithfully where we are placed is enough.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Kenaanah4×
- and/ Kenaanah1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- כְּנַעֲנָ֖ה2×
- כְּנַעֲנָ֔ה2×
- וּֽ/כְנַעֲנָה֙1×
Key Verses
-
I Kings 22:11
Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah made himself horns of iron, and said, “Yahweh says, ‘With these you will push the Syrians, until they are consumed.’”
This verse introduces Zedekiah, son of Chenaanah, using the name to identify a key figure in a narrative about false prophecy and political deception.
-
I Chronicles 7:10
The son of Jediael: Bilhan. The sons of Bilhan: Jeush, Benjamin, Ehud, Chenaanah, Zethan, Tarshish, and Ahishahar.
Here the name appears in a genealogy, identifying Chenaanah as a son of Bilhan and highlighting the preservation of tribal lineage rather than public deeds.