קְנַז (qe.naz)
qe.naz
Kenaz
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 11 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name qenaz, meaning "hunter," appears in eleven biblical verses, primarily within genealogical lists in Genesis, Judges, and Chronicles. It identifies two distinct figures: a grandson of Esau who was an Edomite clan leader, and a brother of Caleb whose son Othniel became Israel’s first judge. The shared name suggests a common cultural background rather than a direct familial link between the two men.
Lexical sources note that the root word refers to hunting or tracking game. This imagery aligns with the rugged terrain of Edom and the wilderness settlements of early Israel. In Genesis 36, Kenaz is listed among the chiefs of Edom, highlighting the organized tribal structure of Esau’s descendants. Later, in Judges 1:13, he appears as Caleb’s brother, connecting him to the broader narrative of Judah’s inheritance.
Translators typically render qenaz simply as "Kenaz," preserving the proper noun without adding interpretive glosses. The recurrence of the name across different tribal lines—Edomite and Israelite—reflects the complex intermingling of peoples in the ancient Near East. Its presence in both Genesis and Chronicles underscores the biblical interest in tracing lineage, even when those lineages diverge significantly in their spiritual trajectories.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Kenaz means "hunter." In the Bible, this title appears in two very different settings. First, it marks a leader among Esau’s descendants in Edom, a people known for their rugged mountain terrain. Second, it identifies the brother of Caleb, placing him within the family line that helped Israel take possession of the Promised Land.
While the name itself does not carry a direct spiritual command, its presence reminds us that God works through real families and historical lines. The hunter imagery suggests vigilance and skill—qualities needed to survive in harsh lands or to lead people through difficult transitions. We see this clearly when Kenaz’s son, Othniel, rises to deliver Israel from oppression.
For your faith life, this word invites you to consider the tools God gives you for your specific season. Whether you are navigating complex family dynamics or facing external pressures, the same God who raised up Othniel is present in your story. Trust that He equips you with the discernment and strength needed for your path.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 11 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Kenaz9×
- and/ Kenaz2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- קְנַ֔ז3×
- קְנַ֛ז2×
- קְנַ֖ז2×
- וּ/קְנַֽז\׃2×
- קְנַֽז\׃\ \פ1×
- קְנַֽז\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Judges 3:9
When the children of Israel cried to Yahweh, Yahweh raised up a savior to the children of Israel, who saved them, even Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother.
This verse highlights Kenaz’s son Othniel as the instrument of God's deliverance, showing how family lineage connects to divine rescue.
-
Genesis 36:15
These are the chiefs of the sons of Esau: the sons of Eliphaz the firstborn of Esau: chief Teman, chief Omar, chief Zepho, chief Kenaz,
Here Kenaz is listed as a chief among Esau’s sons, illustrating the organized tribal structure of Edom alongside Israel’s history.
-
Joshua 15:17
Othniel the son of Kenaz, the brother of Caleb, took it: and he gave him Achsah his daughter as wife.
This occurrence ties Kenaz directly to Caleb, establishing the familial context for Othniel’s later leadership and military success.