קְנָת (qe.nat)
qe.nat
Kenath
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The name Qenat, meaning "possession," appears in two biblical verses within Numbers and 1 Chronicles. It identifies a specific city located in Gilead, on the eastern side of the Jordan River. The text records that this settlement was originally taken and then renamed to honor Nobah, who claimed it as his own territory.
Its brief appearance highlights the ancient practice of renaming places to mark ownership or commemorate a leader’s achievement. By attaching the name "possession" to the city, the narrative emphasizes the act of taking control over the land. This detail serves as a historical marker for the expansion of Israelite influence in the region during the period of conquest and settlement.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Qenat carries the simple meaning of "possession." In the ancient world, renaming a place was a powerful statement of ownership and identity. When Nobah took Kenath and renamed it after himself, he was marking that land as his own inheritance. This act reflects a deep human desire to leave a lasting mark on the world around us.
For believers today, this word invites reflection on what we truly hold dear. While earthly possessions change hands or are lost, our spiritual heritage remains secure in God. The brief mention of this city reminds us that true belonging is not found in land or names, but in the covenant relationship with the Creator who claims us as His own.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Kenath2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- קְנָ֥ת1×
- קְנָ֖ת1×
Key Verses
-
Numbers 32:42
Nobah went and took Kenath and its villages, and called it Nobah, after his own name.
This verse explicitly links the name Qenat to the concept of possession through Nobah's act of renaming the city, highlighting the theme of personal ownership.
-
I Chronicles 2:23
Geshur and Aram took the towns of Jair from them, with Kenath, and its villages, even sixty cities. All these were the sons of Machir the father of Gilead.
Here the city is listed among towns taken by enemies, showing how quickly a "possession" could be lost and emphasizing the fragility of earthly claims.