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Who was Kenaz in the Bible?

Lived during the years in Egypt and the wilderness

Kenaz is mentioned in several passages as the father of Othniel, a prominent figure in the early history of Israel. Kenaz appears in 5 verses across 3 books of the Bible.

What does the Bible say about Kenaz?

Kenaz is mentioned in several passages as the father of Othniel, a prominent figure in the early history of Israel. Othniel was a brave warrior and a judge who delivered the Israelites from the oppression of Cushan-rishathaim, king of Mesopotamia (Jdg.3.9-11). Kenaz is first mentioned in the context of Caleb's conquest of Hebron. Caleb offered his daughter Achsah in marriage to whoever would attack and capture the city of Debir. Othniel, the son of Kenaz and Caleb's younger brother, successfully accomplished this task and married Achsah (Jos.15.17; Jdg.1.13). Othniel's father Kenaz is also mentioned in the genealogy of the tribe of Judah (1Ch.4.13). This genealogical record confirms Kenaz's relationship to Caleb and his place within the tribe of Judah. Furthermore, Kenaz is mentioned in the context of Caleb's faithfulness to God. Caleb and Joshua were the only two spies who brought back a positive report about the Promised Land and encouraged the Israelites to trust in God (Num.32.12; Jos.14.6, 14). Caleb is referred to as "the Kenizzite," indicating his connection to the Kenizzite clan, likely through his father Jephunneh. The story of Kenaz and his son Othniel highlights the importance of faith, courage, and obedience to God in the early history of Israel. Othniel's role as a judge and deliverer of Israel also demonstrates God's faithfulness in raising up leaders to guide and protect His people.

Definition text: STEPBible · Tyndale House Cambridge. Licensed CC BY 4.0. Lightly edited for length and formatting.

Compiled by Protos: the verse list on this page. Where one name belongs to more than one person or place, each of them gets a separate entry.

Where does Kenaz appear in the Bible?

Kenaz is referenced in 5 verses across 3 books. Every passage below is about this one, not just every verse the word turns up in.

Judges 31 Chronicles 1Joshua 1

What else appears in these passages?

These turn up in the same passages as Kenaz.

OthnielCaleb

Common questions

How many times does the Bible mention Kenaz?

Kenaz appears in 5 verses across 3 books, most often in Judges, which accounts for 3 of them.

Which books of the Bible mention Kenaz?

Judges, 1 Chronicles, Joshua.

Where can I read every verse about Kenaz?

This page lists 5 of them. Protos carries all 5, and opens this entry on the verse you are reading rather than in a separate tab.

Read it in context

Read Judges with Kenaz explained on the verse.

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