Original Word: קְנַז
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Qnaz
Pronunciation: keh-NAZ
Phonetic Spelling: (ken-az')
KJV: Kenaz
NASB: Kenaz
Word Origin: [probably from an unused root meaning to hunt]

1. hunter
2. Kenaz, the name of an Edomite and of two Israelites

Kenaz

Probably from an unused root meaning to hunt; hunter; Kenaz, the name of an Edomite and of two Israelites -- Kenaz.

Word Origin
of uncertain derivation
Definition
an Edomite, also two Isr.
NASB Translation
Kenaz (11).

קְנַז proper name, masculine in Edom, Κενεζ: son of Eliphaz Genesis 36:11 = 1 Chronicles 1:36; Genesis 36:15 compare Genesis 36:42 = 1 Chronicles 1:53, and father of Othniel Joshua 15:17; Judges 1:13; Judges 3:9,11(see Di^Gn Bu RS 9.Comm. Judges 1:13 GFM Judges 1:13ff. Mey^{Entstehung 115 f.}).

Occurrences and Identification

קְנַז (Kenaz) appears eleven times in the Old Testament, designating two principal lineages and, by extension, the clan (Kenizzite) that arose from them. The name surfaces in Genesis 36:11, 15, 42; Joshua 15:17; Judges 1:13; Judges 3:9, 11; 1 Chronicles 1:36, 53; 1 Chronicles 4:13, 15.

Kenaz in the Line of Esau

The earliest references (Genesis 36; 1 Chronicles 1) place Kenaz among the sons of Eliphaz, the firstborn of Esau, situating him firmly within Edom. Twice Kenaz is counted in the lists of “chiefs” (Genesis 36:15; 36:42), reflecting social prominence and military authority in Seir. Though descended from Abraham through Esau, this Kenaz and his descendants stand outside the covenant line that flows through Jacob, yet Scripture records their governance to trace the unfolding of God’s promises concerning Edom (Genesis 25:23; Obadiah 1–21). The Edomite chiefs demonstrate the temporal rise of Esau’s house, which ultimately gives way to Israel’s dominion under David (2 Samuel 8:14).

Kenaz within Judah

A separate Kenaz emerges in the tribe of Judah, linked repeatedly to Caleb:
• “Othniel son of Kenaz, the brother of Caleb, captured it” (Joshua 15:17).
• “Othniel son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother” (Judges 3:9).
• “The sons of Kenaz: Othniel and Seraiah” (1 Chronicles 4:13).

The Chronicler also records a later descendant named Kenaz, “the son of Elah” (1 Chronicles 4:15), indicating the name’s durability within Caleb’s house. Whether the first Judahite Kenaz was Caleb’s literal brother or a more distant kinsman, the passages consistently portray his family as fully integrated into Judah’s inheritance, fighting beside Caleb for the hill country around Hebron and Debir.

Othniel son of Kenaz: Faithful Judge

Though Kenaz himself never occupies center stage, his son does. When Israel “cried out to the LORD” under Mesopotamian oppression, “He raised up Othniel son of Kenaz… as a deliverer” (Judges 3:9). Othniel’s victory and the ensuing forty years of rest (Judges 3:11) inaugurate the era of the Judges and model the covenant rhythm of apostasy, oppression, supplication, deliverance, and peace. The legacy of Kenaz is therefore bound to the Spirit-empowered leadership of his son, affirming God’s pattern of working through families devoted to Him.

Territorial Significance and Kenizzite Assimilation

Genesis 15:19 lists the Kenizzites among the peoples promised to Abraham, implying an early, non-Israelite identity. By the conquest under Joshua, “Othniel son of Kenaz” fights as a Judahite, showing that the Kenizzites—at least Caleb’s branch—had joined Israel before Sinai (cf. Exodus 12:38). Their inheritance around Hebron became a model of Gentile grafting into the covenant community on the basis of faith (Numbers 14:24). Thus Kenaz’s name marks both an Edomite chief and a Judahite clan, illustrating divine prerogative to incorporate or to overthrow according to His purposes.

Theological and Ministry Implications

1. Adoption by Faith: The Kenizzite connection to Caleb and Othniel demonstrates that lineage need not hinder participation in God’s promises; wholehearted trust secures a place among His people.
2. Godly Legacy: Though Scripture preserves no deeds of Kenaz himself, his commitment is inferred from his children’s valor and faithfulness, urging modern believers to cultivate households that launch future servants of the Lord.
3. Leadership under the Spirit: Othniel’s deliverance reiterates that true authority arises not from human pedigree but from the Spirit of the LORD (Judges 3:10); the humble Kenaz family becomes an instrument of national salvation.
4. Prophetic Contrast: The rise of the Edomite Kenaz chiefs foreshadows the eventual downfall of Edom due to pride (Obadiah 3–4), whereas the Judahite Kenaz line is exalted, underscoring the covenant principle, “The LORD lifts up the humble; He casts the wicked to the ground” (Psalm 147:6).

Summary

קְנַז threads through Scripture as both an Edomite ruler and a Judahite patriarch. The former embodies Esau’s temporary power; the latter, through Othniel, pioneers Spirit-led leadership in Israel. Together they highlight divine sovereignty over nations, the inclusivity of faith, and the lasting fruit of a household devoted to God.

וּקְנַֽז׃ וקנז׃ קְנַ֔ז קְנַ֖ז קְנַ֛ז קְנַֽז׃ קנז קנז׃ keNaz qə·naz qənaz ū·qə·naz ukeNaz ūqənazInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts