קְנָת
Kenath, a place East of the Jordan
Definition
Kenath (קְנָת) is a proper noun referring to a city east of the Jordan River, in the region of Bashan. It was captured by Nobah, a Manassite, who renamed it after himself (Numbers 32:42). Later, in 1 Chronicles 2:23, it is mentioned among the towns taken by Geshur and Aram, indicating a history of conquest and changing control. The name itself means 'possession,' reflecting its status as a captured or acquired territory.
Biblical Usage
The word is used exclusively as a geographical place name in two Old Testament passages. In Numbers 32:42, it appears in the context of the Israelite conquest and settlement of Transjordan, specifically captured by an individual. In 1 Chronicles 2:23, it is listed in a genealogical context concerning the tribe of Manasseh, noting its later capture by other peoples. Both uses establish it as a significant location in the territorial history of Israel's eastern tribes.
Etymology
The name Kenath derives from the Hebrew root קָנָה (qānâ, H7069), meaning 'to acquire, get, or possess.' As a proper noun for a city, it functions as a 'possession,' directly reflecting its status as a captured or held territory. This etymological connection is explicit in the biblical narrative where its conqueror takes possession of it.
Semantic Range
While Kenath itself is not a theologically loaded term, its narrative context contributes to themes of God's faithfulness in granting the promised land. Its capture (Numbers 32:42) fulfills part of the territorial promise to the tribes of Israel, specifically Manasseh. Its subsequent loss to foreign powers (1 Chronicles 2:23) subtly illustrates the consequences of Israel's cyclical disobedience and the fragility of holding God's gifts without faithfulness. Understanding its meaning as 'possession' enriches the reading by highlighting the tension between divine grant and human stewardship of inheritance.
In the ancient Near East, renaming a conquered city (as Nobah did with Kenath) was a common political act to assert dominance and establish new ownership. The mention of Kenath changing hands between Israelites, Geshurites, and Arameans reflects the volatile, contested nature of border territories in the region. Its identification helps map the extent of Israelite settlement and interaction with neighboring kingdoms.
No direct synonyms as a proper place name. Related conceptually to other captured cities in Transjordan, such as: 1. חֶשְׁבּוֹן (Heshbon, H2809) — a major Amorite city captured by Israel. 2. בָּשָׁן (Bashan, H1316) — the broader region where Kenath was located.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
Full methodology & sources →