Uknaz
The Origin of the Name
Uknaz appears in the KJV margin of 1 Chronicles 4:15, where the main text reads "even Kenaz" and the marginal note offers "Uknaz" as an alternative. The Hebrew text has uqenaz, which consists of the conjunction u ("and") joined to the proper name Kenaz. The marginal reading treated the entire expression as a single proper name, "Uknaz," rather than recognizing it as the conjunction plus a known name. Modern translations uniformly read "and Kenaz" at this point.
The Genealogical Context
First Chronicles 4:15 lists the sons of Caleb son of Jephunneh: "The sons of Caleb the son of Jephunneh: Iru, Elah, and Naam. The son of Elah: Kenaz." The verse is part of an extensive genealogical section (1 Chronicles 2-4) that traces the descendants of Judah through various family lines. The Caleb mentioned here is the faithful spy who, with Joshua, urged Israel to trust God and enter the Promised Land (Numbers 14:6-9). His descendants are carefully recorded as part of Judah's tribal heritage.
The Kenaz Connection
The name Kenaz is significant in Judah's genealogy. Kenaz was the name of a clan or family group closely associated with Caleb. In 1 Chronicles 4:13, Othniel is identified as the son of Kenaz, and Othniel later became the first judge of Israel (Judges 3:9-11). The Kenizzites were a prominent family within the tribe of Judah, and their name appears repeatedly in the genealogical records. The "and Kenaz" of 1 Chronicles 4:15 likely refers to another member of this clan, connecting Caleb's line to the broader Kenizzite family.
A Textual Curiosity
The Septuagint (Greek Old Testament) omits the conjunction "and" entirely at this point, suggesting that the Greek translators may have had a slightly different Hebrew text or understood the passage differently. Some scholars, following the suggestion of Edward Curtis, propose reading the text as "and these are the sons of Kenaz," connecting back to the Kenazzite genealogy in 1 Chronicles 4:13-14. Under this reading, the verse would be linking Caleb's descendants to the previously listed Kenazzite family rather than introducing a new individual named Kenaz (or Uknaz).
The Problem of Dropped Names
The passage also raises the possibility that a name has been lost from the text. After the name Elah, the text seems to trail off with "and Kenaz" without completing the thought. If a son of Elah is being named, we would expect a clearer introduction. The apparent incompleteness has led some scholars to suggest that a name originally preceded "Kenaz" but was lost through scribal error. This kind of accidental omission is well-documented in the transmission of biblical genealogies, where lists of similar-looking names were particularly susceptible to copying errors.
Significance for Bible Study
Uknaz serves as a useful example of how the KJV's marginal notes can create confusion for modern readers. The marginal readings were included by the translators to acknowledge textual variants and alternative interpretations, not to assert that these readings were correct. Understanding the difference between the main text and marginal notes helps readers navigate the KJV more accurately. In this case, "Uknaz" is not a person but a transliteration artifact, and the correct reading is simply "and Kenaz."
Biblical Context
Uknaz appears only in the KJV margin of 1 Chronicles 4:15, within the genealogy of Caleb son of Jephunneh. The broader context includes the Judahite genealogies of 1 Chronicles 2-4, which trace the major family lines of Israel's largest tribe. The name Kenaz connects to the Kenizzite clan that produced Othniel, Israel's first judge (Judges 3:9-11), and to the broader Calebite family within Judah.
Theological Significance
While Uknaz itself has no theological significance as a non-existent name, the genealogical context in which it appears demonstrates God's faithfulness in preserving the family lines of Israel. The descendants of Caleb, the faithful spy, are carefully recorded because Caleb's loyalty to God resulted in lasting blessings for his family line. The broader Kenizzite genealogy shows how God integrated even non-Israelite family groups (the Kenizzites were originally a separate people, Genesis 15:19) into the covenant community through faithfulness and obedience.
Historical Background
The Kenizzites were originally a non-Israelite people mentioned in God's covenant promise to Abraham (Genesis 15:19). Their integration into the tribe of Judah, represented by Caleb and his descendants, illustrates the inclusive nature of Israel's tribal system. The genealogies of 1 Chronicles were compiled during or after the Babylonian exile, drawing on earlier records to establish the identity and continuity of the restored community. The KJV translators (1611) included marginal readings throughout their translation to acknowledge textual uncertainties, a practice common in Renaissance-era biblical scholarship.