Man living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness
Kenaz was the father of Othniel, a judge of Israel who delivered the Israelites from the oppression of Cushan-rishathaim.
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Also known as Kenizzite · Kenezite
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.
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8 verses in 4 books · English text: BSB (change it from the menu at the top) · Strong’s H7073
not one except Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite and Joshua son of Nun—because they did follow the LORD wholeheartedly.’
Then the sons of Judah approached Joshua at Gilgal, and Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite said to him, “You know what the LORD said to Moses the man of God at Kadesh-barnea about you and me.
Therefore Hebron belongs to Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite as an inheritance to this day, because he wholly followed the LORD, the God of Israel.
So Othniel son of Calebʼs brother Kenaz captured the city, and Caleb gave his daughter Acsah to him in marriage.
So Othniel son of Calebʼs younger brother Kenaz captured the city, and Caleb gave his daughter Acsah to him in marriage.
But when the Israelites cried out to the LORD, He raised up Othniel son of Calebʼs younger brother Kenaz as a deliverer to save them.
So the land had rest for forty years, until Othniel son of Kenaz died.
The sons of Kenaz: Othniel and Seraiah. The sons of Othniel: Hathath and Meonothai.
Names, family links and references: STEPBible TIPNR (Tyndale House Cambridge, CC BY 4.0). Short descriptions were drafted with AI assistance by STEPBible. Family links follow STEPBible’s scholarly decisions where genealogies are ambiguous.