Kenan

Kenan (also spelled Cainan) is a name that appears in the Hebrew Bible and related religious texts. There are two distinct figures named Kenan in the biblical narrative.

1. Kenan, son of Enosh: In the Book of Genesis (5:9-14), Kenan is the son of Enosh and the father of Mahalalel. He is listed in the genealogy from Adam to Noah. The Septuagint (Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible) spells his name Cainan.

2. Kenan (Cainan), son of Arpachshad: This Kenan appears in the Septuagint and some versions of the Gospel of Luke's genealogy of Jesus (Luke 3:36). He is listed as the son of Arpachshad and the father of Shelah (also spelled Salah). However, this Kenan is absent from the Masoretic Text of Genesis and the Hebrew Bible. This discrepancy has led to debate and scholarly discussion about the different genealogical traditions. His inclusion in the Septuagint and Luke's Gospel has significant theological implications for some Christian denominations.

The meaning of the name Kenan is uncertain. Some scholars suggest a connection to words meaning "possession," "smith," or "sorrow." The name's etymology remains a subject of scholarly investigation.