Kenite
/ˈkiː.naɪt/noun
A member of an ancient people mentioned in the Bible, associated with the region of Canaan.
Did you know?The name is traditionally linked to Cain in biblical genealogy, but scholars treat that connection as a later Hebrew wordplay rather than a proven historical etymology.
Etymological Timeline
Biblical Hebrew
Heb
קֵינִי (qēnî)
“A Kenite; a member of the Kenite people”
Ancient Hebrew tradition
Heb
קַיִן (Qayin)
“Cain, the biblical figure; later associated by folk etymology with the Kenites”
Greek Septuagint
Gk
Κενναῖος / Κιναῖος
“Greek forms referring to the Kenites”
Latin
Lat
Cinitae / Cinitae
“Latinized ethnic name for the Kenites”
Modern English
Eng
Kenite
“A member of the Kenite people”