Kenan | The amazing name Kenan: meaning and etymology

Kenan | The amazing name Kenan: meaning and etymology

קנה I

The root-verb קנה (qana) means to acquire or create. It's the regular verb for a commercial purchase, which extends into the financed redemption of slaves (Nehemiah 5:8). It's probably this line of thought that describes God as redeeming Israel from Egypt (Exodus 15:13).

In a small minority of instances this verb may mean to create: Psalm 139:13, Deuteronomy 32:6, Genesis 14:19). Our verb is also the one exclaimed by Eve when she says, "I havegotten/made a man-child with the Lord," after giving birth to Cain (Genesis 4:1).

The derivatives of this root are:

• The masculine noun קנין (qinyan), meaning item acquired (Leviticus 22:11) or created, i.e. creatures (Psalm 104:23).
• The masculine noun מקנה (migneh), meaning cattle (as unit of wealth - Genesis 13:2, Exodus 9:3).
• The feminine noun מקנה (miqna), meaning purchase (Genesis 17:12) or purchase-price (Leviticus 25:16).

קנה II