Calneh
LocationsGeographical Setting
Calneh is an ancient city identified in biblical texts as part of Nimrod's kingdom, likely corresponding to the Sumerian city of Nippur.
What is the meaning of Calneh in the Bible?
Calneh is a city mentioned in Genesis 10:10 as one of the four cities of Nimrod's kingdom, with its meaning and identification uncertain. It may be identified with Nippur, a city with a glorious past and important temples.
SIGNIFICANCE
Identifying Calneh with Nippur helps readers understand the historical and geographical context of the early biblical narratives regarding the origins of civilization and the spread of human society in the ancient Near East.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Calneh in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Calneh clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.