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Kenath

Locations
Modern Location Qanawat, Syria
Coordinates 32.6333, 36.0833

Geographical Setting

Kenath was an ancient Amorite city in the region of Bashan, later renamed Nobah by its conqueror.

What is the meaning of Kenath in the Bible?

Kenath was a city in Bashan captured from the Amorites by Nobah, who renamed it after himself. It was subsequently recaptured by the tribes of Geshur and Aram.

SIGNIFICANCE

Understanding Kenath clarifies the geographical context of the tribal allotments in the Transjordan and explains the etymological origin of the name Nobah found in biblical genealogies.

Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide

Geopolitical & Terrain Context: Kenath (located near modern Qanawat, Syria) held strategic importance. Understanding its position and trade routes explains why key biblical events unfolded here.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
  • Why did the biblical author mention Kenath in this passage?
  • What cultural or historical assumption does Kenath 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.

How to Cite This Entry

"Kenath." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/kenath/
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