Kenan

Technical Profile

  • Name Meaning: Hebrew qênān (קֵינָן), likely “possession” or “acquired,” a traditional personal name in genealogies
  • Period/Era: Primeval History (antediluvian genealogy)
  • Main References: Genesis 5:9–14; 1 Chronicles 1:2
  • Key Connections: Son of Enosh; father of Mahalalel; descendant of Seth within Adam’s line

Who was Kenan?

Kenan (also spelled Cainan) is listed as an early patriarch in the genealogical line from Adam through Seth.
He appears in the pre-flood genealogy that traces successive generations and lifespans.
Scripture identifies him as the son of Enosh and the father of Mahalalel.

Key Events & Achievements

  • Event 1: Named in the Sethite line that preserves Adam’s descent in Genesis’s genealogy.
  • Event 2: Recorded as the father of Mahalalel, continuing the generational sequence.
  • Event 3: Included in later biblical genealogical summarizing in 1 Chronicles.

Life Lesson & Legacy

Kenan’s role highlights how biblical genealogies preserve continuity of family lines across generations in the Primeval History.

Key Verse

"When Kenan had lived 70 years, he fathered Mahalalel." — Genesis 5:12, ESV

Quizzes

Answer the questions below. When you choose an option, you will see the result and an explanation.

1. According to the genealogy described, who is Kenan identified as the father of?

2. How old was Kenan when he fathered Mahalalel?