Bible Dictionary
Kenezite
The Kenizzites were a clan or tribe descended from Kenaz. Their land was included among the territories promised to Abraham, and Caleb was associated with this clan.
Definition
A Kenizzite, or Kenezite, was a member of the clan whose name-father was Kenaz. The clan was associated with an Edomite tribe and with Jephunneh, the father of Caleb.
Biblical Usage
The Kenizzites are named among the peoples whose land was promised to Abram. Jephunneh and Caleb are associated with this clan, which appears to have been absorbed into Judah.
Historical Background
The sources suggest that the Kenizzites may have become identified with Jacob’s family if they went down into Egypt with him, but this is presented as a possibility rather than a certainty.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Smith's Bible Dictionary
or Ken’izzite (descendant of Kenaz), (Genesis 15:19) an Edomitish tribe. (Numbers 32:12; Joshua 14:6,14)
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>ke'-nez-it (qenizzi; Kenezaios): the King James Version in Ge 15:19 and the Revised Version (British and American) uniformly, spell "Kenizzite." The Kenezites were the clan whose name-father was KENAZ (which see). Their land, along with that of their Canaanite tribes, was promised to Abram (Ge 15:19). To this clan belonged Jephunneh, the father of Caleb (Nu 32:12; Jos 14:6,14). It had evidently been absorbed by the tribe of Judah. If the Kenezites went down with Jacob into Egypt, they may have become identified with his family there.</p>