Cainan Καϊνάν, Καϊνάμ

Male Early Patriarch G2536G 1 book

Son of Arphaxad, ancestor of Jesus (Luke's genealogy)

Biography

Cainan is mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus Christ recorded in the Gospel of Luke (Luk.3.36). He is listed as the son of Arphaxad and the father of Shelah. This genealogy traces Jesus' lineage back to Adam, emphasizing His humanity and connection to the ancestral line of the Israelites. Cainan's inclusion in this genealogy is notable because he is not mentioned in the genealogies found in Genesis 11 and 1 Chronicles 1, which list Shelah as the direct son of Arphaxad. Some scholars suggest that the name Cainan may have been added to Luke's genealogy based on the Septuagint (Greek Old Testament) translation, which includes Cainan in Genesis 11. The presence of Cainan in Luke's genealogy highlights the importance of genealogical records in establishing Jesus' lineage and fulfilling messianic prophecies.

Family

In Scripture

1 biblical book ; 1 with study content
Luke 1 verse
  • Luke 3:36

    "the son of Cainan, the son of Arphaxad, the son of Shem, the son of Noah, the son of Lamech,"

    Study Luke →

Names & Aliases

Form Language Script Strong's
Named Greek Καϊνάν, Καϊνάμ G2536G
Encyclopedia Article

Cainan

ISBE 1915 (Public Domain)

2) A son of Arphaxad (Lu 3:36), omitted in Ge 10:24; 11:12.

See BREAD.

ka'-la (kalach; Chalach, also Chalak or Kalach; in Assyrian Kalhu, Kalha, Kalhi, Kalah): The name of one of the great cities of Nimrod (