Kish קִישׁ
A Levite from the Merari clan
Who is Kish in the Bible?
Kish in the Bible refers to a Levite from the clan of Merari, mentioned in 1 Chronicles 23:21-22 and 24:29 as a descendant of Mahli. During King David's organization of Levitical duties, Kish's descendants were assigned specific responsibilities in the tabernacle service, reflecting the important role that Levitical families played in maintaining Israel's worship and religious practices. His genealogical record underscores the structured organization of temple duties and the significance of priestly lineage in ancient Israel's religious life.
Biography
Kish is mentioned in 1Ch.23.21-22 and 1Ch.24.29 as a Levite from the clan of Merari. He is listed among the descendants of Mahli, one of the sons of Merari.
In the context of organizing the Levitical duties during the reign of King David, the descendants of Kish were assigned specific roles in the service of the tabernacle (1Ch.23.21-22). This highlights the importance of the Levitical clans and their responsibilities in maintaining the worship and religious practices of ancient Israel.
The genealogy of the Levites in 1 Chronicles 24 again mentions Kish as a descendant of Mahli (1Ch.24.29). This reaffirms his lineage and place within the Levitical clan structure.
Apart from these genealogical records and the mention of his descendants' duties, no further information is provided about Kish's life or specific role within the Levitical community. His inclusion in the genealogies emphasizes the continuity and organization of the Levitical clans in their service to God.
Family
Siblings
In Scripture
1 biblical book1 Chronicles 3 verses
- 1 Chronicles 23:21
"The sons of Merari: Mahli and Mushi. The sons of Mahli: Eleazar and Kish."
- 1 Chronicles 23:22
"Eleazar died without having any sons; he had only daughters. Their cousins, the sons of Kish, married them."
- 1 Chronicles 24:29
"From Kish: Jerahmeel the son of Kish."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | קִישׁ |
Kish
Matrites (1Sa 9:1; 14:51; compare Ac 13:21; 1Sa 10:21). According to 1Ch 8:33 and 9:39, "Ner begat Kish" By reading "Ner begat Abner" (compare 1Sa 14:51; 1Ch 6:28), the difficulty is at least partly overcome. In 1Ch 12:1, Kish is also mentioned as the father of Saul, and again in 2Sa 21:14, we are told that the sepulcher of Kish was located in the country of Benjamin, in Zela. His place of residence seems to have been at Gibeah.
(2) Another Kish is mentioned (1Ch 8:29 f; 9:35 f) as the son of Jeiel and his wife Maacah. He is usually supposed to be the uncle of Saul's father.
(3) A Levite, the son of Mahli the Merarite (1Ch 23:21 f; compare 24:29).
(4) Another Merarite Levite in the time of Hezekiah (2Ch 29:12).
(5) The great-grandfather of Mordecai, of the tribe of Benjamin (Es 2:5).
William Baur
kish'i (qishi, "snarer," "fowler"): Father of Ethan, one of the singers David "set over the service of song" in the house of the Lord (1Ch 6:31); the "Kushaiah" of <ref osisRef="Bibl