Who or what is Cainan in the Bible?

Ancient Context: Cainan

⚡ IN BRIEF (SUMMARY)

Cainan is a son of Arphaxad listed in the genealogy of Jesus in Luke 3:36, a name omitted in the Hebrew Masoretic Text of Genesis 10:24 and 11:12.

What is the meaning of Cainan in the Bible?

Cainan is a son of Arphaxad listed in the genealogy of Jesus in Luke 3:36, a name omitted in the Hebrew Masoretic Text of Genesis 10:24 and 11:12.

TEXTUAL SIGNIFICANCE

Understanding the textual variation between the Septuagint and the Masoretic Text clarifies why Luke includes Cainan in the lineage of Jesus, revealing the specific Greek source material used by the evangelist.

Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide

Manuscript & Literary Context: Notice how Cainan functions as an authoritative historical witness connecting earlier prophetic promises with scripture's broader fulfillment.

Bible Study Reflection Prompts:

Why did the biblical author mention Cainan in this passage?
What cultural or historical assumption does Cainan clarify?

Scripture Passages Mentioned: Luke 3:36Genesis 10:24

Source Attribution & Provenance

Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE) and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been editorially modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and formatted for fast contextual reference.

How to Cite This Entry

          "Cainan." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/cainan/
        

Cainan