Kish (Bible)

Kish (קיש qish; Kis, Keis, "bow," "power") (c. 1104 – c. 1029 BC) was the father of the first king of the Israelites, Saul. (1 Chronicles 12:1)

Life

Kish was a Benjamite of the family of the Matrites (1 Samuel 9:1; 14:51; Acts 13:21; 1 Samuel 10:21), and there is some question over whether he is the brother or son of Ner (1 Chronicles 8:33 and 9:39; 1 Samuel 14:51; 1 Chronicles 6:28). The question may be resolved by reading both Ner and Kish as sons of Abiel.

Residence

It appears that Kish resided at Gibeah. His sepulcher is said to be in Zela, in the region of Benjamin in modern-day Israel. (2 Samuel 21:14)

Other biblical figures named Kish

"Kish" is also the name of one of Mordecai's ancestors. Many equate him with the above, but some, including Ibn Ezra, argue that this is a different Kish.

There is also another Kish named in 1 Chronicles 23:22.

See also

• Kish (Sumer) - ancient city with the same name