Persons of the Bible: Letter K
Though the letter K contains fewer names than many other letters, the individuals we meet here offer glimpses into God’s faithfulness from generation to generation. We see patriarchs like Kenan, Levites such as Kadmiel and Kore, who restored worship after the exile, and families connected to Judah, Benjamin, and Levi. Even the shortest genealogical names tell a quiet truth: God remembers every person, values every life, and weaves each name into His great story. Through these individuals, we see a God who honors obedience, restores what is broken, and carries out His covenant purposes—always pointing us toward the hope fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
Kadmiel
Kadmiel was a Levite who returned from exile and helped lead worship and temple service during the days of Zerubbabel and Ezra. His faithfulness in a season of rebuilding reflects how God restores His people and renews their devotion after times of hardship.
Scripture: Ezra 2:40; Ezra 3:9; Nehemiah 9:4
Kallai
Kallai was a post-exilic priest listed among the families who served in Jerusalem.
Scripture: Nehemiah 12:20
Kareah
Kareah was the father of Johanan and Jonathan, leaders active after Jerusalem’s fall who interacted closely with Jeremiah.
Scripture: Jeremiah 40:8
Karshena
Karshena was one of the seven nobles who advised King Ahasuerus in the time of Esther.
Scripture: Esther 1:14
Kedar
Kedar was a son of Ishmael and an ancestor of the Arabian tribes, remembered within the genealogies descending from Abraham.
Scripture: Genesis 25:13
Kedemah
Kedemah was the youngest son of Ishmael, completing the record of Abraham’s children through Hagar.
Scripture: Genesis 25:15
Kemuel
Kemuel was the father of Aram and part of the genealogical line of Nahor, Abraham’s brother.
Scripture: Genesis 22:21
Kenan (also Cainan)
Kenan, also spelled Cainan, was an early patriarch in the line of Seth. His place in the genealogy shows God’s preservation of the human family through which the promise of salvation would eventually be fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
Scripture: Genesis 5:9–14; Luke 3:37
— Cainan (variant spelling)
Listed in the genealogy of Jesus in Luke.
Scripture: Luke 3:36–37
Kenaz
Kenaz was the father of Othniel and a leader in the tribe of Judah, connected to Israel’s early judges.
Scripture: Numbers 32:12; Joshua 15:17
Keren-Happuch
Keren-Happuch was one of Job’s daughters, born after his restoration, and was remembered as a sign of God’s abundant blessing.
Scripture: Job 42:14
Keros
Keros was one of the temple servants who returned from exile with Zerubbabel.
Scripture: Ezra 2:44; Nehemiah 7:47
Keturah
Keturah was Abraham’s wife after Sarah’s death. Through her, Abraham fathered additional sons, showing that God’s covenant blessings continued even in Abraham’s old age.
Scripture: Genesis 25:1–4; 1 Chronicles 1:32–33
Kezia (also Keziah)
Kezia was another of Job’s daughters, whose inheritance testified to restored dignity and favor.
Scripture: Job 42:14
Kish
Kish was the father of King Saul and a Benjamite of notable lineage. His name stands at the beginning of Israel’s monarchy, showing that God chooses ordinary families to shape a nation's life.
Scripture: 1 Samuel 9:1–3; Acts 13:21
— Kish (Levite)
A separate individual associated with the sons of Merari.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 23:21
— Kish (Benjaminite variant)
Another genealogical Kish was preserved in the tribe of Benjamin.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 8:30
Kohath
Kohath was one of the sons of Levi. His descendants, the Kohathites, were entrusted with carrying the most sacred items of the tabernacle. Their role reveals the holiness of God’s presence and the honor of serving near Him.
Scripture: Exodus 6:16–24; Numbers 4
— Kohathites (personal designation)
The descendants who served under this sacred duty.
Scripture: Numbers 3:27
Korah
Korah led a rebellion against Moses and Aaron, challenging God’s appointed leadership. His judgment stands as a warning against pride and resistance to God’s will, while the later service of his descendants shows God’s mercy and the possibility of restored worship.
Scripture: Numbers 16; Psalm 42 (sons of Korah)
Kore
Kore was a Levite gatekeeper who helped oversee offerings during Hezekiah’s reforms.
Scripture: 2 Chronicles 31:14
— Kore (ancestor of Korah)
Listed separately in genealogies.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 9:19
Koz (also Hakkoz)
Koz, or Hakkoz, was a priestly ancestor whose family returned from exile but sought confirmation of their lineage.
Scripture: Ezra 2:61; Nehemiah 7:63
— Hakkoz (variant spelling; grouped)
Listed under Koz for clarity.
Scripture: Ezra 2:61
Kushaiah
Kushaiah was a Levite musician serving under Heman in the temple.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 15:17
— Kusha (variant spelling)
Grouped under Kushaiah.
Scripture: Variant tradition
As we finish the letter K, we are reminded that the history of God’s people is built not only on well-known figures but also on the quiet names that might easily be overlooked. Yet Scripture preserves them, showing that God values every individual and works through each family, each servant, and each generation to carry forward His promises.
When we turn next to the letter L, we will continue discovering how the Lord uses both humble lives and prominent leaders to accomplish His redemptive purposes and point us toward the hope fulfilled in Christ.
