CHENANIAH kĕn’ ə nī’ ə (כְּנַנְיָ֥הוּ, and כְּנַנְיָ֛ה; Yahweh establishes).

1. A chief Levite at the bringing of the Ark from Obed-edom’s house to Jerusalem (1 Chron 15:22, 27). The object of Chenaniah’s “raising/lifting up” (מַשָּׂ֑א) has been variously interpreted. The LXX, KJV and RSV understand Chenaniah as music director. The Jerusalem Bible sees him as both transportation director (v. 27) and temple prophet “versed in divine oracles” (v. 22).

2. As Izharites, Chenaniah and his sons performed duties for Israel outside the Temple as officers and judges (1 Chron 26:29; cf. Neh 11:16).