The term "Canaanitess" refers to a female inhabitant of Canaan, a region historically significant in the biblical narrative. Canaan, as described in the Bible, was a land promised by God to the descendants of Abraham and is often associated with the territories that include modern-day Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, and parts of Jordan and Syria. The Canaanites were the original inhabitants of this land before the arrival of the Israelites.

Biblical Context

The Canaanites, including the Canaanitesses, are frequently mentioned in the Old Testament. They were known for their polytheistic beliefs and practices, which often brought them into conflict with the monotheistic Israelites. The Canaanites worshiped a pantheon of gods, with Baal and Asherah being among the most prominent. This idolatry was a significant concern for the Israelites, as it was contrary to the worship of Yahweh, the one true God of Israel.

Notable Canaanitesses in the Bible

1. Rahab: One of the most notable Canaanitesses mentioned in the Bible is Rahab, a resident of Jericho. She is described in the Book of Joshua as a prostitute who provided shelter to Israelite spies sent by Joshua to scout the city. Rahab's faith in the God of Israel led her to protect the spies, and in return, she and her family were spared during the conquest of Jericho. Her account is a powerful testament to faith and redemption, as she is later mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus Christ in the Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 1:5) and praised for her faith in the Book of Hebrews (Hebrews 11:31).

2. The Syrophoenician Woman: In the New Testament, a Canaanite woman is mentioned in the Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 15:21-28) and referred to as a Syrophoenician woman in the Gospel of Mark (Mark 7:24-30). She approached Jesus, pleading for the healing of her demon-possessed daughter. Despite initial resistance, her persistent faith led Jesus to commend her and grant her request, resulting in her daughter's healing. This account highlights the inclusivity of Jesus' ministry and the power of faith beyond ethnic boundaries.

Cultural and Religious Influence

The Canaanites, including the Canaanitesses, had a significant cultural and religious influence on the surrounding regions. Their religious practices, particularly the worship of Baal, were a constant temptation for the Israelites, leading to numerous warnings and prohibitions against idolatry in the Old Testament. The Israelites were repeatedly instructed to avoid intermarriage with the Canaanites to prevent the adoption of their religious practices, as seen in Deuteronomy 7:3-4 : "Do not intermarry with them. Do not give your daughters to their sons or take their daughters for your sons, for they will turn your children away from following Me to serve other gods."

Historical Significance

The Canaanites, including the Canaanitesses, played a crucial role in the history of the Israelites. The conquest of Canaan under Joshua marked a significant period in Israelite history, fulfilling God's promise to Abraham. The interactions between the Israelites and the Canaanites, including both conflict and assimilation, shaped the religious and cultural landscape of the region.

In summary, the Canaanitess represents a complex figure within the biblical narrative, embodying both the challenges and opportunities faced by the Israelites as they sought to establish themselves in the Promised Land. Her presence in the biblical text serves as a reminder of the transformative power of faith and the ever-present call to fidelity to God amidst a world of diverse beliefs and practices.CANAANITESS

ka'-nan-it-es.

See SHUA; BATHSHUA.

4460. Rhaab -- Rahab, a Canaanitess and an ancestor of Christ
... Rahab, a Canaanitess and an ancestor of Christ. Part of Speech: Proper Noun,
Indeclinable Transliteration: Rhaab Phonetic Spelling: (hrah-ab') Short Definition ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4460.htm - 6k

4477. Rhachab -- Rachab.
... Speech: Proper Noun, Indeclinable Transliteration: Rhachab Phonetic Spelling:
(hrakh-ab') Short Definition: Rahab Definition: Rahab, a Canaanitess, who rescued ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4477.htm - 6k

7343. Rachab -- a harlot in Jericho
... Rahab. The same as rachab; proud; Rachab, a Canaanitess -- Rahab. see HEBREW
rachab. 7342, 7343. Rachab. 7344 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/7343.htm - 6k

3067. Yehudith -- Esau's wife
... Judith. The same as Yhuwdiyth; Jewess; Jehudith, a Canaanitess -- Judith. see HEBREW
Yhuwdiyth. 3066, 3067. Yehudith. 3068 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/3067.htm - 6k

3669a. Kenaani -- inhab. of Canaan
... Word Origin from Kenaan Definition inhab. of Canaan NASB Word Usage Canaanite (26),
Canaanite woman (1), Canaanites (43), Canaanitess (1). 3669, 3669a. ...
/hebrew/3669a.htm - 5k

Bernice's Hospitality.
... entered into Tyre of Phoenicia; [1030] and according to the injunction of Peter,
who sent us, we lodged with Bernice, the daughter of Justa the Canaanitess. ...
/.../unknown/the clementine homilies/chapter i bernices hospitality.htm

Canaanitess (4 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia CANAANITESS. ka'-nan-it-es. See SHUA; BATHSHUA.
Multi-Version Concordance Canaanitess (4 Occurrences). ...
/c/canaanitess.htm - 7k

Ruth (19 Occurrences)
... handing down the unselfishness, the brave love, the unshaken trustfulness of her
who, though not of the chosen race, was, like the Canaanitess Tamar (Genesis 38 ...
/r/ruth.htm - 26k

Kindly (57 Occurrences)
... Matthew 15:22 and lo, a woman, a Canaanitess, from those borders having come forth,
did call to him, saying, 'Deal kindly with me, Sir -- Son of David; my ...
/k/kindly.htm - 24k

Onan (6 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 2:3 The sons of Judah: Er, and Onan, and Shelah; which three
were born to him of Shua's daughter the Canaanitess. Er ...
/o/onan.htm - 9k

Judah's (18 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 2:3 The sons of Judah: Er, and Onan, and Shelah; which three
were born to him of Shua's daughter the Canaanitess. Er ...
/j/judah's.htm - 12k

Terribly (9 Occurrences)
... Matthew 15:22 and lo, a woman, a Canaanitess, from those borders having come forth,
did call to him, saying, 'Deal kindly with me, Sir -- Son of David; my ...
/t/terribly.htm - 9k

Er (8 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 2:3 The sons of Judah: Er, and Onan, and Shelah; which three
were born to him of Shua's daughter the Canaanitess. Er ...
/e/er.htm - 9k

Demon-possession (1 Occurrence)
... Matthew 15:22 and lo, a woman, a Canaanitess, from those borders having come forth,
did call to him, saying, 'Deal kindly with me, Sir -- Son of David; my ...
/d/demon-possession.htm - 6k

Demon-possessed (16 Occurrences)
... Matthew 15:22 and lo, a woman, a Canaanitess, from those borders having come forth,
did call to him, saying, 'Deal kindly with me, Sir -- Son of David; my ...
/d/demon-possessed.htm - 10k

Deal (170 Occurrences)
... Matthew 15:22 and lo, a woman, a Canaanitess, from those borders having come forth,
did call to him, saying, 'Deal kindly with me, Sir -- Son of David; my ...
/d/deal.htm - 40k

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