CIS (Heb. Qif.). — Name of several biblical personages, the best known of Saul (v.) of the tribe of Benjamin dwelling in Gibeah. In 1 Sam 14:51, Cis is called the son of Abiel, as is Ner, father of Abner; in 1 Chr 8:33; 9:39, however, the genealogy is given as Ner–Cis–Saul. Various critics suggest that the name Abner should be inserted in these texts, reading “Ner begot Abner and Cis begot Saul.” The description of Cis as “a mighty man” (1 Sam 9:1) probably alludes to a reputation he had gained in some encounter with the Philistines, when they dominated the Israelite centers. Cis was buried in Zela, a city of Benjamin (2 Sam 21:14, Heb.).
Bibl.: A. Penna