Cis (Heb. Qif)

CIS (Hebr. Qif). — Name of several biblical figures, the best known among Saul (v.) of the tribe of Benjamin, who lived in Gibeah. In I Sam. 14:51, C. is called the son of Abiel, like Ner, the father of Abner; in I Par. 8:33; 9:39, on the other hand, the genealogy Ner–C.–Saul is given. Along with various critics, it is sufficient to add the name Abner in these passages, reading: “Ner begot Abner, and C. begot Saul.” The designation “a man of standing” (I Sam. 9:1) probably alludes to a reputation C. acquired in some clash with the Philistines, when they were dominating the Israelite centers. C. was buried in Zela, a city of Benjamin (II Sam. 21:14, Hebr.).

Angelo Penna