Lexical Summary Zaavan: Zaavan Original Word: זַעֲוָן Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Zaavan From zuwa'; disquiet; Zaavan, an Idumaean -- Zaavan. see HEBREW zuwa' NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition a desc. of Seir NASB Translation Zaavan (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs זַעֲוָן proper name, masculine a Horite Genesis 36:27 = 1 Chronicles 1:42. זַעֲוָן proper name, masculine a descendant (branch or tribe) of Seir (ᵐ5 Ζουκαμ, but Ζαυαν ᵐ5L 1 Chronicles 1:42; Samaritan זוען) — Genesis 36:27 = 1 Chronicles 1:42. Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrences Genesis 36:27 records, “These are the sons of Ezer: Bilhan, Zaavan, and Akan.” 1 Chronicles 1:42 parallels this list: “The sons of Ezer: Bilhan, Zaavan, and Jaakan.” Genealogical Context Zaavan appears among the “sons of Ezer,” grandson-clans of Seir the Horite (Genesis 36:20-21). The Horites were the original inhabitants of Mount Seir before Esau’s descendants (the Edomites) took possession of the territory (Deuteronomy 2:12). By listing Horite clans alongside Edomite rulers, Scripture preserves a full record of all who shaped Edom’s early history. Zaavan therefore represents both a personal name and a clan that contributed to the ethnic tapestry bordering Israel’s southern frontier. Historical and Geographical Background Mount Seir, stretching from the Gulf of Aqaba northward toward the Dead Sea, became a strategic corridor for trade and migration. Horite clans such as Zaavan initially controlled key copper-mining areas and caravan routes. When the descendants of Esau settled in Seir, they gradually absorbed or displaced these Horite families. Archaeological surveys of the Timna Valley and the Edomite plateau confirm continuous occupation layers aligning with the patriarchal period, supporting the biblical portrait of intertwined Horite-Edomite populations. Textual Variations and Integrity The shift from “Akan” in Genesis to “Jaakan” in Chronicles, as well as the consistent retention of “Zaavan,” demonstrates a meticulous transmission of names across centuries. Such variations often reflect dialectal changes or orthographic updates, yet the overall correspondence of the genealogies underscores the reliability of the Chronicler’s sources and the unity of the canon. Theological Insights 1. Divine Sovereignty over Nations: By naming minor Horite clans like Zaavan, Scripture affirms that every people group lies under God’s providential eye (Acts 17:26). Practical Ministry Applications • Value of the Individual: Preaching from obscure names like Zaavan reminds believers that God notices each person, no matter how hidden from human history (Luke 12:6-7). See Also Seir, Horites, Edom, Genealogies, Ezer, Bilhan, Jaakan/Akan Forms and Transliterations וְזַעֲוָ֖ן וזעון vezaaVan wə·za·‘ă·wān wəza‘ăwānLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 36:27 HEB: אֵ֑צֶר בִּלְהָ֥ן וְזַעֲוָ֖ן וַעֲקָֽן׃ NAS: of Ezer: Bilhan and Zaavan and Akan. KJV: [are] these; Bilhan, and Zaavan, and Akan. INT: of Ezer Bilhan and Zaavan and Akan 1 Chronicles 1:42 2 Occurrences |
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