Lexical Summary Chemdan: Chemdan Original Word: חֶמְדָּן Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Hemdan From chemed; pleasant; Chemdan, an Idumaean -- Hemdan. see HEBREW chemed NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom chamad Definition an Edomite NASB Translation Hemdan (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs חֶמְדָּן proper name, masculine an Edomite Genesis 36:26 ᵐ5 Αμαδα = חַמְרָן 1 Chronicles 1:41 (ᵐ5 Εμερων, ᵐ5L Αμαδαμ). Topical Lexicon Name and Meaning The name חֶמְדָּן carries the sense of “pleasant” or “desirable,” evoking the idea of something that is treasured or delightful. In Hebrew thought a personal name often reflects character, parental hope, or circumstance, so Hemdan’s name alludes to attractiveness or worth, whether material or moral. Genealogical Context Hemdan appears in a single verse: “The sons of Dishon were Hemdan, Eshban, Ithran, and Cheran” (Genesis 36:26). Dishon is one of the sons of Seir the Horite (Genesis 36:20), a clan that inhabited the hill country of Edom before Esau’s descendants settled there. Hemdan, therefore, belongs to the Horite–Edomite tribal matrix that developed alongside, yet distinct from, the covenant line of Jacob. Historical Background 1. Horite Roots: The Horites were a non-Israelite people occupying the region of Mount Seir (Genesis 14:6). Their absorption into Edom’s structure illustrates the fluidity of tribal identities in the patriarchal era. Place in the Patriarchal Generations While Hemdan’s line is not traced beyond Genesis 36, his position highlights the parallel development of non-covenant families contemporaneous with the chosen line. The presence of detailed genealogies for surrounding nations demonstrates the reliability and scope of the biblical record and sets the stage for later conflicts and alliances in Israel’s story. Thematic and Theological Observations 1. Desire and Delight: Hemdan’s name resonates with the broader biblical theme of desire. Scripture warns that desire may incline either to righteousness or sin (Psalm 37:4; James 1:14-15). The Horite-Edomite context reminds readers that misplaced desire—Esau’s craving for stew, for example (Genesis 25:29-34)—can shape destinies. Ministry Applications • Value Every Name: Pastors and teachers can highlight Hemdan to show congregations that no one is overlooked by God. Genealogies encourage careful shepherding of “the least of these” (Matthew 25:40). Related Biblical Themes and Cross-References • Desire that Honors God: Psalm 19:10; Proverbs 3:13-15; Philippians 4:8 Conclusion Though mentioned only once, Hemdan contributes to the larger biblical tapestry by situating the Horite clans within salvation history, illustrating the power of names, and reminding believers of God’s far-reaching providence and the spiritual significance of godly desire. Forms and Transliterations חֶמְדָּ֥ן חמדן chemDan ḥem·dān ḥemdānLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 36:26 HEB: בְּנֵ֣י דִישָׁ֑ן חֶמְדָּ֥ן וְאֶשְׁבָּ֖ן וְיִתְרָ֥ן NAS: of Dishon: Hemdan and Eshban KJV: of Dishon; Hemdan, and Eshban, INT: are the sons Dishon Hemdan and Eshban and Ithran 1 Occurrence |
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