Lexical Summary Yaaqan: Jaakan Original Word: יַעֲקָן Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Jaakan From the same as Aqan; Jaakan, an Idumaean -- Jaakan. Compare Bney Ya'aqan. see HEBREW Aqan see HEBREW Bney Ya'aqan NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originthe same as Aqan, q.v. NASB Translation Jaakan (1). Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrence “The sons of Ezer: Bilhan, Zaavan, and Jaakan.” (1 Chronicles 1:42) Genealogical Context Jaakan is listed among the sons of Ezer, who in turn is a son of Seir the Horite (1 Chronicles 1:38-42; compare Genesis 36:20-30). Seir’s clan inhabited the mountainous region later called Edom. By the time Moses led Israel toward Canaan, the Horites had been displaced or absorbed by the descendants of Esau (Deuteronomy 2:12). Therefore, Jaakan represents a branch of the indigenous Horite population whose territory and identity were eventually subsumed under Edomite rule. Historical Background 1 Chronicles 1 parallels the Table of Nations and patriarchal lines, tracing God’s redemptive history from Adam to Israel’s monarchy. The Chronicler’s inclusion of Jaakan confirms Genesis’ earlier record while updating the spelling from “Akan” (Genesis 36:27) to “Jaakan,” reflecting a later Hebrew orthography. The mention anchors Jaakan in the wider narrative of Esau’s descendants, who became Israel’s neighbors and, at times, adversaries (Numbers 20:14-21; Obadiah 10-14). A related place-name, Beeroth Bene-Jaakan (“Wells of the sons of Jaakan,” Numbers 33:31-32; Deuteronomy 10:6), indicates that Jaakan’s posterity settled far enough to lend their name to a desert encampment encountered by the Israelites. This suggests that some Jaakanites migrated northward or maintained watering stations along caravan routes, underscoring the mobility and influence of the clan. Textual Considerations The alternation between “Akan” (Genesis 36) and “Jaakan” (1 Chronicles 1) illustrates how slight consonantal shifts emerged as scribes transmitted the text. The inspired record, however, remains consistent in affirming three sons of Ezer—Bilhan, Zaavan, and the man behind both spellings. The Chronicler’s form likely preserves an older or regional pronunciation, while Genesis reflects another dialectical tradition. Such variations enrich rather than undermine the reliability of Scripture, showing careful preservation of multiple ancient sources that converge on the same historical facts. Spiritual and Theological Insights 1. God’s Sovereignty over All Nations Jaakan’s appearance in Scripture, though brief, testifies that even obscure clans are known to the LORD. The genealogies declare that every people group—whether covenant Israel or Horite Jaakanites—finds its origin, allotment, and ultimate accountability in God’s providential plan (Acts 17:26-27). 2. Covenant Boundaries and Neighbor Relations Israel’s journey skirted Edomite territory, a land once occupied by Jaakan’s kin (Numbers 20:14-21). The LORD forbade aggression against Edom because of the family tie through Esau (Deuteronomy 2:4-5). Jaakan’s lineage therefore highlights the fine balance between kinship and conflict, reminding believers to honor God-ordained boundaries while walking in peace whenever possible (Romans 12:18). 3. Memorial Geography The “Wells of the sons of Jaakan” served as a waypoint in Israel’s wilderness itinerary, providing life-sustaining water. Though the Jaakanites themselves were outside the covenant, their wells became instruments of God’s provision for His people, illustrating how the Creator can employ anyone’s resources to bless those who trust Him (Proverbs 21:1). Ministry Applications • Genealogical passages can be preached devotionally, showing that God’s redemptive account encompasses the prominent and the obscure alike; every name underscores the Creator’s intimate knowledge of humanity (Psalm 139:1-4). Forms and Transliterations יַעֲקָ֑ן יעקן ya‘ăqān ya·‘ă·qān yaaKanLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Chronicles 1:42 HEB: בִּלְהָ֥ן וְזַעֲוָ֖ן יַעֲקָ֑ן בְּנֵ֥י דִישׁ֖וֹן NAS: Zaavan and Jaakan. The sons KJV: and Zavan, [and] Jakan. The sons INT: Bilhan Zaavan and Jaakan the sons Dishon 1 Occurrence |
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