Lexical Summary Abimael: Abimael Original Word: אֲבִימָאֵל Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Abimael From 'ab and an elsewhere unused (probably foreign) word; father of Mael (apparently some Arab tribe); Abimael, a son of Joktan -- Abimael. see HEBREW 'ab NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom ab and an unused word Definition "a father is El," a son of Joktan, also his desc. NASB Translation Abimael (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs אֲבִימָאֵל proper name, masculine (a father is El; South-Arabic name) son of Joktan Genesis 10:28; 1 Chronicles 1:22. compare Sabean אבמעתֿתר, Abmi ±A¾tar a father is ±A¾tar ([עשׁתר] see עַשְׁתֹּרֶת) HalM 86, DHMZMG 1883, 18. Topical Lexicon Genealogical PlacementAbimael appears twice in Scripture, both times in genealogical records that trace the lineage of Shem through Eber and Joktan (Genesis 10:28; 1 Chronicles 1:22). Joktan is listed as the father of thirteen sons who “settled in the area extending from Mesha toward Sephar, the eastern hill country” (Genesis 10:30). Abimael is eighth in that list. His kin include Sheba and Ophir, names later associated with trade routes, gold, and incense. These parallel registers—one in the “Table of Nations” (Genesis 10) and one in the Chronicler’s opening genealogy—present Abimael as a historical link in the dispersion of post-Flood peoples. Geographical Associations Bible-atlases commonly situate Joktan’s descendants in the southwest quadrant of the Arabian Peninsula, stretching from modern Yemen toward Oman. The clustering of names such as Havilah, Sheba, and Ophir with Abimael supports this placement, as each is tied to Arabian commerce in aromatic resins, gold, and spices (compare 1 Kings 10:10-11; Job 6:19; Isaiah 60:6). While Scripture offers no direct narrative about Abimael’s migration, the contextual boundary markers—“from Mesha toward Sephar” (Genesis 10:30)—locate his clan among Semitic peoples who traveled east and south after the Babel judgment (Genesis 11:8-9). Historical Implications 1. Early Semitic Expansion The Joktanite registry documents a wave of Semitic settlement distinct from the later Assyrian and Aramean branches. Archaeological correlations point to ancient tribes whose languages and trade networks shaped pre-Israelite history in Arabia. 2. Commercial Interchange Abimael’s association with Sheba and Ophir suggests involvement in caravan economies that later enriched Solomon’s kingdom. These routes carried frankincense, myrrh, and gold—commodities highlighted in Scripture as fitting offerings for both king and temple (1 Kings 9:28; Matthew 2:11). 3. Providential Record-Keeping By preserving even seemingly obscure names, the inspired genealogies reinforce the reliability of biblical history and underline God’s ongoing oversight of all nations (Acts 17:26). Theological Insights • Confession of God’s Fatherhood The theophoric element in the name testifies that a knowledge of the true God persisted among post-Flood families outside the chosen line of Abraham. This echoes Paul’s assertion that God “did not leave Himself without witness” among the nations (Acts 14:17). • Universality of the Divine Promise The Table of Nations sets the stage for the Abrahamic covenant by showing that the blessing promised to Abraham would ultimately reach every family of the earth (Genesis 12:3). Abimael’s inclusion anticipates the gospel’s future advance into the Arabian world (Galatians 3:8). Lessons for Today 1. Scripture Values Every Person Even the briefest genealogical mention affirms that individuals and clans matter to God. Ministry applications include affirming the worth of overlooked peoples and remote ethnic groups. 2. God Oversees Human Migration Modern diaspora movements mirror the ancient dispersals catalogued in Genesis. Believers can engage migrant communities with confidence that the Lord “determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings” (Acts 17:26). 3. Worship Informed by History Recognizing God’s hand in the commercial and cultural exchanges of antiquity enriches worship by connecting present-day believers with the unfolding redemptive narrative that spans millennia. Key References Forms and Transliterations אֲבִֽימָאֵ֖ל אֲבִימָאֵ֖ל אבימאל ’ă·ḇî·mā·’êl ’ăḇîmā’êl avimaElLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 10:28 HEB: עוֹבָ֥ל וְאֶת־ אֲבִֽימָאֵ֖ל וְאֶת־ שְׁבָֽא׃ NAS: and Obal and Abimael and Sheba KJV: And Obal, and Abimael, and Sheba, INT: and Obal and Abimael and Sheba 1 Chronicles 1:22 2 Occurrences |
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