Lexical Summary Alvan or Alyan: Alvan or Alyan Original Word: עַלְוָן Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Alian, Alvan Or salyan {al-yawn'}; from alah; lofty; Alvan or Aljan, an Idumaean -- Alian, Alvan. see HEBREW alah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom alah Definition an Edomite NASB Translation Alian (1), Alvan (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs עַלְוָן proper name, masculine in Edom Genesis 36:23 (P), ᵐ5 Γωλων, Γωλαμ = 1 Chronicles 1:40 Qr (Kt עלין), ᵐ5 Σωλαμ, A Ιωλαμ, ᵐ5L Αλουαν. Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrences Genesis 36:23; 1 Chronicles 1:40 Genealogical Context Alvan is identified as the first-named son of Shobal, grandson of Seir the Horite. Because Shobal is repeatedly called “the Horite” (Genesis 36:20; 1 Chronicles 1:38), Alvan belongs to the indigenous Horite population of Edom that intermarried with Esau’s descendants. His placement underscores the complex interweaving of Esau’s lineage with the peoples of Seir, fulfilling the divine word that “two nations are in your womb” (Genesis 25:23). Historical Setting The genealogies in Genesis 36 record the transition of the rugged hill-country of Seir from Horite control to Edomite rule. Names such as Alvan preserve the memory of the original Horite chieftains who eventually submitted to, or were absorbed by, Esau’s rising clan. The Chronicler later repeats these names (1 Chronicles 1) to affirm Israel’s accurate preservation of ancestral records even after the exile. Spelling Variants and Textual Considerations The alternation between Alvan (Genesis) and Alian (Chronicles) is typical of ancient consonantal scripts that lacked full vowel marking. The variant does not point to two different individuals but to one man whose name was transmitted through separate scribal traditions. The consonantal framework is identical, strengthening confidence in the unity of the text. Role in the Edomite Lineage Although Scripture gives no personal exploits, Alvan’s listing as a chief (cf. Genesis 36:29) means he headed a clan that wielded local authority in Edom. These early chiefs formed the social and political infrastructure from which later Edomite kings emerged (Genesis 36:31-39). God’s covenant promise to Abraham that “kings will come from you” (Genesis 17:6) thus extends—even in a secondary sense—to the related, though unbelieving, line of Esau. Theological Insights 1. Covenant Faithfulness: The preservation of even minor ancestral details like Alvan’s name testifies to the meticulous faithfulness of God in keeping His word and in preserving Scripture. Application for Ministry Today • Genealogies Encourage Trust: The precision with which the biblical writers recorded figures like Alvan assures believers that the historical claims of Scripture are reliable, providing a solid foundation for evangelism and discipleship. Intertextual Connections • Genesis 36:23: “The sons of Shobal were Alvan, Manahath, Ebal, Shepho, and Onam.” Summary Alvan stands as a minor yet significant link in the chain of Edomite chiefs, illustrating God’s involvement in the histories of all peoples and reinforcing the reliability of the biblical record. Forms and Transliterations עַלְוָ֥ן עַלְיָ֧ן עלון עלין ‘al·wān ‘al·yān ‘alwān ‘alyān alVan alYanLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 36:23 HEB: בְּנֵ֣י שׁוֹבָ֔ל עַלְוָ֥ן וּמָנַ֖חַת וְעֵיבָ֑ל NAS: of Shobal: Alvan and Manahath KJV: of Shobal [were] these; Alvan, and Manahath, INT: are the sons of Shobal Alvan and Manahath and Ebal 1 Chronicles 1:40 2 Occurrences |
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