Gaham
Jump to: Smith'sISBEConcordanceThesaurusHebrewLibrarySubtopicsTerms
Topical Encyclopedia
Gaham is a relatively obscure figure mentioned in the genealogies of the Old Testament. He is listed as one of the sons of Nahor, Abraham's brother, and Milcah's maidservant, Reumah. The reference to Gaham is found in the Book of Genesis, which provides a brief account of Nahor's descendants. The specific verse mentioning Gaham is Genesis 22:24:

"Moreover, his concubine, whose name was Reumah, bore Tebah, Gaham, Tahash, and Maacah." (Genesis 22:24)

Genealogical Context

Gaham's mention in the Bible is part of the broader genealogical records that trace the lineage and family connections of key biblical figures. Nahor, Gaham's father, was the brother of Abraham, the patriarch of the Israelites. This connection places Gaham within the extended family network that is significant in the narrative of the Hebrew Bible, although Gaham himself does not play a prominent role in the biblical account.

Cultural and Historical Significance

While Gaham is not a central figure in biblical narratives, his inclusion in the genealogical records serves to illustrate the broader family ties and relationships that are important in understanding the historical and cultural context of the biblical world. Genealogies in the Bible often serve to establish identity, heritage, and the fulfillment of divine promises through specific family lines.

Name Meaning and Interpretation

The name "Gaham" is of uncertain etymology, and its meaning is not explicitly provided in the biblical text. In the context of biblical names, which often carry significant meanings or reflect certain attributes, the lack of additional information about Gaham leaves his name open to interpretation. Some scholars suggest that names in genealogies may have been chosen for their phonetic qualities or cultural significance at the time.

Role in Biblical Narrative

Gaham does not appear in any other biblical narratives beyond the genealogical listing in Genesis 22:24. His role is limited to being part of the lineage of Nahor, and there are no recorded actions, accounts, or further descendants attributed to him in the biblical text. This lack of additional information suggests that Gaham's primary significance lies in his inclusion in the genealogical record rather than in any specific deeds or contributions to the biblical account.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the mention of Gaham, along with other descendants of Nahor, highlights the broader scope of God's interaction with humanity beyond the immediate line of Abraham. It serves as a reminder of the diverse family connections and the unfolding of God's plan through various peoples and nations. The genealogies underscore the interconnectedness of the biblical characters and the unfolding of divine purposes through history.

In summary, Gaham is a minor biblical figure whose significance is primarily genealogical. His mention in Genesis provides insight into the family dynamics and historical context of the patriarchal narratives, contributing to the rich tapestry of relationships that form the backdrop of the biblical account.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Gaham

(sunburnt), son of Nahor Abraham's brother, by his concubine Reumah. (Genesis 22:24) (B.C. about 1900.)

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
GAHAM

ga'-ham (gacham):

A son of Nahor, brother of Abraham, by his concubine Reumah (Genesis 22:24).

Strong's Hebrew
1514. Gacham -- perhaps "flame," a son of Nahor
... 1513, 1514. Gacham. 1515 . perhaps "flame," a son of Nahor. Transliteration:
Gacham Phonetic Spelling: (gah'-kham) Short Definition: Gaham. ... Gaham. ...
/hebrew/1514.htm - 6k
Library

Chapter xxii
... These eight did Milcah bear to Nahor, Abraham's brother. And his concubine, whose
name was Reumah, she also bare sons, Tebah, and Gaham, and Tahash, Maacah. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxii.htm

Thesaurus
Gaham (1 Occurrence)
...GAHAM. ga'-ham (gacham): A son of Nahor, brother of Abraham, by his concubine Reumah
(Genesis 22:24). Multi-Version Concordance Gaham (1 Occurrence). ...
/g/gaham.htm - 6k

Gad's (3 Occurrences)

/g/gad's.htm - 7k

Gahar (2 Occurrences)

/g/gahar.htm - 7k

Thahash (1 Occurrence)
... Thahash (1 Occurrence). Genesis 22:24 And his concubine, whose name was Reumah,
she bare also Tebah, and Gaham, and Thahash, and Maachah. (KJV DBY WBS). ...
/t/thahash.htm - 7k

Tebah (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Tebah (2 Occurrences). Genesis 22:24 His concubine, whose
name was Reumah, also bore Tebah, Gaham, Tahash, and Maacah. ...
/t/tebah.htm - 7k

Tahash (1 Occurrence)
... Tahash (1 Occurrence). Genesis 22:24 His concubine, whose name was Reumah, also
bore Tebah, Gaham, Tahash, and Maacah. (WEB JPS ASV BBE YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/t/tahash.htm - 7k

Reumah (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Reumah (1 Occurrence). Genesis 22:24 His concubine, whose
name was Reumah, also bore Tebah, Gaham, Tahash, and Maacah. ...
/r/reumah.htm - 6k

Maachah (19 Occurrences)
... Maachah (19 Occurrences). Genesis 22:24 And his concubine, whose name was Reumah,
she bare also Tebah, and Gaham, and Thahash, and Maachah. (KJV WBS YLT). ...
/m/maachah.htm - 16k

Maacah (30 Occurrences)
... Maacah (30 Occurrences). Genesis 22:24 His concubine, whose name was Reumah, also
bore Tebah, Gaham, Tahash, and Maacah. (WEB JPS ASV BBE DBY NAS NIV). ...
/m/maacah.htm - 20k

Resources
Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Gad's Struggle
Top of Page
Top of Page