Etymology and Meaning
The name "Abimael" is of Hebrew origin, and it is generally understood to mean "my father is God" or "God is a father." The name reflects a theophoric element, common in ancient Semitic names, which often included references to God.

Biblical References
Abimael is mentioned in the genealogies of the Book of Genesis and the First Book of Chronicles. He is listed as one of the sons of Joktan, a descendant of Shem, who was one of Noah's three sons. The primary biblical references to Abimael are found in the following passages:

1. Genesis 10:26-29 : "Joktan was the father of Almodad, Sheleph, Hazarmaveth, Jerah, Hadoram, Uzal, Diklah, Obal, Abimael, Sheba, Ophir, Havilah, and Jobab. All these were sons of Joktan."

2. 1 Chronicles 1:20-23 : "Joktan was the father of Almodad, Sheleph, Hazarmaveth, Jerah, Hadoram, Uzal, Diklah, Ebal, Abimael, Sheba, Ophir, Havilah, and Jobab. All these were sons of Joktan."

Genealogical Context
Abimael is part of the Table of Nations, a genealogical record that outlines the descendants of Noah's sons—Shem, Ham, and Japheth—after the Flood. This table is significant for understanding the spread of nations and peoples in the ancient world. Abimael, as a descendant of Shem, is part of the Semitic lineage, which is traditionally associated with the peoples of the Near East.

Historical and Cultural Context
The genealogies in which Abimael appears are not merely lists of names but serve to establish the relationships and origins of various tribes and nations. Joktan's descendants, including Abimael, are often associated with the Arabian Peninsula. The mention of Abimael alongside names like Sheba and Ophir suggests a connection to regions known for trade and wealth in antiquity.

Significance in Biblical Narrative
While Abimael himself does not play a prominent role in biblical narratives, his inclusion in the genealogies underscores the importance of lineage and heritage in the biblical worldview. The genealogies serve to connect the account of Israel with the broader human account, tracing the origins of various peoples and highlighting the interconnectedness of humanity.

Related Entries
· Joktan: Father of Abimael and a significant figure in the genealogies of Genesis and Chronicles.
· Table of Nations: The genealogical record in Genesis 10 that outlines the descendants of Noah's sons.
· Shem: One of Noah's sons, from whom Joktan and his descendants, including Abimael, are derived.

Sources and Further Reading
For further study on Abimael and related genealogical records, consult biblical commentaries and encyclopedias that focus on the Book of Genesis and the historical context of the Table of Nations.Genesis 10:28
And Obal, and Abimael, and Sheba,
Nave's Topical Index

1 Chronicles 1:22
And Ebal, and Abimael, and Sheba,
Nave's Topical Index

39. Abimael -- "a father is El," a son of Joktan, also his desc.
... 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. ...
/hebrew/39.htm - 6k

Chapter x
... to suppose that Shem was the youngest son of Noah. ... And Joktan begat Almodad and Sheleph
and Hazarmaveth and Jerah ... Uzal and Diklah; and Obal and Abimael and Sheba ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter x.htm

[Endnotes]
... the fifth Philip, the ninth James the son of Alpheus ... Peleg, Gether,"Sabtah, Lehabim,
Jebusite, Joktan, Mash ... Obal, " Abimael, " Sheba, " Ophir, " Havilah, " Jobab ...
//christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/endnotes.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... "There are three that can bear record in heaven" (1 John 5:7-9). These three are
called "the Father, the Son [Word], and the Holy Spirit"; each of which is ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm

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