Jump to: Hitchcock's • Smith's • ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Overview: Teman is a significant location and figure in the Bible, primarily associated with the descendants of Esau, the brother of Jacob. It is both a geographical region and a personal name, often linked with wisdom and strength. Teman is mentioned in various contexts throughout the Old Testament, highlighting its importance in biblical history and prophecy. Etymology and Meaning: The name "Teman" is derived from the Hebrew word "תֵּימָן" (Teyman), which means "south" or "right hand." This reflects its geographical position relative to other regions in the biblical narrative. Geographical Significance: Teman is identified as a region in Edom, located to the southeast of the Dead Sea. It is often associated with the city of Petra and the surrounding area. The land of Edom, where Teman is situated, is characterized by its rugged terrain and strategic location along ancient trade routes. Biblical References: 1. Descendants of Esau: Teman is listed as one of the chiefs of Edom, a descendant of Esau. In Genesis 36:11, we read, "The sons of Eliphaz were Teman, Omar, Zepho, Gatam, and Kenaz." This establishes Teman as a significant clan within the Edomite nation. 2. Wisdom and Counsel: Teman is renowned for its wisdom. In the book of Jeremiah, the prophet speaks of the wisdom of Teman: "Concerning Edom, this is what the LORD of Hosts says: 'Is there no longer wisdom in Teman? Has counsel perished from the prudent? Has their wisdom decayed?'" (Jeremiah 49:7). This suggests that Teman was once a center of knowledge and understanding. 3. Prophetic Judgment: Teman is frequently mentioned in prophetic literature concerning judgment against Edom. In Amos 1:12, the Lord declares, "So I will send fire upon Teman to consume the citadels of Bozrah." Similarly, Obadiah 1:9 states, "Then your mighty men, O Teman, will be terrified, so that everyone in the mountains of Esau will be cut down in the slaughter." These prophecies highlight the impending divine judgment on Edom and its cities, including Teman. 4. Habakkuk's Vision: In Habakkuk 3:3, the prophet describes a theophany, a divine appearance, with a reference to Teman: "God came from Teman, and the Holy One from Mount Paran. Selah. His glory covered the heavens, and His praise filled the earth." This passage poetically portrays God's majestic presence and power, with Teman serving as a symbolic point of origin. Cultural and Historical Context: Teman's reputation for wisdom and its strategic location made it a notable entity in the ancient Near East. The Edomites, descendants of Esau, were often in conflict with Israel, and their interactions are documented throughout the Old Testament. The prophetic declarations against Teman and Edom reflect the broader themes of justice and divine retribution found in the biblical narrative. Conclusion: While Teman is not a central figure in the biblical account, its repeated mention underscores its importance in the cultural and historical landscape of the Bible. As a symbol of wisdom and a target of prophetic judgment, Teman serves as a reminder of the complex relationships between the nations surrounding Israel and the unfolding of God's plan in history. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary TemanTemani, the south; Africa; perfect Smith's Bible Dictionary Teman(the south).
ATS Bible Dictionary TemanSouth, a city and region in Eastern Idumaea, settled by Teman the grandson of Esau, Genesis 36:11,15,42 Am 1:12 Habakkuk 3:3. The men of Teman, Genesis 36:34, like others of the Edomites, had the reputation of great wisdom, Jeremiah 49:7,20 Obadiah 1:21. Compare the sayings of Eliphaz the Temanite in the book of Job. Easton's Bible Dictionary Id. (1.) A grandson of Esau, one of the "dukes of Edom" (Genesis 36:11, 15, 42). (2.) A place in Southern Idumea, the land of "the sons of the east," frequently mentioned in the Old Testament. It was noted for the wisdom of its inhabitants (Amos 1:12; Obadiah 1:8; Jeremiah 49:7; Ezek. 25:13). It was divided from the hills of Paran by the low plain of Arabah (Habakkuk 3:3). International Standard Bible Encyclopedia TEMANte'-man (teman, "on the right," i.e. "south"; Thaiman): The name of a district and town in the land of Edom, named after Teman the grandson of Esau, the son of his firstborn, Eliphaz (Genesis 36:11 1 Chronicles 1:36). A duke Teman is named among the chiefs or clans of Edom (Genesis 36:42 1 Chronicles 1:53). He does not however appear first, in the place of the firstborn. Husham of the land of the Temanites was one of the ancient kings of Edom (Genesis 36:34 1 Chronicles 1:45). From Obad 1:9 we gather that Teman was in the land of Esau (Edom). In Amos 1:12 it is named along with Bozrah, the capital of Edom. In Ezekiel 25:13 desolation is denounced upon Edom: "From Teman even unto Dedan shall they fall by the sword." Dedan being in the South, Teman must be sought in the North Eusebius, Onomasticon knows a district in the Gebalene region called Theman, and also a town with the same name, occupied by a Roman garrison, 15 miles from Petra. Unfortunately no indication of direction is given. No trace of the name has yet been found. It may have been on the road from Elath to Bozrah. Strong's Hebrew 8487. Teman -- a N. district of Edom, also an Edomite chief... 8486, 8487. Teman. 8488 . a N. district of Edom, also an Edomite chief. Transliteration: Teman Phonetic Spelling: (tay-mawn') Short Definition: Teman. ... /hebrew/8487.htm - 6k 8486. teman -- south, south wind 8489. Temani -- inhab. of Teman Library Obadiah Of the Prophecy that is Contained in the Prayer and Song of ... The Nations of the South-East Chapter xxxvi Heralds of the Morning Heralds of the Morning. Ode iv. What the Prayers of the Saints for the Coming of Messiah Contained ... Habakkuk's Rhapsody of the Chaldeans General Service for the Festivals of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Thesaurus Teman (12 Occurrences)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. TEMAN. ... A duke Teman is named among the chiefs or clans of Edom (Genesis 36:42 1 Chronicles 1:53). ... /t/teman.htm - 12k Eliphaz (14 Occurrences) Kenaz (11 Occurrences) Zepho (3 Occurrences) Omar (3 Occurrences) Duke (14 Occurrences) Gatam (3 Occurrences) Esau's (13 Occurrences) El'iphaz (6 Occurrences) Mibzar (2 Occurrences) Resources What does it mean that God came from Teman (Habakkuk 3:3)? | GotQuestions.orgWas Yahweh originally a Edomite or Canaanite god? | GotQuestions.org Questions about Habakkuk | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Teman (12 Occurrences)Genesis 36:11 Genesis 36:15 Genesis 36:42 1 Chronicles 1:36 1 Chronicles 1:53 Jeremiah 49:7 Jeremiah 49:20 Ezekiel 20:46 Ezekiel 25:13 Amos 1:12 Obadiah 1:9 Habakkuk 3:3 Subtopics Teman: Also Called Temani and Temanites: Prophecies Concerning Related Terms |