הֵימָם

Hemam, an Idumaean

Definition

Hêmām is a proper name referring to an individual listed among the descendants of Seir the Horite in the genealogy of Edom. The name appears only in Genesis 36:22, where Hêmām is identified as a son of Lotan and a brother of Hori. As a Horite, he was part of the pre-Edomite inhabitants of the land of Seir, which later became the territory of Edom. The name is presented without additional narrative, functioning solely to establish a genealogical link within the lineage of Esau (Edom).

Biblical Usage

This word is used exactly once in the Old Testament, in Genesis 36:22, within a genealogical list. Its usage is strictly onomastic (name-giving) and serves to document the tribal ancestry of the Horites, who were later displaced by the descendants of Esau. The context is purely historical and genealogical, with no narrative action or dialogue associated with the name.

Etymology

The name Hêmām (הֵימָם) is given as an alternate form of Hômām (הוֹמָם, Strong's H1950), which appears in the parallel genealogy in 1 Chronicles 1:39. The root is likely related to the verb הָמַם (hāmam, Strong's H2000), meaning 'to make a noise,' 'to confuse,' or 'to discomfit.' As a personal name, it may have carried a meaning like 'noisy' or 'tumultuous,' a characteristic not uncommon in ancient Semitic naming conventions.

Semantic Range

The inclusion of Hêmām in the Genesis genealogy reflects the ancient Israelite practice of recording the lineages of neighboring peoples, acknowledging their historical presence and connection to the promised land. Naming a Horite ancestor demonstrates the biblical record's awareness of the complex ethnic history of the Transjordan region prior to its settlement by the Edomites, the descendants of Jacob's brother, Esau.

Hômām (H1950) — An alternate spelling for the same individual, used in the Chronicler's parallel genealogy (1 Chronicles 1:39).

Word Details

Scripture References