Who was Gatam in the Bible?

Gatam was a grandson of Esau and a son of Eliphaz, making him a tribal chief within the nation of Edom (Genesis 36:11, 16). He is listed among the Edomite chieftains descended from Esau.

Why is Gatam mentioned in the Bible?

Gatam's mention establishes the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that Esau would become a nation (Genesis 25:23). His listing among the chiefs of Edom documents the lineage and political structure of Esau's descendants, Israel's neighbors and frequent rivals.

Are there any stories about Gatam in the Bible?

No, there are no specific stories or key events recorded about Gatam's life. The Bible only mentions his name in genealogical lists that trace the lineage and leadership of the Edomites (1 Chronicles 1:36).

Gatam

Old TestamentPatriarchsMaleSon

Gatam was a son of Eliphaz, grandson of Esau, and one of the chiefs of Edom.

Gatam

Biography

Gatam was a son of Eliphaz and a grandson of Esau, the patriarch whose descendants became the nation of Edom. He is listed among the chiefs (or 'allupim') of Edom in both Genesis 36:11, 16 and 1 Chronicles 1:36, situating him firmly within the patriarchal era. As a chieftain of Edom, Gatam would have exercised tribal authority over a portion of the Edomite territory situated in the rugged terrain southeast of Canaan. His lineage traces directly to Esau, who himself was the elder twin brother of Jacob (Israel), making Gatam a near kinsman of the Israelite patriarchs. Though no specific deeds or narratives are attached to him in Scripture, his place in the Edomite chief-lists marks him as a figure of regional importance in the ancient Near East during the age of the patriarchs.

Significance

Gatam's significance lies primarily in his genealogical position within the Edomite clan structure descended from Esau. His listing as a chief of Edom (Genesis 36:16) reflects the fulfillment of God's promise that Esau's descendants would become a nation, paralleling Israel's own national development. Theologically, the Edomite genealogies remind readers that God's sovereignty extends beyond the covenant people, ordering the rise of surrounding nations according to his purposes. Gatam's lineage also foreshadows the complex relationship between Israel and Edom throughout redemptive history, a fraternal rivalry rooted in the Jacob-Esau narrative that would echo through the prophetic writings.

Verse Appearances (3)

Genesis

Genesis 36:11 Genesis 36:16

1Chr

1Chr 1:36

References

Orr, J. (ed.) (1915) The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Chicago: Howard-Severance Company. [Public Domain]
Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Individualised Proper Names with all References (TIPNR). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
Wikidata contributors (n.d.) Wikidata. Available at: https://www.wikidata.org. [CC0]
Church of England (1769) The Holy Bible, Authorized (King James) Version. [Public Domain]

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