אֶשְׁבָּן
𐤀𐤔𐤁𐤍
Esheban
H790 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Personal name designating an individual in the genealogies of the Edomites/Idumaeans. The specific meaning is uncertain, but it possibly reflects a notion of vigor, reputation, or intelligence, based on parallels with similar roots and personal names. The term functions exclusively as a proper noun within the biblical text.
Semantic Range
personal name, proper noun; possibly bearing connotations of ability, reputation, or vigor in the Edomite genealogical context
Root / Etymology
Root/etymology uncertain. Possibly related to the root שָׁבַן or to שֶׁבְנָא, which appears in names and may convey connotations of 'vigor,' 'intelligence,' or 'reputation.' The word is a personal name and, as is common in ancient Semitic cultures, the literal root meaning may not directly inform the full semantic function of the name. The precise linguistic derivation remains uncertain.
Historical & Contextual Notes
The name אֶשְׁבָּן occurs in Genesis 36:26 and 1 Chronicles 1:41 as a descendant of Seir in Edomite/Idumaean genealogies, indicating a non-Israelite, specifically Edomite, context. Personal names of this form are common among Edomite clans, and the meaning is likely rooted in a quality admired in the community (e.g., vigor, repute), but direct evidence for the meaning is limited. Some suggest a connection with the name שֶׁבְנָא, found among Judahites in the monarchic period, but the usage contexts and ethnic associations differ. Unlike many Hebrew words, אֶשְׁבָּן never designates a common noun or title but solely a proper name. English translations retain the transliteration because the underlying meaning is not transparent. Later traditions refer to the people group as Idumaean, reflecting the Greek term for descendants of Esau in the post-exilic period.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
lemma אֶשְּׁבָּן extra dagesh, corrected to אֶשְׁבָּן; probably from the same as שֶׁבְנָא; vigorous; Eshban, an Idumaean; Eshban.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
שבן (uncertain) (š-b-n (uncertain)) — uncertain; possibly vigor, reckoning, intelligence
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H790-01 |
וְ/אֶשְׁבָּ֖ן | veesheban | HC/Np |
and Eshban | and Eshban | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H790-01 |
Genesis 36:26 | וְ/אֶשְׁבָּ֖ן | veesheban | HC/Np |
and Eshban | and Eshban |
H790-01 |
1 Chronicles 1:41 | וְ/אֶשְׁבָּ֖ן | veesheban | HC/Np |
and Eshban | and Eshban |