Alvan
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Topical Encyclopedia
Etymology and Meaning
The name Alvan is of Hebrew origin, and it is believed to mean "tall" or "exalted." It is a name that appears in the genealogical records of the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the descendants of Esau.

Biblical References
Alvan is mentioned in the Book of Genesis as one of the sons of Shobal. Shobal was a descendant of Seir the Horite, and his lineage is associated with the inhabitants of the land of Edom. The specific reference to Alvan can be found in Genesis 36:23:
"The sons of Shobal: Alvan, Manahath, Ebal, Shepho, and Onam." (Genesis 36:23)

Historical and Cultural Context
Alvan is part of the genealogical record that outlines the descendants of Esau, who is also known as Edom. Esau was the brother of Jacob and the son of Isaac and Rebekah. The Edomites, descendants of Esau, were often in conflict with the Israelites throughout biblical history. The mention of Alvan and his brothers provides insight into the early tribal structures and familial lines that played a role in the development of the Edomite nation.

Theological Significance
While Alvan himself is not a prominent figure in biblical narratives, his inclusion in the genealogical records underscores the importance of lineage and heritage in the biblical text. The genealogies serve to connect the various peoples and tribes of the ancient Near East, illustrating the fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs regarding the multiplication of their descendants. The record of Alvan and his family highlights the broader theme of God's sovereignty over nations and His unfolding plan through history.

Related Entries
· Esau (Edom): The progenitor of the Edomites, whose descendants include Alvan. Esau's account is pivotal in understanding the relationship between Israel and Edom.
· Edomites: The nation descended from Esau, often in conflict with Israel. Understanding the Edomites provides context for the genealogical records in which Alvan is mentioned.
· Genealogies in the Bible: These records are crucial for tracing the lineage of key biblical figures and understanding the fulfillment of divine promises.

Conclusion
Alvan, though a minor figure in the biblical narrative, is part of the intricate tapestry of genealogies that reflect the historical and theological dimensions of the Bible. His mention in Genesis serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of the peoples and nations that populate the biblical world.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Alvan

(tall), a Horite, son of Shobal, (Genesis 36:23) written ALIAN in (1 Chronicles 1:40)

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
ALVAN

al'-van (`alwan, "tall"?): A son of Shobal, the Horite (Genesis 36:23). In 1 Chronicles 1:40 the name is written Alian, Septuagint Olam. It is probably the same as Alvah of Genesis 36:23, which appears in 1 Chronicles 1:51 as Aliah.

Strong's Hebrew
5935. Alvan -- an Edomite
Alvan or Alyan. 5934, 5935. Alvan or Alyan. 5936 . an Edomite. Transliteration:
Alvan or Alyan Phonetic Spelling: (al-vawn') Short Definition: Alian. ...
/hebrew/5935.htm - 6k
Library

Letter B
... 1813, Located 1816 * Bain, George A. "Received 1820 * Bainbridge, Thomas "Received
1836 * Baine, John "Received 1835 * Baird, Alvan "Received 1831 ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/bangs/an alphabetical list of m e preachers/letter b.htm

Chapter xxxvi
... 5) may mean "helper (is God)." Nahath (v. Genesis 36:13) means "rest," Zerah ""rising"
or "east"; Dishon (v. Genesis 36:21) ""gazelle"; Alvan (v. Genesis 36 ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxvi.htm

Thesaurus
Alvan (2 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ALVAN. al'-van (`alwan, "tall"?): A son of Shobal,
the Horite (Genesis 36:23). ... Multi-Version Concordance Alvan (2 Occurrences). ...
/a/alvan.htm - 7k

Alvah (2 Occurrences)
... Probably the same as Alvan, or Ahan, son of Shobal son of Seir (Genesis 36:23 1
Chronicles 1:40). Multi-Version Concordance Alvah (2 Occurrences). ...
/a/alvah.htm - 7k

Alway (26 Occurrences)

/a/alway.htm - 14k

Onam (4 Occurrences)
... Onam (4 Occurrences). Genesis 36:23 These are the children of Shobal: Alvan, Manahath,
Ebal, Shepho, and Onam. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/o/onam.htm - 8k

Manahath (3 Occurrences)
... Manahath (3 Occurrences). Genesis 36:23 These are the children of Shobal: Alvan,
Manahath, Ebal, Shepho, and Onam. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/m/manahath.htm - 8k

Man'ahath (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Man'ahath (2 Occurrences). Genesis 36:23 And these are
the children of Shobal: Alvan and Manahath and Ebal, Shepho and Onam. (See RSV) ...
/m/man'ahath.htm - 6k

Alian (1 Occurrence)
... In the corresponding earlier genealogy (Genesis 36:23) the same person is given
as Alvan (`alwan), the change of the third consonant being a simple one, common ...
/a/alian.htm - 7k

Shobal (9 Occurrences)
... Genesis 36:23 These are the children of Shobal: Alvan, Manahath, Ebal, Shepho,
and Onam. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/s/shobal.htm - 10k

Shepho (2 Occurrences)
... Shepho (2 Occurrences). Genesis 36:23 These are the children of Shobal: Alvan, Manahath,
Ebal, Shepho, and Onam. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/s/shepho.htm - 7k

Ebal (8 Occurrences)
... Ebal (8 Occurrences). Genesis 36:23 These are the children of Shobal: Alvan, Manahath,
Ebal, Shepho, and Onam. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/e/ebal.htm - 14k

Resources
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Concordance
Alvan (2 Occurrences)

Genesis 36:23
These are the children of Shobal: Alvan, Manahath, Ebal, Shepho, and Onam.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

1 Chronicles 1:40
The sons of Shobal: Alian, and Manahath, and Ebal, Shephi, and Onam. The sons of Zibeon: Aiah, and Anah.
(See NIV)

Subtopics

Alvan

Alvan: Called Alian

Alvan: Son of Shobal

Related Terms

Alvah (2 Occurrences)

Alway (26 Occurrences)

Onam (4 Occurrences)

Manahath (3 Occurrences)

Man'ahath (2 Occurrences)

Alian (1 Occurrence)

Shobal (9 Occurrences)

Shepho (2 Occurrences)

Ebal (8 Occurrences)

Alvah: Duke of Edom
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