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 ALVANal'-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 EdomiteAlvan 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 Chapter xxxvi 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) 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) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Alvan (2 Occurrences)Genesis 36:23 1 Chronicles 1:40 Subtopics Related Terms |