Aiah אַיָּה
Son of Zibeon the Hivite, brother of Anah
Who is Aiah in the Bible?
Aiah was the son of Zibeon the Hivite and brother of Anah, appearing in the genealogical records of Esau's descendants (Genesis 36:24; 1 Chronicles 1:40). As a member of the Hivite people, Aiah was part of the pre-Israelite Canaanite population that inhabited the region of Seir. He features in the biblical genealogy that traces the lineage of the Edomites, the nation that descended from Esau and became Israel's southeastern neighbors. Though Aiah himself is not the subject of any narrative events in Scripture, his inclusion in these genealogies underscores the biblical pattern of recording the family lines and tribal structures of peoples surrounding ancient Israel.
Biography
Aiah is mentioned in the genealogy of Esau, the son of Isaac and the brother of Israel (or 'Jacob'). He is listed as the son of Zibeon the Hivite and the brother of Anah. (Gen.36.24; 1Ch.1.40)
The genealogy in Genesis 36 records the descendants of Esau, who settled in the region of Seir and became the Edomites. It provides a detailed account of the chiefs and clans that emerged from Esau's lineage.
Zibeon, Aiah's father, is described as a Hivite, indicating that he belonged to one of the Canaanite tribes that inhabited the land before the Israelites. Zibeon's sons, Aiah and Anah, are mentioned together, suggesting that they were both significant figures within their clan.
Anah, Aiah's brother, is notable for discovering hot springs in the wilderness while pasturing donkeys for his father, Zibeon. (Gen.36.24) This discovery may have been significant for the nomadic lifestyle of the Edomites in the arid region of Seir.
Apart from being listed in the genealogy, no further details are provided about Aiah's life or his role within the Edomite clan. His mention serves to document the lineage of Esau and to showcase the various tribes and chiefs that emerged from his descendants.
Family
In Scripture
2 biblical books ; 1 with study contentGenesis 1 verse
- Genesis 36:24
"These are the sons of Zibeon: Aiah and Anah. (This is the Anah who found the hot springs in the wilderness as he was pasturing the donkeys of his father Zibeon.)"
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1 Chronicles 1 verse
- 1 Chronicles 1:40
"The sons of Shobal: Alvan, Manahath, Ebal, Shepho, and Onam. The sons of Zibeon: Aiah and Anah."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | אַיָּה |