Elam עֵילָם
Son of Shem, grandson of Noah
Who is Elam in the Bible?
Elam was a son of Shem and grandson of Noah, as recorded in Genesis 10:22 and 1 Chronicles 1:17. He is significant primarily as the ancestor of the Elamites, an ancient people who established a powerful kingdom east of Mesopotamia in present-day Iran. As one of Shem's sons listed in the Table of Nations, Elam represents the spreading of Noah's descendants across different lands and the establishment of distinct peoples after the flood. The Elamites, descended from him, became an important civilization that interacted significantly with Mesopotamian powers throughout biblical history.
Biography
Elam is mentioned in Gen.10.22 and 1Ch.1.17 as one of the sons of Shem, the son of Noah. Elam is listed among the descendants of Shem, who spread out into various lands after the flood, giving rise to different nations. Elam is significant as the ancestor of the Elamites, an ancient people who inhabited the region east of Mesopotamia, in present-day Iran. The Elamites developed a powerful kingdom that interacted with the Mesopotamian civilizations.
Family
Parents
Siblings
- Asshur Early PatriarchSon of ShemSon of Shem; father of the AssyriansView full profile →
- Arpachshad Early PatriarchSon of ShemSon of Shem, ancestor of AbrahamView full profile →
- Lud Early PatriarchSon of ShemSon of Shem; progenitor of the LydiansView full profile →
- Aram Early PatriarchSon of ShemSon of Shem, ancestor of the ArameansView full profile →
In Scripture
2 biblical books ; 1 with study contentGenesis 1 verse
- Genesis 10:22
"The sons of Shem: Elam, Asshur, Arphaxad, Lud, and Aram."
Study Genesis →
1 Chronicles 1 verse
- 1 Chronicles 1:17
"The sons of Shem: Elam, Asshur, Arphaxad, Lud, and Aram. The sons of Aram: Uz, Hul, Gether, and Meshech."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | עֵילָם |