Gatam גַּעְתָּם
Son of Eliphaz; grandson of Esau; Edomite chief.
Who is Gatam in the Bible?
Gatam was a son of Eliphaz and grandson of Esau, making him a member of the Edomite royal line (Genesis 36:11, 16; 1 Chronicles 1:36). He is listed among the chiefs of Edom, indicating he held a leadership position within the Edomite tribal structure. As a descendant of Esau, Edom's founder, Gatam belonged to the people who settled in the region of Seir south of the Dead Sea and became a significant political force in ancient Near Eastern history. His inclusion in the genealogical records underscores the importance of family lineage and tribal organization in establishing authority and leadership within the ancient Edomite nation.
Biography
Gatam is mentioned in Gen.36.11, 16, and 1Ch.1.36 as one of the sons of Eliphaz and a grandson of Esau. Esau, also known as Edom, was the twin brother of Israel (or 'Jacob') and the ancestor of the Edomites (Gen.25.30; 36.1). Gatam is listed among the chiefs of Edom, indicating that he held a position of authority and leadership within the Edomite tribal structure (Gen.36.16). The Edomites were the descendants of Esau who settled in the region of Seir, south of the Dead Sea (Gen.36.8-9). They became a significant political and military power in the region, often in conflict with the Israelites (Num.20.14-21; 1Sa.14.47; 2Sa.8.13-14). The mention of Gatam and the other chiefs of Edom in the genealogical records emphasizes the importance of family lineage and tribal organization in the ancient Near East.
Family
Parents
Siblings
- Teman EdomGrandson of EsauGrandson of Esau, associated with an Edomite clanView full profile →
- Omar EdomAn EdomiteSon of Eliphaz, grandson of EsauView full profile →
- Zepho EdomGrandson of EsauSon of Eliphaz, grandson of EsauView full profile →
- Kenaz Tribe of JudahSon of ElahA descendant of CalebView full profile →
- Amalek EdomGrandson of EsauGrandson of Esau, ancestor of the AmalekitesView full profile →
- Korah EdomAn EdomiteEdomite chief, descendant of EliphazView full profile →
In Scripture
2 biblical books ; 1 with study contentGenesis 2 verses
- Genesis 36:11
"The sons of Eliphaz were Teman, Omar, Zepho, Gatam, and Kenaz."
Study Genesis → - Genesis 36:16
"Korah, Gatam, and Amalek. They are the chiefs of Eliphaz in the land of Edom, and they are the grandsons of Adah."
Study Genesis →
1 Chronicles 1 verse
- 1 Chronicles 1:36
"The sons of Eliphaz: Teman, Omar, Zepho, Gatam, and Kenaz; and by Timna, Amalek."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | גַּעְתָּם |