Timna תִּמְנָע
Concubine of Eliphaz; mother of Amalek
Who is Timna in the Bible?
Timna was a concubine of Eliphaz, the son of Esau, and the mother of Amalek, according to Genesis 36:12 and 1 Chronicles 1:36. She is significant in biblical history because her son Amalek became the ancestor of the Amalekites, a nomadic tribe inhabiting the Negev and Sinai regions who would later become persistent enemies of the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings and the period of the judges. Additionally, Timna is listed among the chiefs of Edom in Genesis 36:40 and 1 Chronicles 1:51, indicating her descendants held leadership positions among Esau's descendants. Though limited details are provided about her personal life, Timna's lineage was foundational to the formation of one of Israel's most prominent adversaries.
Biography
Timna is mentioned in Gen.36.12 as a concubine of Eliphaz, the son of Esau. She gave birth to Amalek, who became the ancestor of the Amalekites, a nomadic tribe that lived in the Negev and Sinai desert regions. The Amalekites later became enemies of the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings and the period of the judges and early monarchy. No other details are provided about Timna's life or her relationship with Eliphaz.
Timna is also mentioned in Gen.36.40 and 1Ch.1.51 as one of the chiefs of Edom, a nation descended from Esau. This probably indicates they are descenced from this concubine, though this is not certain.
Family
Siblings
- Lotan EdomSon of SeirSon of Seir the Horite; chief of EdomView full profile →
- Shobal Tribe of JudahSon of HurSon of Hur, founder of Kiriath-jearim, Judahite descendant.View full profile →
- Zibeon EdomFather of AnahHivite grandfather of Esau's wife OholibamahView full profile →
- Dishon EdomSon of SeirDescendant of Seir the Horite, son of AnahView full profile →
- Ezer MaleDavid's warriorGadite warrior; joined David at Ziklag.View full profile →
- Dishan EdomSon of SeirDescendant of Seir the HoriteView full profile →
In Scripture
2 biblical books ; 1 with study contentGenesis 3 verses
- Genesis 36:12
"Additionally, Timna, a concubine of Esau’s son Eliphaz, gave birth to Amalek. These are the grandsons of Esau’s wife Adah."
Study Genesis → - Genesis 36:22
"The sons of Lotan were Hori and Hemam. Timna was Lotan’s sister."
Study Genesis → - Genesis 36:40
"These are the names of Esau’s chiefs, according to their families and regions, by their names: Chiefs Timna, Alvah, Jetheth,"
Study Genesis →
1 Chronicles 3 verses
- 1 Chronicles 1:36
"The sons of Eliphaz: Teman, Omar, Zepho, Gatam, and Kenaz; and by Timna, Amalek."
- 1 Chronicles 1:39
"The sons of Lotan: Hori and Homam. Timna was Lotan’s sister."
- 1 Chronicles 1:51
"Then Hadad died. Now the chiefs of Edom were Timna, Alvah, Jetheth,"
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | תִּמְנָע |
Timna
.39">1Ch 1:39 Timna is the sister of Lotan, and in Ge 36:40 and 1Ch 1:51 a chief or elan of Edom (see TIMNAH (3)). These variations are to be expected when the origin of genealogies is recalled. (In Genesis, English Versions of the Bible read, contrary to rule, "Timnah.") Gunkel's theory is that Ge 36:12 is a later insertion in P.
tim'-na (timnah, timnathah (Jos 19:43; Jud 14:1,2,5), "allotted portion