Zaavan זַעֲוָן
Horite chief, descendant of Seir the Horite
Who is Zaavan in the Bible?
Zaavan was a Horite chief and descendant of Seir the Horite, mentioned in the genealogical records of Genesis 36:27 and 1 Chronicles 1:42. He was the son of Ezer, who was himself a son of Seir, making him part of the ruling lineage of the Horites, the original inhabitants of the land of Seir before the Edomites settled there. The Bible identifies Zaavan specifically as a chief of the Horites, indicating he held a position of leadership within his tribe. Beyond his genealogical listing and his status as a tribal leader, Scripture provides no additional information about his life or accomplishments, making him significant primarily as a link in the ancestral line of Seir's descendants.
Biography
Zaavan was a Horite chief mentioned in the genealogies of Esau and Seir the Horite. He was one of the sons of Ezer, who was a son of Seir. The Horites were the original inhabitants of the land of Seir, which was later inhabited by the Edomites. Zaavan is listed among the chiefs of the Horites, indicating his position of leadership within the tribe. The Bible provides no further details about his life or role as a chief.
Family
In Scripture
2 biblical books ; 1 with study contentGenesis 1 verse
- Genesis 36:27
"These are the sons of Ezer: Bilhan, Zaavan, and Akan."
Study Genesis →
1 Chronicles 1 verse
- 1 Chronicles 1:42
"The sons of Ezer: Bilhan, Zaavan, and Akan. The sons of Dishan: Uz and Aran."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | זַעֲוָן |
Zaavan
.e. Zaw`an, from a root meaning "to tremble," "fear" (see ..., BDB). King James Version has "Zavan" in 1 Chronicles.
za'-bad (zabhadh, perhaps a contraction for (1) zebhadhyah, "Yahweh has given," i.e. Zebadiah; or (2) zabhdi'el, "El (God) is my gift" (HPN, 222 f); Zabed(t), with many variants):
(1) A Jerahmeelite (<ref osisRef=