(Diyshon, the same as דִּישֹׁן; Dishon, the name of two Edomites; Dishon.
Transliteration:Dîyshôwn
Pronunciation:dee-shone'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H1787, transliterated as Dîyshôwn (דִּישׁוֹן), is primarily a proper noun, serving as a personal name. Its base definition identifies it as "Dishon," the name of two distinct Edomite individuals. The definition further notes its identity with `{{H1788}}` (דִּישֹׁן), which refers to an animal, likely an antelope or gazelle, or a concept related to "threshing." While H1787 itself functions solely as a name, its etymological root in `{{H1788}}` suggests an underlying semantic range related to these concepts. Proper names in the ancient Near East often carried significant meaning, reflecting characteristics, circumstances of birth, or aspirations. Thus, while "Dishon" directly denotes an individual, it implicitly carries the echoes of "gazelle/antelope" (perhaps suggesting speed, grace, or wilderness dwelling) or "threshing" (implying labor, separation, or agricultural prosperity). However, for H1787 as a proper noun, its semantic range is fixed to the specific individuals it identifies within the biblical text.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Dishon (H1787) appears in the biblical genealogies related to Edom, specifically within the accounts of Esau's descendants and the Horite inhabitants of Seir. There are two distinct individuals bearing this name:
1. **Dishon, son of Seir the Horite:** This Dishon is listed among the "chiefs of the Horites, the sons of Seir in the land of Edom" ([[Genesis 36:21]], [[Genesis 36:28]], [[Genesis 36:30]]). He is also mentioned in the parallel genealogy in [[1 Chronicles 1:38]] and [[1 Chronicles 1:41]] as a son of Seir. His inclusion establishes him as one of the indigenous leaders of the land before the full consolidation of Edomite rule.
2. **Dishon, son of Anah:** This individual is identified as a grandson of Seir through his son Anah ([[Genesis 36:25]]). He is also the brother of Aholibamah, one of Esau's wives. This lineage is reiterated in [[1 Chronicles 1:40]]. This indicates a second, distinct individual bearing the same name, highlighting its prevalence within the Horite and Edomite tribal structures.
The contexts for both occurrences are purely genealogical, serving to delineate the lineages and tribal affiliations of the Edomites and the Horites. These lists are crucial for understanding the political and social landscape of the land of Edom, tracing the origins and relationships of its early inhabitants. They are descriptive rather than narrative, providing a foundational historical framework for the interactions between Israel and Edom in later biblical accounts.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word to H1787 is `{{H1788}}` (דִּישֹׁן), which is the common noun from which the proper name "Dishon" is derived. As noted, `{{H1788}}` can refer to an animal, specifically an antelope or gazelle, or to the act of threshing. This etymological connection suggests that the name "Dishon" may have evoked these images or concepts for ancient hearers.
Beyond this direct linguistic link, H1787 is conceptually related to:
* **Edomite and Horite Genealogies:** The occurrences of Dishon are embedded within the broader context of the genealogies of Esau and the Horites (e.g., [[Genesis 36]], [[1 Chronicles 1]]). These genealogies are vital for establishing the origins and relationships of the peoples surrounding early Israel.
* **Thematic Naming:** Like many ancient names, "Dishon" likely carried a specific meaning, linking individuals to aspects of the natural world or human endeavor. This practice is common throughout the biblical text, where names often serve as prophetic indicators or descriptive markers (e.g., Esau meaning "hairy," Jacob meaning "supplanter").
* **Tribal and Clan Structure:** The listing of "chiefs" (אַלּוּף, 'allûph) alongside the names like Dishon, highlights the patriarchal and tribal organization of these early societies, where lineage determined status and identity.
### Theological Significance
As a proper noun designating individuals within genealogical lists, the direct theological significance of H1787, "Dishon," is limited. However, its inclusion in the biblical record contributes to broader theological themes:
1. **Divine Sovereignty over All Nations:** The meticulous recording of the genealogies of non-Israelite peoples, such as the Edomites, underscores the biblical conviction that God's providence extends to all nations, not just Israel. Their origins and development are part of His overarching plan for humanity.
2. **Historical Veracity and Scope of Scripture:** The detailed nature of these genealogies, including seemingly minor figures like Dishon, emphasizes the historical grounding of the biblical narrative. It reflects a concern for factual accuracy and comprehensive record-keeping, reinforcing the Bible's claim to be a reliable historical document.
3. **The Distinction of Peoples:** By meticulously tracing the lineage of Edom (descendants of Esau) alongside that of Israel (descendants of Jacob), the Bible highlights the distinct identities and destinies of these sibling nations. While related, their paths diverged, a theological point often explored in prophetic literature concerning their future interactions.
4. **Creation and Naming:** If the name "Dishon" indeed relates to a "gazelle" or "antelope," it subtly points to the broader biblical theme of God as Creator of all living things. The naming of individuals after elements of the natural world implicitly acknowledges God's design and dominion over creation.
### Summary
H1787, Dîyshôwn, is a proper Hebrew noun referring to "Dishon," the name of two distinct Edomite individuals recorded in the genealogies of Genesis and 1 Chronicles. One Dishon is listed as a son of Seir the Horite, and the other as a son of Anah, a grandson of Seir. While the name functions purely as an identifier, its etymological root in `{{H1788}}` suggests an underlying meaning related to "threshing" or, more commonly, an animal such as a "gazelle" or "antelope." The biblical occurrences are confined to genealogical lists, serving to establish the lineages and tribal structures of the early inhabitants of Edom. The inclusion of such figures underscores the Bible's comprehensive historical scope, God's sovereignty over all nations, and the deliberate distinction between the various peoples within His creation.
TRV