or הֲדֹרָם; probably of foreign derivation; Hadoram, a son of Joktan, and the tribe descended from him; Hadoram.
Transliteration:Hădôwrâm
Pronunciation:had-o-rawm'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term הֲדוֹרָם (Hădôwrâm, `{{H1913}}`) is exclusively a proper noun, referring to a specific individual and, by extension, the tribal group descended from him. The etymology is noted as "probably of foreign derivation," suggesting it does not derive from common Hebrew roots and therefore does not carry an intrinsic semantic meaning within the Hebrew language itself. Its semantic range is thus confined to its onomastic function: identifying "Hadoram, a son of Joktan." This specificity means the word does not possess a broader conceptual or abstract meaning; it is solely an identifier within the biblical genealogical record.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Hadoram (הֲדוֹרָם, `{{H1913}}`) appears in two primary biblical passages, both within genealogical lists:
* [[Genesis 10:27]]: "Hadoram, Uzal, Diklah," listed among the sons of Joktan, who himself is a descendant of Shem. This verse is part of the "Table of Nations," a comprehensive account of the seventy nations descended from Noah's sons after the Flood.
* [[1 Chronicles 1:21]]: "Hadoram, Uzal, Diklah," again listed as a son of Joktan. This passage provides a parallel genealogy, largely mirroring the account in Genesis 10, serving to establish the historical continuity and lineage from the earliest post-diluvian period.
In both contexts, Hadoram is presented as one of the thirteen sons of Joktan. The Joktanite tribes are traditionally associated with the Arabian Peninsula, particularly its southern regions (modern-day Yemen and parts of Saudi Arabia). The placement of Hadoram within these genealogies signifies his role as a progenitor of a distinct tribal entity, contributing to the diverse tapestry of nations that emerged from Noah's lineage. The lack of narrative detail about Hadoram himself underscores that his significance lies primarily in his identity as a link in the chain of human history and the formation of nations.
### Related Words & Concepts
Given that הֲדוֹרָם (Hădôwrâm, `{{H1913}}`) is a proper noun, its connections are primarily to the broader concepts of:
* **Genealogy and Lineage:** Hadoram is inextricably linked to the biblical emphasis on tracing family lines, particularly within the Table of Nations (Genesis 10) and its parallel in 1 Chronicles. This highlights the importance of historical continuity and the divine ordering of humanity.
* **The Table of Nations:** As a son of Joktan, Hadoram is an integral part of this foundational biblical document. This grand survey of post-Flood humanity underscores the common origin of all peoples from Noah and the subsequent dispersion across the earth.
* **Joktanites:** Hadoram is one of the "sons of Joktan," a significant branch of the Semitic peoples. The Joktanites are understood to have settled in southern Arabia, establishing various tribes and regions (e.g., Hazarmaveth, Sheba, Ophir). Hadoram, therefore, represents one such ancient Arabian tribal progenitor.
* **Ethnic and Geographical Identity:** While the precise location of the tribe descended from Hadoram is not explicitly stated, his inclusion among the Joktanites implies a specific ethnic and geographical identity within the ancient Near East, likely in the Arabian Peninsula.
### Theological Significance
The inclusion of Hadoram (הֲדוֹרָם, `{{H1913}}`) in the biblical record, despite the brevity of his mention, carries several theological implications:
* **Divine Sovereignty Over Nations:** The meticulous listing of Hadoram and other tribal progenitors in the Table of Nations demonstrates God's active involvement in the formation and dispersion of all human societies. It shows that no nation is outside of God's providential plan, even those seemingly distant from the direct line of promise.
* **Unity and Diversity of Humanity:** Hadoram's lineage, tracing back to Noah, affirms the common ancestry of all humanity, emphasizing the unity of humankind while simultaneously acknowledging the divinely ordained diversity of nations, languages, and cultures. This counters any notion of inherently separate origins for different peoples.
* **Historical Reliability of Scripture:** The careful preservation of such detailed genealogies, even for figures like Hadoram who play no active narrative role, underscores the Bible's commitment to historical accuracy and its claim to record real events and real people within the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.
* **Fulfillment of the Creation Mandate:** The proliferation of nations, including the descendants of Hadoram, fulfills the divine command to "be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth" ([[Genesis 9:1]]). This expansion of humanity across the globe is part of God's original design for creation.
### Summary
Hadoram (הֲדוֹרָם, `{{H1913}}`) is a proper noun, identifying a son of Joktan and a progenitor of a tribe, likely situated in southern Arabia. His appearances are limited to the genealogies in [[Genesis 10:27]] and [[1 Chronicles 1:21]]. As a figure within the Table of Nations, Hadoram's inclusion underscores several profound theological truths: God's sovereign hand in the formation and dispersion of all peoples, the unified origin of humanity from Noah, and the historical veracity of the biblical record. While not a prominent narrative character, Hadoram represents a crucial link in the comprehensive biblical account of human history and the divine ordering of the world.
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