from זוּעַ; disquiet; Zaavan, an Idumaean; Zaavan.
Transliteration:Zaʻăvân
Pronunciation:zah-av-awn'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word `{{H2190}}`, *Zaʻăvân* (זַעֲוָן), functions exclusively as a proper noun in the biblical text, referring to an individual within the Horite and Edomite genealogies. Its base definition, derived from the root זוּעַ (`{{H2111}}`, *zûaʿ*), signifies "to tremble," "to quake," or "to be disquieted" or "agitated." Thus, the name *Zaʻăvân* inherently carries the semantic weight of "disquiet," "trembling," or "agitation." While it is a personal name and not a common noun with a broad semantic range, its etymological foundation imbues the individual bearing the name with a characteristic or state of being. The name itself is a verbal noun, suggesting an active state of being disquieted or causing disquiet.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name *Zaʻăvân* (`{{H2190}}`) appears twice in the Hebrew Bible, both times within the genealogical records pertaining to the descendants of Esau and the Horites:
* [[Genesis 36:27]]: Here, Zaavan is listed as one of the sons of Ezer, a Horite chief, who himself is a son of Seir, the progenitor of the Horites. This places Zaavan within the indigenous population of Seir, predating or coexisting with the Edomite expansion. The verse states, "These are the sons of Ezer: Bilhan, Zaavan, and Akan."
* [[1 Chronicles 1:42]]: This passage largely mirrors the genealogy presented in Genesis, confirming Zaavan's place within the lineage. It reads, "The sons of Ezer: Bilhan, Zaavan, and Jaakan."
In both instances, *Zaʻăvân* is presented as a component of a genealogical list, devoid of any narrative context or specific actions attributed to him. As is common with names in biblical genealogies, they serve primarily to establish lineage and tribal connections. While the meaning of his name ("disquiet") is intriguing, the text offers no direct explanation for why he received this name, nor does it provide any narrative details that might illuminate a connection between his life and the name's meaning. His inclusion underscores the meticulous record-keeping of ancient Israel regarding the nations and peoples surrounding them, particularly those with whom they shared a familial or historical connection.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for `{{H2190}}` is its root, זוּעַ (`{{H2111}}`, *zûaʿ*), which denotes physical trembling, quaking, or a state of emotional/spiritual disquiet. This root appears in contexts describing:
* **Physical Trembling:** As seen in [[Job 37:1]] where Elihu's "heart trembles and leaps out of its place" at the thought of God's power.
* **Agitation/Disquiet:** Indicating internal turmoil or distress.
Other Hebrew words that convey similar concepts of agitation, fear, or lack of peace, and thus are conceptually related, include:
* פָּחַד (`{{H6343}}`, *pakhad*): fear, dread, terror.
* רָגַז (`{{H7264}}`, *ragaz*): to tremble, be agitated, rage.
* חָרַד (`{{H2729}}`, *kharad*): to tremble, be afraid, be anxious.
* בָּהַל (`{{H926}}`, *bahal*): to be terrified, dismayed, haste.
The concept of "disquiet" or "agitation" stands in stark contrast to biblical concepts of *shalom* (שָׁלוֹם, `{{H7965}}`), which encompasses wholeness, peace, and well-being. The presence of such a name within a lineage subtly highlights the pervasive human experience of internal turmoil, whether physical or spiritual, and sets a backdrop against which the divine promise of peace can be understood.
### Theological Significance
While *Zaʻăvân* himself is a minor figure in a genealogy, the etymological meaning of his name, "disquiet," carries subtle theological resonance. It serves as a linguistic artifact reflecting a universal human condition. The biblical narrative frequently portrays individuals and nations experiencing disquiet, fear, and agitation, whether due to sin, divine judgment, external threats, or internal strife.
Theologically, the name *Zaʻăvân* can be seen as a microcosm of the human state apart from divine peace. In contrast to the tranquility and steadfastness associated with God's presence and promises, human existence is often marked by restlessness and anxiety. The quest for peace, both internal and external, is a recurring theme in Scripture, ultimately pointing to God as the sole source of true *shalom* (`{{H7965}}`).
Furthermore, the inclusion of such a name within the Edomite lineage, descendants of Esau, who represents a path divergent from the covenant line of Jacob, can subtly underscore the broader biblical theme of the struggle between human striving and divine ordering. While not explicitly stated, the name "Disquiet" for a Horite chief's son might reflect a reality of life in a world estranged from God's perfect order, or perhaps even a characteristic of the people group itself. It reminds the reader that even seemingly insignificant names in genealogies can carry a deeper, albeit unstated, symbolic weight, reflecting the human condition and the pervasive need for divine intervention and peace.
### Summary
*Zaʻăvân* (`{{H2190}}`) is a proper noun, a personal name found in the genealogies of Esau and the Horites in [[Genesis 36:27]] and [[1 Chronicles 1:42]]. Derived from the root זוּעַ (`{{H2111}}`), meaning "to tremble" or "be disquieted," the name *Zaʻăvân* itself means "Disquiet" or "Agitation." While the biblical text provides no narrative details about the individual, his name serves as a subtle reminder of the pervasive human experience of internal turmoil and restlessness. Theologically, it stands in stark contrast to the divine peace (*shalom*) offered by God, highlighting the human condition of anxiety and the ultimate need for divine tranquility. As a minor figure, *Zaʻăvân* primarily contributes to the detailed genealogical records, but the meaning of his name offers a quiet reflection on a profound aspect of the human spiritual landscape.
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