### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Chăvîylâh** `{{H2341}}`, meaning Havilah, refers to eastern regions and possibly two men. Its base definition suggests a circular area. Appearing **7 times** in **7 unique verses**, the name serves as a key geographical and genealogical marker in the biblical narrative.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{H2341}}` is used to identify both people and places. In the description of Eden, the Pison river **compasseth** `{{H5437}}` the whole land of **Havilah**, a place noted for its **gold** `{{H2091}}` [[Genesis 2:11]]. Genealogically, **Havilah** is listed as a son of **Cush** `{{H3568}}` ([[Genesis 10:7]], [[1 Chronicles 1:9]]) and also as a son of **Joktan** `{{H3355}}` ([[Genesis 10:29]], [[1 Chronicles 1:23]]). Finally, it serves as a significant boundary marker, defining the extent of territory "from **Havilah** unto Shur" in the context of where people **dwelt** `{{H7931}}` [[Genesis 25:18]] and where King **Saul** `{{H7586}}` **smote** `{{H5221}}` the Amalekites [[1 Samuel 15:7]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context in which **Havilah** appears:
* `{{H2091}}` **zâhâb** (gold): This word, meaning to shimmer, is directly associated with the land of **Havilah** from the earliest chapters of Genesis, establishing it as a region of noted wealth [[Genesis 2:11]].
* `{{H3568}}` **Kûwsh** (Cush): **Havilah** is named as one of the sons of **Cush**, a son of Ham. This connection places **Havilah** within the lineage of nations descending from Ham's line [[Genesis 10:7]].
* `{{H3355}}` **Yoqṭân** (Joktan): This Arabian patriarch is also named as the father of **Havilah**, connecting the name to a separate Semitic lineage and highlighting its importance in early genealogies [[Genesis 10:29]].
* `{{H7793}}` **Shûwr** (Shur): This region of the desert is consistently paired with **Havilah** to form a geographic boundary, emphasizing **Havilah's** role as a landmark defining the edge of a territory near **Egypt** `{{H4714}}` [[1 Samuel 15:7]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H2341}}` is evident in its consistent use as a foundational reference point.
* **Primordial Wealth:** Its mention in Genesis as a land of **gold** `{{H2091}}` near a river from Eden connects **Havilah** to the created world's original, unblemished state and resources [[Genesis 2:11]].
* **Genealogical Anchor:** By appearing in two distinct genealogies—as a son of **Cush** `{{H3568}}` and a son of **Joktan** `{{H3355}}`—the name **Havilah** is crucial for mapping the early distribution and heritage of peoples in the Table of Nations ([[Genesis 10:7]], [[Genesis 10:29]]).
* **Geographic Landmark:** The recurring phrase "from **Havilah** unto Shur" establishes it as a fixed point for describing the scope of settlement and military conflict, defining the boundaries of nations like the Amalekites and the descendants of Ishmael ([[Genesis 25:18]], [[1 Samuel 15:7]]).
### Summary
In summary, **Chăvîylâh** `{{H2341}}` functions as a multifaceted term in the Old Testament. It is not merely a name but a vital anchor for biblical geography and genealogy. It identifies a legendary land of gold near Eden, establishes the lineage of two distinct patriarchal lines, and serves as a definitive boundary marker for significant events in Israel's history.
TRV