probably from the same as יַיִן; effervescing (i.e. hot and active); Javan, the name of a son of Joktan, and of the race (Ionians, i.e. Greeks) descended from him, with their territory; also of a place in Arabia; Javan.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Yâvân**, represented by `{{H3120}}`, refers to a person, the people descended from him (the Ionians or Greeks), and their territory. It is also used to identify a place in Arabia. Appearing **11 times** across **11 unique verses**, this term is significant in establishing post-flood lineage and in Old Testament prophecy concerning world empires.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H3120}}` is first introduced in the Table of Nations. Javan is listed as one of the **sons** `{{H1121}}` of **Japheth** `{{H3315}}` ([[Genesis 10:2]]; [[1 Chronicles 1:5]]). His own **sons** `{{H1121}}`, in turn, are named as **Elishah** `{{H473}}`, **Tarshish** `{{H8659}}`, **Kittim** `{{H3794}}`, and **Dodanim** `{{H1721}}` [[Genesis 10:4]]. The name evolves from a person to a nation, identified prophetically as Grecia or Greece. Daniel foretells the rise of the **king** `{{H4428}}` of Grecia [[Daniel 8:21]] and the coming of the **prince** `{{H8269}}` of Grecia [[Daniel 10:20]]. Ezekiel portrays Javan as a prominent trading partner with Tyre, dealing in the **persons** `{{H5315}}` of **men** `{{H120}}` and **vessels** `{{H3627}}` of **brass** `{{H5178}}` [[Ezekiel 27:13]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the identity and role of Javan:
* `{{H3315}}` **Yepheth** (Japheth): As Javan's father, Japheth is the progenitor from whom this line of nations descends, establishing a key branch in the lineage of Noah's **sons** `{{H1121}}` [[Genesis 10:2]].
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (son): This word is essential for tracing the genealogical line from Japheth to Javan, and from Javan to the peoples that came from him, illustrating the building of a family name and nation [[Genesis 10:4]].
* `{{H1471}}` **gôwy** (nation): Javan represents a significant foreign **nation** or Gentile power in the biblical worldview, particularly in prophetic contexts concerning the future of Israel and the world [[Isaiah 66:19]].
* `{{H7402}}` **râkal** (merchant): This term defines Javan's role in international commerce, highlighting its economic connections as a **merchant** who traveled for trading with other powerful city-states [[Ezekiel 27:13]].
* `{{H4428}}` **melek** (king): The prophecies in Daniel identify Javan (Grecia) as a powerful kingdom, referring specifically to its **king** `{{H4428}}` as a central figure in future world events [[Daniel 8:21]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H3120}}` is demonstrated in its various scriptural roles.
* **Sovereignty over Nations:** Javan's placement in the genealogy of Genesis 10 underscores God's authority over the establishment and spread of all peoples, not just the Israelites.
* **Prophetic Foreknowledge:** The detailed prophecies about the kingdom of Grecia in Daniel highlight God's omniscience and control over the rise and fall of world empires, showing that history unfolds according to His declared purpose [[Daniel 11:2]].
* **Worldly Opposition:** In Zechariah, God depicts a future conflict where He will raise up the **sons** `{{H1121}}` of Zion against the **sons** `{{H1121}}` of **Greece** `{{H3120}}`, portraying Javan as a force of opposition to God's people [[Zechariah 9:13]].
* **Scope of Redemption:** Despite its status as a distant Gentile power, Javan is included in the list of **nations** `{{H1471}}` that will have God's **glory** `{{H3519}}` declared to them, pointing to the ultimate, worldwide reach of God's fame [[Isaiah 66:19]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3120}}` **Yâvân** develops from a personal name in the lineage of Japheth into the designation for the Greek nation and empire. It serves as a key marker in biblical history, economics, and prophecy. From its origins in Genesis to its role as a formidable world power in Daniel and Zechariah, Javan illustrates the biblical theme of God's sovereignty over all nations, using them to fulfill His prophetic plans while also extending the promise of His glory to the furthest **isles** `{{H339}}`.