### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Yaʻlâm**, represented by `{{H3281}}`, is a proper name defined as **occult; Jalam, an Edomite; Jalam**. It appears **4 times** across **4 unique verses**. The name is used exclusively within genealogical lists to identify a specific descendant of Esau, contributing to the record of the Edomite people.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H3281}}` is consistently found in the context of Esau's lineage. **Jaalam** is identified as one of the **sons** of **Esau** [[1 Chronicles 1:35]]. His mother is specified as **Aholibamah**, one of Esau's wives, who also bore his brothers **Jeush** and **Korah** [[Genesis 36:14]]. These sons were born in the land of Canaan [[Genesis 36:5]]. The name also appears in a list of Edomite leaders, where **Jaalam** is designated as a "duke," signifying his role as the head of a clan descended from Aholibamah [[Genesis 36:18]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help to establish the genealogical context of **Jaalam**:
* `{{H6215}}` **ʻÊsâv** (rough (i.e. sensibly felt); Esav, a son of Isaac, including his posterity; Esau): As the father of Jaalam, Esau is the progenitor of the Edomite line to which Jaalam belongs [[1 Chronicles 1:35]].
* `{{H173}}` **ʼOhŏlîybâmâh** (tent of (the) height; Oholibamah, a wife of Esau; Aholibamah): She is identified as the mother of Jaalam, Jeush, and Korah, establishing a specific maternal branch of Esau's family [[Genesis 36:14]].
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (a son (as a builder of the family name)): This word is essential to Jaalam's identity, as he is always referred to as one of the **sons** of Esau [[Genesis 36:5]].
* `{{H3266}}` **Yᵉʻûwsh** (hasty; Jeush, the name of an Edomite and of four Israelites; Jehush, Jeush): One of Jaalam's brothers, listed alongside him as a son of Esau and a duke of Edom [[Genesis 36:18]].
* `{{H7141}}` **Qôrach** (ice; Korach, the name of two Edomites and three Israelites; Korah): The third brother born to Esau and Aholibamah, completing the trio of dukes from this line [[Genesis 36:18]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H3281}}` is primarily genealogical and historical rather than theological.
* **Lineage of Esau:** Jaalam's name serves to document the descendants of Esau, providing a detailed record of the families that formed the nation of Edom. This is evident in the comprehensive lists of Genesis 36.
* **Edomite Leadership:** His designation as "duke Jaalam" is crucial, as it identifies him as a chieftain or leader of a specific clan within the Edomite social structure [[Genesis 36:18]].
* **Historical Record:** The inclusion of Jaalam, his mother, and his brothers contributes to the meticulous preservation of family lines, a practice central to the historical accounts in Genesis and 1 Chronicles.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3281}}` functions as a precise genealogical marker. It identifies **Jaalam**, an Edomite leader and son of **Esau** and **Aholibamah**. While the name itself is rare, its presence is vital for constructing the family tree of Esau and understanding the origins of the clans and dukes who populated the land of Edom. Its importance lies not in narrative action but in its contribution to the detailed historical and ancestral records of the Old Testament.
TRV