The Hebrew word Lôwṭân, represented by H3877, is the name of an Idumaean and means covering. It appears 7 times across 5 unique verses in the Bible, exclusively within genealogical listings that establish early lineages in the land of Seir.
In the biblical narrative, H3877 is presented as a key figure in the lineage of the Horites H2752. He is identified as one of the sons H1121 of Seir H8165, the original inhabitants H3427 of the land H776 (Genesis 36:20; 1 Chronicles 1:38). His status is further defined as a chieftain, or duke H441, among his people Genesis 36:29. The scriptures also record his immediate family, naming his children H1121 as Hori H2753 and Hemam H1967, and his sister H269 as Timna H8555 Genesis 36:22.
Several related words clarify the context of Lotan's identity and status:
- H2752 Chôrîy (Horite): Defined as a "cave-dweller or troglodyte," this term identifies the people group to which Lotan belonged, the aboriginal Idumaean inhabitants of Seir Genesis 36:20.
- H8165 Sêʻîyr (Seir): Meaning "rough," this is the name of Lotan's father and also the mountain region that the Horites inhabited Genesis 36:20.
- H441 ʼallûwph (duke): This word, meaning "chieftain," is used to describe Lotan's position of leadership among the Horite dukes who came from Seir Genesis 36:29.
- H1121 bên (son): As a "builder of the family name," this word is crucial for establishing Lotan's place as a direct descendant of Seir and the progenitor of his own lineage (Genesis 36:20, 1 Chronicles 1:39).
The genealogical placement of H3877 carries historical significance by documenting the leadership and succession of peoples in the land of Edom.
- Pre-Edomite Chieftainship: Lotan is listed as a duke H441 of the Horites H2752, establishing the leadership structure of the people who inhabited H3427 the land H776 of Seir H8165 before the children of Esau (Genesis 36:29; Deuteronomy 2:12).
- Genealogical Link: The family of Lotan provides a direct connection between the Horites and the subsequent Edomites. His sister H269, Timna H8555, became a concubine to Eliphaz, Esau's son H1121 Genesis 36:12.
- Territorial History: The record of Lotan as a son H1121 of Seir H8165 and a Horite H2752 duke H441 helps to map the lineage and governance within the land of Seir Genesis 36:21.
In summary, H3877 Lôwṭân is not just a personal name but a genealogical marker for an ancient Idumaean lineage. Scripture uses his identity as a son H1121 of Seir H8165 and a duke H441 of the Horites H2752 to chronicle the original inhabitants and rulers of the land of Seir. His family connections illustrate the historical context of the region and the people who lived there.
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