### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻAlvâh**, represented by `{{H5933}}`, is the proper name of an Idumaean. It is also found with the spelling Aliah. The word appears **2 times** in **2 unique verses**, where it identifies an individual leader within the lineage of Edom.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H5933}}` appears exclusively in genealogical lists documenting the leadership of Edom. [[Genesis 36:40]] includes it in a list of "the names of the dukes that came of Esau," where the individual is named duke **Alvah**. A parallel list in [[1 Chronicles 1:51]] names the "dukes of Edom" following the death of a king named Hadad, and here the individual is called duke **Aliah**. In both accounts, this figure is part of the established leadership structure of the descendants of Esau.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context of **ʻAlvâh**:
* `{{H441}}` **ʼallûwph** (duke): This is the title given to Alvah in both of his appearances ([[Genesis 36:40]]; [[1 Chronicles 1:51]]). It signifies a chieftain, governor, or captain, establishing his role as a leader among the Edomites.
* `{{H6215}}` **ʻÊsâv** (Esau): The genealogy in Genesis explicitly states that these dukes, including Alvah, "came of **Esau**" [[Genesis 36:40]], identifying him as part of the posterity of Isaac's son.
* `{{H123}}` **ʼĔdôm** (Edom): The list in [[1 Chronicles 1:51]] identifies the leaders as "the dukes of **Edom**." This term refers to the region occupied by Esau's descendants, confirming the national and geographic identity of Alvah's sphere of influence.
* `{{H8034}}` **shêm** (name): The purpose of these lists is to record the **names** of these leaders [[Genesis 36:40]], preserving them as a "memorial of individuality."
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H5933}}` is primarily historical and genealogical.
* **Documenting Edomite Leadership:** The inclusion of ʻAlvâh as a duke `{{H441}}` is part of a detailed record of the governance of Edom. These lists chronicle the leaders who descended from Esau `{{H6215}}`.
* **Preservation of Lineage:** The name appears in lists organized "according to their families" `{{H4940}}` and "by their names" `{{H8034}}` [[Genesis 36:40]]. This demonstrates the scriptural importance of maintaining detailed genealogies, even for nations outside of Israel.
* **Scribal Consistency:** The appearance of the name in two different forms, Alvah in Genesis and Aliah in 1 Chronicles, illustrates how names could have variations in parallel historical accounts while referring to the same individual.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5933}}` is the proper name ʻAlvâh, or Aliah, identifying an Edomite duke. Its two appearances in scripture serve to chronicle the leadership structure within the descendants of Esau. While not a major figure, the record of Alvah's name is a key part of the biblical genealogies that document the history and organization of the nations surrounding Israel.
TRV