from the same as צֶבַע; variegated; Tsibon, an Idumaean; Zibeon.
Transliteration:Tsibʻôwn
Pronunciation:tsib-one'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term צִבְעוֹן (Tsibʻôwn, `{{H6649}}`) is primarily a proper noun, functioning as a personal name in the biblical text. Its etymological root is closely linked to צֶבַע (tsebhaʻ, `{{H6648}}`), which signifies "color," "dye," or "variegated." Thus, the name Tsibʻôwn itself carries the semantic implication of "variegated" or "colorful," perhaps suggesting a person of diverse character, appearance, or even one associated with dyed goods. In the ancient Near East, names often bore significant meaning, reflecting circumstances of birth, aspirations, or perceived characteristics. While the direct application of "variegated" to the individual Zibeon is not explicitly stated in the text, the underlying etymology provides insight into the potential cultural understanding of the name.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Tsibʻôwn (Zibeon) appears exclusively in the genealogical records pertaining to the Edomites, specifically within the book of Genesis and 1 Chronicles. His occurrences are as follows:
* [[Genesis 36:2]]: Zibeon is identified as the father of Anah, who in turn is the father of Aholibamah, one of Esau's wives. This establishes Zibeon as a key figure in the lineage connecting the Horites to the Edomites through marriage.
* [[Genesis 36:20]]: He is listed as one of the "sons of Seir the Horite," indicating his tribal affiliation and descent from the indigenous inhabitants of Seir before the Edomite conquest. This verse explicitly names his sons as Aiah and Anah.
* [[Genesis 36:24]]: This verse presents a peculiar note, stating that Anah, Zibeon's son, was the one who "found the hot springs in the wilderness, as he pastured the donkeys of Zibeon his father." This detail provides a rare glimpse into the daily life and activities of these ancient figures, suggesting pastoral pursuits and perhaps a notable discovery.
* [[Genesis 36:29]]: Zibeon is listed among the "chiefs of the Horites" who resided in the land of Seir, underscoring his status and leadership within his clan.
* [[1 Chronicles 1:38]]: This passage reiterates the lineage from Esau, listing Zibeon among the sons of Seir.
* [[1 Chronicles 1:40]]: Similar to Genesis, this verse names his sons as Aiah and Anah, affirming the genealogical consistency across the historical accounts.
Across these occurrences, Zibeon is consistently presented as a prominent Horite patriarch, whose lineage intermarried with the descendants of Esau, thereby contributing to the formation of the Edomite nation. His inclusion underscores the biblical narrative's meticulous attention to the origins of surrounding nations, even those outside the direct Abrahamic covenant.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is צֶבַע (tsebhaʻ, `{{H6648}}`), from which Tsibʻôwn derives its etymological meaning. This root is used elsewhere in the Old Testament to describe:
* **Colors/Dyes:** As seen in garments (e.g., "dyed stuff" in [[Ezekiel 23:15]]), indicating the process or result of coloring.
* **Variegated Objects:** Suggesting patterns or multi-colored aspects, as in the "variegated animals" of [[Jeremiah 12:9]].
This connection highlights the ancient practice of naming individuals with words that held descriptive or aspirational meanings, even if those meanings are not explicitly explored in the narrative concerning Zibeon.
Beyond the linguistic connection, Tsibʻôwn is intrinsically linked to:
* **The Horites:** The indigenous inhabitants of Mount Seir, whose chiefs are listed in Genesis 36. Zibeon's status as a Horite chief is significant for understanding the pre-Edomite social and political landscape of the region.
* **The Edomites:** Through the marriage of his granddaughter Aholibamah to Esau, Zibeon's lineage becomes intertwined with the descendants of Esau, contributing to the complex ethnic tapestry of Edom.
* **Biblical Genealogies:** His presence emphasizes the importance of genealogical records in the biblical text, which serve not only to trace lineage but also to establish historical context, fulfill promises, and demonstrate the interconnectedness of peoples in God's broader plan.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Tsibʻôwn, as a proper noun within genealogical lists, is primarily indirect but nonetheless profound.
Firstly, his inclusion underscores the **meticulous and comprehensive nature of biblical history**. The divine author sees fit to record the lineages of nations beyond Israel, demonstrating that God's purview extends over all peoples. This affirms a universal scope to divine providence, even concerning those who would later become adversaries of Israel.
Secondly, Zibeon's role in the Horite-Edomite genealogies highlights the **fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham regarding his descendants becoming numerous nations** ([[Genesis 17:6]]). While Edom descends from Esau, the intermarriage with Horite clans like Zibeon's illustrates the practical outworking of nation-building in the ancient world, involving both direct lineage and tribal assimilation.
Thirdly, the very act of naming in ancient cultures, where names often carried meaning, reflects a **theological understanding of identity and destiny**. While "variegated" doesn't carry an explicit spiritual message for Zibeon, it speaks to a worldview where even names could subtly point to character or fate. The Bible's preservation of such names, even for non-Israelite figures, affirms the value of individual identity within the grand sweep of redemptive history.
Finally, the detailed account of Edomite origins, including figures like Zibeon, serves to **contextualize subsequent interactions between Israel and Edom**. It provides a foundational understanding of their kinship and shared geographical space, which would later be marked by both conflict and occasional cooperation.
### Summary
Tsibʻôwn (`{{H6649}}`) is a Hebrew proper noun, a personal name meaning "variegated" or "colorful," derived from צֶבַע (tsebhaʻ, `{{H6648}}`). In the biblical narrative, Zibeon is a prominent Horite chief in the land of Seir, whose lineage is crucial to the formation of the Edomite nation through the marriage of his granddaughter Aholibamah to Esau. His appearances are confined to the genealogical records in [[Genesis 36]] and [[1 Chronicles 1]], where he is listed among the sons of Seir and the chiefs of the Horites. The inclusion of Zibeon and his family in the biblical text underscores the comprehensive nature of divine historical record-keeping, the fulfillment of promises regarding the proliferation of nations, and the intricate web of relationships that shaped the ancient Near East, all under God's sovereign oversight.
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