### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Têymân**, represented by `{{H8487}}`, refers to a descendant of Esau, the region he inhabited, and the concept of "south." It appears **11 times** in **11 unique verses** and is primarily associated with the Edomites. The term carries a dual significance, representing both a specific lineage and a geographical territory known for its wisdom and subsequent divine judgment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical genealogies, **Têymân** is identified as a son of Eliphaz, who was the firstborn son of Esau ([[Genesis 36:11]]; [[1 Chronicles 1:36]]). He is also listed as a "duke" among the descendants of Esau, signifying a position of leadership within the Edomite clans ([[Genesis 36:15]]; [[Genesis 36:42]]). Geographically, **Têymân** is a prominent region within the land of Edom. Prophetic books often single it out when delivering oracles against Edom. For instance, God declares he will make Edom desolate from **Têymân** [[Ezekiel 25:13]] and send a fire upon it [[Amos 1:12]]. In a different context, it marks a location of divine revelation, as "God came from **Têymân**" [[Habakkuk 3:3]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context and significance of **Têymân**:
* `{{H6215}}` **ʻÊsâv** (Esau, a son of Isaac, including his posterity): **Têymân** is directly descended from Esau, the brother of Jacob [[Genesis 36:15]]. The "mount of Esau" is mentioned in prophecies against Teman [[Obadiah 1:9]].
* `{{H123}}` **ʼĔdôm** (Edom, the region occupied by him): This is the nation and territory to which **Têymân** belongs. Prophecies concerning Edom frequently mention **Têymân** by name, establishing their inseparable link ([[Jeremiah 49:7]]; [[Ezekiel 25:13]]).
* `{{H2451}}` **chokmâh** (wisdom): **Têymân** was apparently renowned for its wisdom. The prophet Jeremiah asks rhetorically, "Is **wisdom** no more in Teman?" [[Jeremiah 49:7]], tying the region's identity to this quality.
* `{{H1368}}` **gibbôwr** (powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant): The "mighty" men of **Têymân** are prophesied to be dismayed as part of God's judgment against the descendants of Esau [[Obadiah 1:9]].
### Theological Significance
The prophetic weight of `{{H8487}}` is significant, highlighting themes of judgment and divine presence.
* **Fallen Wisdom and Counsel:** Teman serves as a symbol of human wisdom that fails in the face of God's judgment. Prophecy declares that its **wisdom** `{{H2451}}` has **vanished** `{{H5628}}` and its **counsel** `{{H6098}}` has **perished** `{{H6}}` [[Jeremiah 49:7]].
* **Representative Judgment:** As a key region of Edom, the judgment pronounced upon **Têymân** represents the fate of the entire nation. The prophecy that its mighty men will be **dismayed** `{{H2865}}` and **cut off** `{{H3772}}` by **slaughter** `{{H6993}}` illustrates the totality of this destruction [[Obadiah 1:9]].
* **A Locus of Theophany:** In contrast to the oracles of judgment, Habakkuk uses **Têymân** as the starting point for a glorious vision of God's power. The declaration that "God came from **Têymân**" [[Habakkuk 3:3]] associates the region with a powerful manifestation of the Holy One.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8487}}` encapsulates more than just a name or a direction. It identifies a specific Edomite duke and his territory, a place once known for its wisdom. In scripture, it functions primarily within prophetic contexts, serving as a key representative of Edom, a nation facing divine judgment for its pride. Simultaneously, it is used to mark a point of divine revelation, demonstrating how a single place can be associated with both God's holy presence and His righteous judgment.
TRV