### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Têymânîy**, represented by `{{H8489}}`, is a patronymic identifier for a **Temanite** or a descendant of Teman. It appears **8 times** across **8 unique verses** in the Bible. The term is used to denote a person's origin or lineage, connecting them to a specific place or ancestor.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H8489}}` is most prominently used to identify Eliphaz, one of the three **friends** `{{H7453}}` who came to comfort Job `{{H347}}`. Eliphaz the **Temanite** `{{H8489}}` is the first friend to **answer** `{{H6030}}` and speak to Job about his suffering ([[Job 4:1]], [[Job 15:1]], [[Job 22:1]]). The designation is repeated when the LORD `{{H3068}}` rebukes Eliphaz for not having spoken rightly [[Job 42:7]]. The term also appears in a genealogical context, identifying the "land of **Temani**" `{{H8489}}` as the origin of a king named Husham who **reigned** `{{H4427}}` after Jobab ([[Genesis 36:34]], [[1 Chronicles 1:45]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the people and actions associated with the Temanites:
* `{{H464}}` **Eliphaz**: This is the name of the man consistently identified as the **Temanite**. He is one of Job's three **friends** `{{H7453}}` who came to mourn with and comfort him [[Job 2:11]].
* `{{H7453}}` **rêaʻ** (friend): This word describes the relationship of Eliphaz the **Temanite** and his companions to Job. They made an appointment together to show sympathy, but their counsel would later be rebuked by God ([[Job 2:11]], [[Job 42:7]]).
* `{{H1696}}` **dâbar** (to speak): This verb is central to the role of the **Temanite** in Job's story. The LORD's `{{H3068}}` anger was kindled against Eliphaz because he had not **spoken** of God what was right, as his servant Job had [[Job 42:7]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H8489}}` is tied almost entirely to the narrative of Job.
* **Voice of Human Wisdom:** As "Eliphaz the **Temanite**," he represents a source of established, traditional wisdom. He is the first to speak, setting the stage for the human attempt to explain divine justice, an attempt that ultimately fails [[Job 4:1]].
* **Target of Divine Correction:** The LORD `{{H3068}}` specifically addresses "Eliphaz the **Temanite**" when delivering His rebuke, making his identity a focal point. God's **wrath** `{{H639}}` is **kindled** `{{H2734}}` against him, demonstrating that no status or origin can justify misrepresenting God's character [[Job 42:7]].
* **Link to Earthly Authority:** The connection of **Temani** to a land with a king in Genesis and 1 Chronicles suggests a place of worldly standing, which adds a layer to Eliphaz's character as a man of some stature ([[Genesis 36:34]], [[1 Chronicles 1:45]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8489}}` **Têymânîy** functions as a specific identifier that grounds a key figure within the biblical narrative. While it appears in royal genealogies, its primary importance comes from its association with Eliphaz. The repeated use of "the **Temanite**" marks him as a central character in the profound theological debate within the book of Job, representing the limits of human wisdom in the face of divine sovereignty.
TRV