אֶשְׁבָּן (esh.ban)
esh.ban
Eshban
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
Eshban is a proper name appearing in only two verses, Genesis 36:26 and 1 Chronicles 1:40. He is identified as a son of Dishon and a chief among the Edomites, placing him within the genealogical records of Esau’s descendants.
The name carries the meaning "fire of discernment." This etymology suggests a person marked by sharp insight or judgment, fitting for a tribal leader responsible for governing his people. The sources highlight his role as a significant figure in the lineage that established Edom’s social structure during the patriarchal era.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Names in Scripture often carry weight beyond simple identification. Eshban, meaning 'fire of discernment,' appears in the genealogies of Genesis and Chronicles as a son of Dishon and a chief among the Edomites. While he is not a central narrative figure, his inclusion reminds us that God records even the lesser-known members of His people's history.
This word points to the value of insight and judgment within leadership. For believers today, it suggests that discernment is a vital trait for those guiding others. Just as Eshban held a position of responsibility in his tribe, Christians are called to exercise wise judgment in their own communities and families.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Eshban2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/אֶשְׁבָּ֖ן2×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 36:26
These are the children of Dishon: Hemdan, Eshban, Ithran, and Cheran.
This verse establishes Eshban's place in the direct lineage of Esau, highlighting his role as a tribal chief during the patriarchal era.
-
I Chronicles 1:41
The son of Anah: Dishon. The sons of Dishon: Hamran, Eshban, Ithran, and Cheran.
The Chronicler repeats this name to confirm the continuity of Edomite leadership, showing that these records were carefully preserved for historical accuracy.