גַּעְתָּם (ga.tam)
ga.tam
Gatam
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The proper noun Gatam refers to a specific individual in the biblical record: a son of Eliphaz and grandson of Esau, making him an Edomite duke. The name appears only three times in Scripture, primarily within the genealogical lists of Genesis 36 and I Chronicles 1, where it serves to map the lineage of Esau’s descendants.
Etymologically, the name is interpreted as meaning "a burnt valley." This descriptive title likely reflects a geographical feature associated with the family or region. As one of several sons listed under Eliphaz, Gatam represents the structured expansion of Edomite clans during the patriarchal era, anchoring his identity firmly within a specific tribal hierarchy rather than in independent narrative action.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we read through long genealogies, it is easy to feel disconnected from the text. Names like Gatam can seem like mere footnotes in a family tree. Yet these lists remind us that God keeps careful account of every person. Even those mentioned only briefly are part of a larger story that stretches across generations.
In Genesis and Chronicles, Gatam appears as a son of Eliphaz and a grandson of Esau. His name points to a specific place or condition—a burnt valley—grounding his identity in the physical world. This shows us that our lives, with all their ordinary details, matter to God. He does not overlook anyone, no matter how small their role may seem.
These records invite us to trust in God’s faithfulness over time. Just as He preserved the lineage of Esau’s descendants, He knows and values each of us by name. We are part of a continuing story where every life has purpose and place in His plan.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Gatam2×
- Gatam1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/גַעְתָּ֖ם1×
- וְ/גַעְתָּ֔ם1×
- גַּעְתָּ֖ם1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 36:11
The sons of Eliphaz were Teman, Omar, Zepho, and Gatam, and Kenaz.
This verse lists Gatam among the sons of Eliphaz, establishing his direct lineage within the Edomite clan structure.
-
Genesis 36:16
chief Korah, chief Gatam, chief Amalek. These are the chiefs who came of Eliphaz in the land of Edom. These are the sons of Adah.
Here Gatam is identified as a chief, showing that he held a position of leadership and authority in Edom.
-
I Chronicles 1:36
The sons of Eliphaz: Teman, Omar, Zephi, Gatam, Kenaz, Timna, and Amalek.
This parallel account confirms Gatam’s place in the genealogy, reinforcing the historical reliability of his family line.