חֶמְדָּן (chem.dan)
chem.dan
Hemdan
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Ḥemdān identifies a specific individual in the genealogies of Esau, appearing only once in Scripture at Genesis 36:26. He is recorded as the eldest son of Dishon and a brother to Eshban, Ithran, and Cheran. As a member of this Edomite lineage, he serves as a link in the historical record that traces the descendants of Esau alongside those of Israel.
Lexical sources note that the name translates to "desire." This meaning connects him etymologically to another figure listed in the same chapter, Ḥamran (H2566), who is sometimes treated as a variant or alternate name. The repetition of this root within the family tree highlights how personal names in these ancient records often carried significant semantic weight, reflecting hopes or characteristics associated with the bearer.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Hemdan appears in the genealogies of Esau, specifically as the eldest son of Dishon. Its meaning, "desire," offers a quiet glimpse into how ancient families named their children with hopes or characteristics in mind. While this record is brief, it reminds us that every individual in Scripture’s long lineage has a place in God’s broader story.
For your faith, this detail highlights the care with which biblical authors preserved even minor figures. It encourages you to see value in every person, knowing that no life is too small to be recorded. This attention to detail reflects a God who knows each name and honors the continuity of generations.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Hemdan1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- חֶמְדָּ֥ן1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 36:26
These are the children of Dishon: Hemdan, Eshban, Ithran, and Cheran.
This verse lists Hemdan as the eldest son of Dishon, establishing his specific place in the Edomite lineage.