יוֹבָב (yo.vav)
yo.vav
Jobab
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 9 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Jobab, meaning "a desert" or "desolate place," appears in Scripture as a distinct marker for several unrelated individuals across different biblical eras. This repetition highlights how common geographical descriptors were as personal names, reflecting the harsh landscape of the ancient Near East.
In Genesis 10 and 1 Chronicles 1, Jobab is listed as the youngest son of Joktan, placing him among the descendants of Shem who settled in the Arabian peninsula. The same name identifies a king of Edom in Genesis 36 and 1 Chronicles 1, ruling after Bela before being succeeded by Hadad. This creates a parallel lineage separate from the patriarchal narratives.
Another figure named Jobab is recorded as the king of Madon, one of the northern Canaanite rulers defeated by Joshua at the waters of Meron (Joshua 12:19; 11:1). Finally, the name appears in genealogical records of Benjamin (1 Chronicles 8:4), showing its usage within Israel’s tribal structure. These varied references demonstrate how a single name can anchor different historical threads in the biblical text.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Jobab appears in Scripture as a marker for several distinct individuals across different eras and regions. In Genesis and Chronicles, it identifies descendants of Joktan who settled in the Arabian peninsula, as well as kings of Edom ruling after Bela. Another Jobab is recorded as a Canaanite king defeated by Joshua, while yet another appears in the genealogies of Benjamin. This repetition shows how geographical descriptors were common personal names, reflecting the landscape of the ancient Near East.
For your faith, these varied references remind us that God’s story weaves together many threads. Whether a son of Joktan, a king of Edom, or a member of Benjamin’s tribe, each Jobab plays a part in the broader narrative of Israel and the nations. The Bible does not shy away from listing names that might seem obscure to us today.
Understanding these connections helps us see the richness of biblical history. It invites us to appreciate how God works through diverse people and places. Each name anchors a specific moment in time, contributing to the witness of Scripture. We can trust that every detail in God’s word has purpose, even when it seems distant from our daily lives.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 9 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Jobab8×
- and/ Jobab1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יוֹבָ֑ב4×
- יוֹבָב֙2×
- יוֹבָ֥ב2×
- וְ/יוֹבָ֖ב1×
Key Verses
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Genesis 10:29
Ophir, Havilah, and Jobab. All these were the sons of Joktan.
This verse places Jobab among the sons of Joktan, linking him to the descendants of Shem who settled in the Arabian peninsula.
-
Genesis 36:33
Bela died, and Jobab, the son of Zerah of Bozrah, reigned in his place.
Here Jobab is identified as a king of Edom who succeeded Bela, highlighting a separate lineage from the patriarchal narratives.
-
Joshua 11:1
When Jabin king of Hazor heard of it, he sent to Jobab king of Madon, to the king of Shimron, to the king of Achshaph,
This occurrence records Jobab as a Canaanite king defeated by Joshua, showing his role in the northern campaigns of conquest.