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יַעְלָם (ya.lam)

ya.lam

Jalam

H3281 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 4 verses

N:N-M-P

Quick Reference

Language
Biblical Hebrew
Testament
Old Testament
Occurrences
4 verses
Root
—
Part of speech
N:N-M-P

Word Overview

Yaʿlam is a proper name found in four biblical verses, primarily within the genealogies of Genesis and 1 Chronicles. It identifies a specific individual from Edom, listed as the son of Esau and Oholibamah. In these records, he appears alongside his brothers Jeush and Korah, establishing his place within the lineage of Esau’s descendants.

The name carries the meaning "concealed" or "hidden." This etymology offers a brief glimpse into how names were chosen for personal identity in ancient Israelite culture. As a descendant of Esau, Yaʿlam represents the complex family dynamics and tribal histories recorded in the early chapters of Scripture.

While he does not play an active narrative role in the biblical story, his inclusion in the genealogical lists serves to document the full scope of Edomite ancestry. These records preserve the historical connections between the nations of Israel and Edom, grounding the text in specific familial relationships rather than abstract concepts.

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. Jalam, whose name suggests something hidden or concealed, appears in the genealogies of Esau. Though he does not step into the spotlight of narrative action, his listing alongside his brothers Jeush and Korah confirms his place in a specific family line. This inclusion reminds us that God’s records are thorough, preserving even those whose stories remain quiet.

For believers today, this offers comfort. We are known by name to God, whether our lives unfold in public view or in private obscurity. The meticulous recording of Edomite lineage shows that every individual matters in the broader tapestry of biblical history. It invites us to trust that our own places in God’s story are secure, even when they are not immediately visible to others.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • Jalam3×
  • and/ Jalam1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • יַעְלָ֖ם3×
  • וְ/יַעְלָ֥ם1×

Key Verses

  • Genesis 36:5
    Oholibamah bore Jeush, Jalam, and Korah. These are the sons of Esau, who were born to him in the land of Canaan.

    This verse establishes Jalam as one of the sons born to Esau and Oholibamah in Canaan, grounding his identity in a specific time and place.

  • Genesis 36:18
    These are the sons of Oholibamah, Esau’s wife: chief Jeush, chief Jalam, chief Korah. These are the chiefs who came of Oholibamah the daughter of Anah, Esau’s wife.

    Here Jalam is titled 'chief,' indicating that even within Esau's lineage, individuals held positions of leadership and significance.

  • I Chronicles 1:35
    The sons of Esau: Eliphaz, Reuel, Jeush, Jalam, and Korah.

    The chronicler repeats this lineage centuries later, demonstrating the enduring importance of preserving ancestral records for Israel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Jalam in the Bible?

Jalam is a proper name found in four verses, primarily in Genesis 36 and 1 Chronicles 1. He is identified as one of the sons of Esau and Oholibamah, making him a grandson of Isaac and a descendant of Abraham.

What does the name Jalam mean?

The name Jalam (yaʿlam) is generally understood to mean 'concealed' or 'hidden.' This etymology reflects a common practice in ancient Israelite culture where names often described characteristics, circumstances of birth, or hoped-for traits.

Why is Jalam mentioned in the Bible?

Jalam appears in genealogical lists to document the lineage of Esau and the nation of Edom. His inclusion helps trace the family connections between Israel and its neighbors, showing that God keeps detailed records of all peoples.

Every Occurrence (4 verses across 2 books)

Genesis 3 verses
Genesis 36:5

Oholibamah bore Jeush, Jalam, and Korah. These are the sons of Esau, who were born to him in the land of Canaan.

Genesis 36:14

These were the sons of Oholibamah, the daughter of Anah, the daughter of Zibeon, Esau’s wife: she bore to Esau Jeush,…

Genesis 36:18

These are the sons of Oholibamah, Esau’s wife: chief Jeush, chief Jalam, chief Korah. These are the chiefs who came of…

I Chronicles 1 verse