לוֹטָן (lo.tan)
lo.tan
Lotan
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
Lotan appears in five verses of the Hebrew Bible, primarily within the genealogical records of Genesis 36 and I Chronicles 1. He is identified as the eldest son of Seir the Horite and a brother to figures such as Shobal, Zibeon, and Timna. These lists serve to map the tribal structure of Edom before the rise of Israelite monarchy.
Lexical sources suggest the name means "covering," though this etymology is not universally confirmed in modern scholarship. The text does not describe Lotan’s actions or character; he functions strictly as a link in a family line, marking his father’s descendants and his own son Horam. His presence underscores the detailed preservation of ancestral heritage in these biblical texts.
As a proper noun, Lotan carries no theological instruction or moral lesson. He is a historical marker within the narrative of Edomite kinship. The repetition of his name across different books highlights the consistency of these genealogical traditions, ensuring that the lineage of Seir remains documented for readers interested in the regional history of the ancient Near East.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Reading through the long lists of names in Genesis and Chronicles can feel like wading through dry riverbeds. We often scan these pages looking for dramatic stories or clear moral instructions, only to find simple genealogies. Yet, these records serve a vital purpose: they preserve the identity of families and tribes that shaped the ancient world. Lotan appears here not as a hero with a sermon, but as a father and a brother in a specific lineage.
For the modern reader, this highlights how God values history and continuity. The Bible does not skip over the ordinary details of family life. By recording names like Lotan, Shobal, and Zibeon, the text affirms that every person has a place in the broader story of God’s people and their neighbors. It reminds us that our own roots matter, even when they seem mundane.
This attention to detail shows that Scripture is committed to truth in all its forms. Whether it is a king’s decree or a tribal chief’s name, the biblical writers cared enough to write it down. We can find comfort in knowing that God remembers His people, one name at a time, weaving them into a lasting legacy.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Lotan7×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לוֹטָ֖ן4×
- לוֹטָ֥ן2×
- לוֹטָן֙1×
Key Verses
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Genesis 36:20
These are the sons of Seir the Horite, the inhabitants of the land: Lotan, Shobal, Zibeon, Anah,
This verse introduces Lotan as the first son of Seir, establishing him as the primary ancestor of his branch within the Horite clan.
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Genesis 36:22
The children of Lotan were Hori and Heman. Lotan’s sister was Timna.
Here the text identifies Lotan’s children and sister, showing how the family unit was recorded to preserve kinship ties across generations.
-
I Chronicles 1:39
The sons of Lotan: Hori and Homam; and Timna was Lotan’s sister.
The parallel account in Chronicles confirms the consistency of this lineage, reinforcing the historical reliability of the tribal records.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Lotan in the Bible?
Why is Lotan included in the Bible if he has no story?
What does the name Lotan mean?
Every Occurrence (5 verses across 2 books)
Genesis 3 verses
These are the sons of Seir the Horite, the inhabitants of the land: Lotan, Shobal, Zibeon, Anah,
Genesis 36:22The children of Lotan were Hori and Heman. Lotan’s sister was Timna.
Genesis 36:29These are the chiefs who came of the Horites: chief Lotan, chief Shobal, chief Zibeon, chief Anah,