עִירָם (i.ram)
i.ram
Iram
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Iram appears in only two verses of the Hebrew Bible, identifying a specific leader among the early Edomites. First mentioned in Genesis 36:43 and repeated in 1 Chronicles 1:54, he is listed among the kings who ruled in Edom before the establishment of the Israelite monarchy. The sources define him simply as a man living during the patriarchal period, marking him as part of the genealogical record of Esau’s descendants.
Etymologically, the name likely means "belonging to a city" or "urban," derived from the root for city (‘îr). This suggests a connection to settlement or civic identity, distinguishing him within the tribal structure of Edom. While the text provides no narrative details about his actions, his inclusion in these lists serves to document the political landscape of the region during ancient times.
Because the name is rare and confined to genealogical contexts, it does not carry broad theological symbolism in Scripture. Instead, it functions as a historical marker, preserving the memory of Edomite leadership alongside other figures like Bela and Jobab. Its brevity highlights the textual focus on lineage rather than individual biography for these early rulers.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Iram appears in the Bible as a brief historical marker within the genealogies of Esau. It identifies a leader among the early Edomites, distinct from the lineage of Israel but part of the broader human family created by God. His inclusion in Genesis and Chronicles reminds us that Scripture records the histories of all nations, not just the chosen people.
This record highlights God’s sovereignty over every tribe and kingdom. Even when a name is mentioned only once or twice, it preserves the memory of those who lived before the establishment of Israel’s monarchy. It shows that God’s plan unfolds through many peoples and leaders across time.
For your faith, this offers a quiet assurance: God knows every person, even those far removed from the central narrative of salvation history. His care extends to all humanity, and His purposes are not limited to one group. We can trust that He is working out His will in every corner of the earth.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Iram2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- עִירָ֑ם2×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 36:43
chief Magdiel, and chief Iram. These are the chiefs of Edom, according to their habitations in the land of their possession. This is Esau, the father of the Edomites.
This verse places Iram among the chiefs of Edom, showing his role in the political structure of Esau’s descendants before Israel had kings.