עַלְוָה (al.vah)
al.vah
Alvah
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 alvah refers to a specific individual listed in the genealogies of Genesis and Chronicles. It identifies one of the chiefs, or dukes, of Edom during the time of the patriarchs. The sources indicate this person is first mentioned in Genesis 36:40 and appears again in 1 Chronicles 1:51.
Lexical data suggests the name translates to "evil." This meaning stands out because it is unusual for a personal name in biblical genealogies, which often carry hopeful or descriptive significance. The occurrence of this name among Edomite leaders highlights the distinct lineage and history of Esau’s descendants as recorded in Scripture.
With only two occurrences in the Bible, alvah serves as a minor but concrete link in the historical records of ancient Israel’s neighbors. Its presence in these texts helps readers trace the family lines that shaped the region’s early political landscape.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we read through the genealogies in Genesis and Chronicles, names like Alvah can feel distant or obscure. Yet these records preserve the specific history of Esau’s descendants, showing that God keeps careful track of every lineage mentioned in Scripture. This name appears as one of the chiefs of Edom, grounding the biblical narrative in real historical structures.
For your faith, this reminds us that God’s plan unfolds through concrete people and nations, not just abstract ideas. Even names with difficult meanings are part of a larger story where God remains sovereign over all families. We can trust that He is working out His purposes through history, inviting us to rest in His faithful oversight.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Alvah2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- עַֽלְוָ֖ה2×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 36:40
These are the names of the chiefs who came from Esau, according to their families, after their places, and by their names: chief Timna, chief Alvah, chief Jetheth,
This verse lists Alvah as a chief among Esau's descendants, establishing his role in Edom's early political structure.
-
I Chronicles 1:51
Then Hadad died. The chiefs of Edom were: chief Timna, chief Aliah, chief Jetheth,
The chronicler repeats this list to confirm the historical continuity of Edomite leadership from the patriarchal period.