צִבְעוֹן (tsiv.on)
tsiv.on
Zibeon
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Zibeon appears seven times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily in Genesis and Chronicles. Lexical sources identify it as meaning "colored" or "dyed," though its exact etymology remains a subject of scholarly discussion. The word functions as a proper noun for a specific individual within the genealogies of Esau.
Zibeon is identified as a son of Seir the Horite and the father of Anah. This family line is significant because Anah’s daughter, Aholibamah, married Esau, linking the Horite clans of Edom with the descendants of Jacob’s brother. The texts list him in contexts that map out the tribal settlements and relationships in the region before the rise of Israel.
While the name itself suggests a descriptive origin, its biblical role is structural rather than narrative. It serves to anchor Esau’s lineage within the broader social fabric of the ancient Near East, showing how intermarriage connected different groups. The repetition of his name across different genealogical records emphasizes the importance of maintaining these family connections in the historical tradition.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Names in biblical genealogies often feel like mere footnotes, yet they anchor our faith in real history. Zibeon appears in these lists to show that God’s plan unfolds through actual families and social connections. His inclusion reminds us that the lineage of Esau was not isolated but intertwined with neighboring groups like the Horites.
This interweaving highlights a broader truth: God works through complex human relationships. The marriage linking Zibeon’s family to Esau demonstrates how different clans connected, shaping the tribal landscape of Edom. For believers today, these records affirm that every person and family has a place in the unfolding story of redemption.
When we read these names, we see God’s faithfulness in preserving history. The detailed records assure us that no life is overlooked in His grand design. This continuity invites trust in the reliability of Scripture and the care God takes with every generation.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Zibeon5×
- and/ Zibeon2×
- of/ Zibeon1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- צִבְע֖וֹן5×
- לְ/צִבְע֥וֹן1×
- וְ/צִבְע֥וֹן1×
- וְ/צִבְע֣וֹן1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 36:2
Esau took his wives from the daughters of Canaan: Adah the daughter of Elon, the Hittite; and Oholibamah the daughter of Anah, the daughter of Zibeon, the Hivite;
This verse identifies Zibeon as the grandfather of Oholibamah, showing how his family line directly connected to Esau through marriage.
-
Genesis 36:20
These are the sons of Seir the Horite, the inhabitants of the land: Lotan, Shobal, Zibeon, Anah,
Here Zibeon is listed among the sons of Seir, establishing his place within the Horite clan structure in the land of Edom.
-
I Chronicles 1:40
The sons of Shobal: Alian, Manahath, Ebal, Shephi, and Onam. The sons of Zibeon: Aiah and Anah.
The Chronicler repeats Zibeon’s name to confirm the continuity of this family line in later historical records.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Zibeon in the Bible?
Why does Zibeon appear so many times?
What is the meaning of the name Zibeon?
Every Occurrence (7 verses across 2 books)
Genesis 5 verses
Esau took his wives from the daughters of Canaan: Adah the daughter of Elon, the Hittite; and Oholibamah the daughter…
Genesis 36:14These were the sons of Oholibamah, the daughter of Anah, the daughter of Zibeon, Esau’s wife: she bore to Esau Jeush,…
Genesis 36:20These are the sons of Seir the Horite, the inhabitants of the land: Lotan, Shobal, Zibeon, Anah,
Genesis 36:24These are the children of Zibeon: Aiah and Anah. This is Anah who found the hot springs in the wilderness, as he fed…
Genesis 36:29These are the chiefs who came of the Horites: chief Lotan, chief Shobal, chief Zibeon, chief Anah,