תֵּימָן (te.man)
te.man
Teman
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 10 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Teman identifies a specific figure in the biblical genealogies: a son of Eliphaz and grandson of Esau (Genesis 36:11, 15). As one of the tribal leaders, or dukes, of Edom, he is listed alongside brothers such as Omar, Zepho, and Amalek. This historical designation anchors the name in the lineage of Jacob’s brother, establishing a clear ethnic and familial identity for the people who would later bear his name.
Beyond its use as a proper noun, Teman carries significant geographical and cultural weight. The sources note that the term can mean "south," referring to the region east of Idumea occupied by Esau’s descendants. In prophetic literature, particularly Jeremiah 49:7 and Obadiah 1:9, this land is synonymous with wisdom. The people of Teman are portrayed as possessing deep insight, making their eventual loss of understanding a central theme in these texts.
The connection between the man, his tribe, and the southern region illustrates how biblical names often encapsulate broader historical realities. While Genesis records the family tree, the prophets use "Teman" to represent a whole community known for its intellectual stature. This dual usage allows readers to see both the specific ancestry of Edom and the wider reputation of its southern inhabitants.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Teman appears in Scripture as both a person and a place, grounding us in the reality that God knows individuals by name while also guiding nations through history. In Genesis, Teman is listed among the sons of Eliphaz, showing that every family line is recorded with care. This reminds us that our own lives, however small they may seem, are part of a larger story written by God.
Later, the prophets use Teman to represent a region known for its wisdom and understanding. When Jeremiah and Obadiah speak of this land, they highlight how human insight can fade if it is not rooted in the Lord. Habakkuk offers a different perspective, describing God Himself coming from Teman in glory. This shows that true wisdom and power do not come from human achievement but from God’s presence.
For your faith today, this word invites you to look beyond surface-level knowledge. It encourages you to seek understanding that endures, trusting that God is the source of all true insight. Whether you are navigating personal decisions or observing world events, remember that your hope rests in the One who comes in glory, not in the fleeting wisdom of the world.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 10 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Teman6×
- on/ Teman1×
- in/ Teman1×
- from/ Teman1×
- O Teman1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- תֵּימָ֖ן2×
- בְּ/תֵימָ֑ן2×
- תֵּימָן֙1×
- תֵּימָ֤ן1×
- תֵּימָ֣ן1×
- תֵּימָ֑ן1×
- תֵימָ֑ן1×
- מִ/תֵּימָ֣ן1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 36:11
The sons of Eliphaz were Teman, Omar, Zepho, and Gatam, and Kenaz.
This verse establishes Teman as a specific individual in Esau’s lineage, showing God’s attention to family records.
-
Jeremiah 49:7
Of Edom, Yahweh of Armies says: “Is wisdom no more in Teman? Has counsel perished from the prudent? Has their wisdom vanished?
Here the prophet questions whether the renowned wisdom of Teman has vanished, highlighting the limits of human insight without God.
-
Habakkuk 3:3
God came from Teman, the Holy One from Mount Paran. Selah. His glory covered the heavens, and his praise filled the earth.
This poetic description portrays God emerging from Teman in majestic glory, connecting the place with divine manifestation.