תִּמְנָע (tim.na)
tim.na
Timna
N:N-F-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-F-P
Word Overview
The name Timna appears six times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily within the genealogical records of Genesis and First Chronicles. It functions as both a personal name for a woman and a tribal designation for an Edomite leader. The sources identify her as the daughter of Seir the Horite and the concubine of Eliphaz, son of Esau. This dual usage reflects the ancient practice where family names often became titles for clans or districts.
Linguistically, Timna is interpreted to mean "restrained." While this etymology is noted in the lexicons, the text itself does not elaborate on a narrative reason for this label. Instead, the name serves as a marker of lineage, connecting the Edomites to the Horites and establishing the ancestry of Amalek. The repetition of the name across different chapters underscores its importance in mapping the tribal structure of Esau’s descendants.
The occurrence of Timna highlights the intermingling of families during the patriarchal period. Her marriage to Eliphaz illustrates the complex social bonds between Edom and Horite groups. By listing her among the chiefs and dukes, the biblical text emphasizes that these names represent established communities rather than isolated individuals. The consistent spelling across Genesis and Chronicles confirms the stability of these traditional records.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Timna appears in the genealogies of Genesis and First Chronicles, marking a woman who became a concubine to Eliphaz, the son of Esau. Her story is not one of dramatic action but of quiet inclusion in the family records. She bore Amalek, linking her lineage to a significant historical figure. This detail reminds us that God’s plan unfolds through ordinary families and seemingly minor connections.
Timna also appears as the sister of Lotan and as a tribal chief among the descendants of Esau. These references show how names in the Bible often represent entire communities or clans, not just individuals. Her presence highlights the complex social bonds between the Edomites and the Horites during the patriarchal period.
For your faith, this word invites you to see God’s hand in the hidden threads of history. Even those who are merely listed by name play a role in the broader narrative of Scripture. It encourages trust that every person and every generation is known and valued by God, contributing to the unfolding of His purposes.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Timna3×
- and/ Timna2×
- [was] Timna1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- תִּמְנָ֛ע2×
- תִּמְנָֽע\׃\ \ס1×
- תִּמְנָֽע\׃1×
- וְ/תִמְנָ֥ע1×
- וְ/תִמְנַ֣ע\׀1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 36:12
Timna was concubine to Eliphaz, Esau’s son; and she bore to Eliphaz Amalek. These are the descendants of Adah, Esau’s wife.
This verse identifies Timna as the mother of Amalek, establishing her crucial role in the lineage that leads to a major adversary of Israel.
-
Genesis 36:22
The children of Lotan were Hori and Heman. Lotan’s sister was Timna.
Here Timna is named as the sister of Lotan, showing her connection to the Horite families and illustrating the intermingling of clans in Edom.
-
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 occurrence lists Timna as a chief among Esau’s descendants, indicating that the name also functioned as a title for a tribal leader or district.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Timna in the Bible?
What does the name Timna mean?
Why is Timna mentioned in both Genesis and Chronicles?
Every Occurrence (6 verses across 2 books)
Genesis 3 verses
Timna was concubine to Eliphaz, Esau’s son; and she bore to Eliphaz Amalek. These are the descendants of Adah, Esau’s…
Genesis 36:22The children of Lotan were Hori and Heman. Lotan’s sister was Timna.
Genesis 36:40These are the names of the chiefs who came from Esau, according to their families, after their places, and by their…