Jump to: Hitchcock's • Smith's • ISBE • Easton's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Etymology and Meaning The name "Aran" is of Hebrew origin, meaning "wild goat" or "mountain goat." This name reflects the ancient Near Eastern practice of naming individuals after animals, which often symbolized certain characteristics or traits. Biblical References Aran is mentioned in the genealogical records of the Old Testament. He is identified as a descendant of Seir the Horite, a people who inhabited the land of Edom before the descendants of Esau. The specific reference to Aran can be found in the Book of Genesis: · Genesis 36:28 : "These are the sons of Dishan: Uz and Aran." This verse places Aran within the lineage of the Horites, a group that played a significant role in the early history of Edom. The Horites were known for their integration into the Edomite culture, and their genealogies are preserved in the biblical text to highlight the complex relationships between the various tribes and peoples of the region. Historical and Cultural Context The Horites, to whom Aran belonged, were a group of people who lived in the hill country of Seir, which later became part of the territory of Edom. The Horites are often associated with the cave dwellers of the region, as the name "Horite" is thought to be derived from a term meaning "cave dweller." This association with caves and mountainous regions aligns with the meaning of Aran's name, "wild goat," an animal well-suited to rugged terrain. The genealogies in Genesis 36 serve to document the integration and eventual assimilation of the Horites into the Edomite nation. This integration is significant in understanding the broader narrative of the descendants of Esau and their interactions with neighboring peoples. Theological Significance While Aran himself is not a prominent figure in biblical narratives, his inclusion in the genealogical records underscores the importance of lineage and heritage in the biblical worldview. The genealogies in Genesis are not merely historical records; they serve a theological purpose by tracing the fulfillment of God's promises through various family lines. In the case of Aran and the Horites, their mention highlights the diverse ancestry of the Edomites and the fulfillment of God's word concerning the descendants of Esau. The genealogical records also reflect the broader biblical theme of God's sovereignty over the nations. By including the lineages of various peoples, the Bible demonstrates that all nations and peoples are under God's providential care and are part of His redemptive plan for humanity. Conclusion Aran, though a minor figure in the biblical text, represents the intricate tapestry of relationships and lineages that form the backdrop of the biblical narrative. His mention in the genealogies of Genesis serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of the peoples of the ancient Near East and the unfolding of God's purposes through history. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary AranSmith's Bible Dictionary Aran(wild goat), a Horite, son of Dishan and brother of Uz. Genesis 36:28; 1Chr 1:42 Easton's Bible Dictionary Wild goat, a descendant of Seir the Horite (Genesis 36:28). International Standard Bible Encyclopedia ARANa'-ran ('aran, "wild goat"): A son of Dishan, the Horite (Genesis 36:28 1 Chronicles 1:42). It may possibly be connected with the Yerahmelite Oren ('-ren) (1 Chronicles 2:25; compare Curtis, Chron. at the place; Dillmann, Genesis at the place; ZDMG, L, 168); Robertson Smith claims that this name is equivalent to the Samaritan ('-r-n), "wild goat" (Jour. Phil., IX, 90). J. Jacobs translates it by "ass" (Stud. Biblical Arch., 71). This is one of the many totem names in the Bible. More than one-third of the Horites, the descendants of Seir, bear animal names, and those clans of the Edomites connected with the Horites also have animal names. The very name "Self" means a "he-goat," and Dishan, "a gazelle" (Stud. Biblical Arch., 70-72). Gray, however, remarks that "the instance (Aran) is most uncertain" (HPN, 108). Strong's Hebrew 765. Aran -- an Edomite... 764, 765. Aran. 766 . an Edomite. Transliteration: Aran Phonetic Spelling: (ar-awn') Short Definition: Aran. Word Origin of uncertain ... /hebrew/765.htm - 5k 766. oren -- fir, cedar 767. Oren -- "fir tree," a descendant of Judah 769. Arnon -- "a roaring stream," a wadi and stream in Moab 770. Arnan -- a descendant of David 771. Ornan -- a Jebusite Library Here Beginneth the Life of Isaac Chapter xxxvi Manuscripts of the Septuagint. Thesaurus Aran (2 Occurrences)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ARAN. a'-ran ('aran, "wild goat"): A son of Dishan, the Horite (Genesis 36:28 1 Chronicles 1:42). ...Aran (2 Occurrences). ... /a/aran.htm - 8k Na'aran (1 Occurrence) Naaran (1 Occurrence) Dishan (5 Occurrences) Uz (8 Occurrences) Za'avan (2 Occurrences) Zaavan (2 Occurrences) Zavan (1 Occurrence) Narath Naarath (1 Occurrence) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Aran (2 Occurrences)Genesis 36:28 1 Chronicles 1:42 Subtopics Related Terms |
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