Bible Dictionary
Alvan
Alvan was a Horite descendant of Seir and son of Shobal. He is called Alian in 1 Chronicles, with related forms appearing elsewhere.
Definition
Alvan was a Horite descendant of Seir and son of Shobal. The corresponding name in Chronicles is Alian, while related genealogical forms include Alvah and Aliah.
Biblical Usage
Alvan appears in the genealogy of the Horites, who are associated with the land of Edom and the descendants of Seir.
Historical Background
The name is explained as meaning “tall” and appears in variant forms across Genesis and Chronicles. The sources regard the variations as possibly related but preserve the distinct genealogical settings.
Scripture References
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(tall), a Horite, son of Shobal, (Genesis 36:23) written Alian in (1 Chronicles 1:40)
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>al'-van (`alwan, "tall"?): A son of Shobal, the Horite (Ge 36:23). In 1Ch 1:40 the name is written Alian, Septuagint Olam. It is probably the same as Alvah of Ge 36:23, which appears in 1Ch 1:51 as Aliah.</p>