Bible Dictionary
VEDAN
Vedan is a place-name in Ezekiel’s account of Tyre’s trade. Its reading and identification are uncertain; some interpreters have connected it with a location in Arabia, but the ancient text is difficult.
Definition
Vedan is an uncertain place-name occurring in Ezekiel’s description of Tyre’s trade. The text is difficult, and the reading Vedan itself is not certain; some readings use Dedan or understand the initial syllable as the conjunction and.
Biblical Usage
Vedan appears only in Ezekiel 27:19, where it is named with Javan among those trading with Tyre in exchange for its wares.
Historical Background
If Vedan is the correct reading, it may be identified with Waddan, also called al-Abwa, between Mecca and Medina. This identification remains conjectural.
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>ve'-dan (wedhan): A place-name occurring only in Eze 27:19, "Vedan and Javan traded with yarn for thy wares." the King James Version, taking the syllable we as the Hebrew conjunction, renders "and Da also." The text is in bad condition. Some read "Dedan," but Dedan is spoken of separately in the following verse. Assuming that Vedan is the correct reading, an identification may be conjectured with Waddan, also called al-`Abwa`, between Mecca and Medina. It was the object of Mohammed's first expedition (Ibn Hisham, 415). The name contains that of the god Wadd who was worshipped chiefly by the Arab tribe Kalb.</p><p>A. S. Fulton</p>