Bible Dictionary
Zaavan
Zaavan was a Horite descendant of Seir and one of the chiefs of Edom. He is also called Zavan in 1 Chronicles 1:42.
Definition
Zaavan was a Horite descendant of Seir and one of the chiefs of Edom. The name is also written Zavan in 1 Chronicles. Its meaning is uncertain in the supplied material, though one proposed connection associates it with trembling or fear.
Biblical Usage
Zaavan appears in the genealogical lists of Genesis and 1 Chronicles as a descendant of Seir and a chief associated with Edom.
Historical Background
The form Zavan occurs in 1 Chronicles in the King James Version. A related textual form is found in Lucian and the Samaritan tradition, but the source does not establish a certain meaning for the name.
Scripture References
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Terror, one of the “dukes of Edom” (Gen. 36:27); called also Zavan (1 Chr. 1:42).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>za'-a-van (za`-awan, meaning unknown): A Horite descendant of Seir (Ge 36:27; 1Ch 1:42). In 1 Chronicles, Lucian has Zauan = Samaritan z-w-`-n i.e. Zaw`an, from a root meaning "to tremble," "fear" (see ..., BDB). King James Version has "Zavan" in 1 Chronicles.</p>