5902. Iram
Lexical Summary
Iram: Iram

Original Word: עִירָם
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Iyram
Pronunciation: ee-RAHM
Phonetic Spelling: (ee-rawm')
KJV: Iram
NASB: Iram
Word Origin: [from H5892 (עִיר עָר עָיַר - City)]

1. city-wise
2. Iram, an Idumaean

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
Iram

From iyr; city-wise; Iram, an Idumaean -- Iram.

see HEBREW iyr

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
from ir
Definition
an Edomite
NASB Translation
Iram (2).

Brown-Driver-Briggs
עִירָם proper name, masculine in Edom Genesis 36:43 = 1 Chronicles 1:54, Ζαφω(ε)ιν (A Gen Ηραμ).

עֵירֹם see עור

Topical Lexicon
Etymology and Name Significance

Iram (עִירָם) is generally understood to mean “firm,” “stout,” or “strong-town.” Although the Scriptures provide no explicit commentary on the name’s intent, the placement of Iram among the tribal chiefs of Edom suggests a title of stature and fortitude that befits leadership within a developing nation descended from Esau.

Biblical Occurrences

1. Genesis 36:43 – “Magdiel and Iram; these were the chiefs of Edom, according to their settlements in the land they possessed. This was Esau the father of the Edomites.”
2. 1 Chronicles 1:54 – “Magdiel, Iram. These were the chiefs of Edom.”

Historical Context

The two verses occur in parallel genealogical listings that trace the lineage of Esau, establishing the early political structure of Edom. Moses records the list in Genesis during Israel’s wilderness era, whereas the Chronicler rehearses the same facts for post-exilic Judah. Iram therefore stands as a witness to two distant generations: the original formation of Edomite leadership and the later re-affirmation of God’s historical dealings with Israel’s neighbors.

As a chief, Iram would have exercised authority in the trans-Jordanian region south of the Dead Sea. Edom’s chiefs (Hebrew: אַלּוּף, alluph) functioned as tribal chieftains who governed localized territories. Their enumeration in Scripture underscores God’s fulfillment of His word to Rebekah that “two nations are in your womb” (Genesis 25:23), a truth later elaborated by Paul when he speaks of God’s sovereign purposes in Romans 9:10-13.

Theological and Ministry Insights

1. Divine Faithfulness in Genealogies

Every named chief—­including Iram—­affirms that Yahweh’s promise to make Esau a nation (Genesis 36:1) was honored despite Esau’s secondary status in the Abrahamic line. That faithfulness strengthens confidence that God likewise preserves His covenant people and fulfills every aspect of His word.

2. Sovereignty and Human Choice

Edom often opposed Israel (Numbers 20:14-21; Obadiah 10-14), yet the listing of Iram alongside other chiefs reminds believers that God rules over all nations, shaping their destinies to serve His redemptive plan (Proverbs 21:1). Leaders rise and fall, but the Lord remains the ultimate Governor of history.

3. Warning Against Pride

Obadiah 3 indicts Edom’s pride: “The arrogance of your heart has deceived you.” Although Iram’s personal conduct is unrecorded, his nation’s later history serves as a caution to every leader. Authority apart from obedience invites judgment. Christian ministry can apply this principle by cultivating humility and intercession for governing officials (1 Timothy 2:1-4).

4. Inclusion of the “Other” in God’s Story

The chronicling of Iram among Israel’s records signals that God’s salvation narrative embraces even those outside the covenant line. The prophetic hope of Amos 9:12 foresees a day when the “remnant of Edom” shares in restored blessing—a promise ultimately realized in the gospel’s reach to “every tribe and tongue” (Revelation 7:9).

Lessons for Today

• Leadership is entrusted, not earned; like Iram, every steward will answer to God.
• Genealogies demonstrate the reliability of Scripture and validate its historical framework.
• Nations and their rulers fit within God’s overarching plan, encouraging believers to pray for civil authorities and trust divine providence.
• The presence of Edomite chiefs in the biblical record invites a missional outlook that anticipates the redemption of all peoples through Christ.

While Iram appears only twice, his brief mention anchors enduring truths: God keeps His promises, directs history, and calls His people to faithful witness among the nations.

Forms and Transliterations
עִירָ֑ם עירם ‘î·rām ‘îrām iRam
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Englishman's Concordance
Genesis 36:43
HEB: מַגְדִּיאֵ֖ל אַלּ֣וּף עִירָ֑ם אֵ֣לֶּה ׀ אַלּוּפֵ֣י
NAS: chief Iram. These
KJV: duke Iram: these [be] the dukes
INT: Magdiel chief Iram These are the chiefs

1 Chronicles 1:54
HEB: מַגְדִּיאֵ֖ל אַלּ֣וּף עִירָ֑ם אֵ֖לֶּה אַלּוּפֵ֥י
NAS: chief Iram. These
KJV: duke Iram. These [are] the dukes
INT: Magdiel chief Iram These the chiefs

2 Occurrences

Strong's Hebrew 5902
2 Occurrences


‘î·rām — 2 Occ.

5901
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