Biblical References:
Alvah is mentioned in the genealogical records of the descendants of Esau, the brother of Jacob, in the Old Testament. Specifically, Alvah is listed as one of the chiefs of Edom. The reference to Alvah can be found in Genesis 36:40-43.

Scriptural Citation:
Genesis 36:40 : "These are the names of Esau’s chiefs, according to their families and regions, by their names: Chief Timna, Chief Alvah, Chief Jetheth..."

Historical and Cultural Context:
Alvah is identified as one of the chiefs of Edom, a region and people descended from Esau, who was also known as Edom. The Edomites were closely related to the Israelites, as both nations descended from Isaac, the son of Abraham. The genealogical records in Genesis 36 provide insight into the early tribal organization and leadership structure of the Edomites. The chiefs, or "dukes" as rendered in some translations, were leaders of clans or tribes within the Edomite nation.

Etymology and Meaning:
The name Alvah is of uncertain etymology, but it is often thought to mean "exalted" or "high." This meaning is consistent with the status of a chief or leader, suggesting a position of prominence and authority within the tribal hierarchy.

Theological Significance:
From a theological perspective, the mention of Alvah and other Edomite chiefs underscores the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that he would be the father of many nations (Genesis 17:4). The Edomites, as descendants of Esau, represent one of these nations. The genealogies in Genesis serve to trace the lineage and relationships between the peoples of the ancient Near East, highlighting the interconnectedness of the biblical narrative.

Role in Edomite Society:
As a chief, Alvah would have held significant influence and responsibility within Edomite society. The role of a chief included leadership in both civil and military matters, as well as the administration of justice and the maintenance of tribal traditions and religious practices. The chiefs were instrumental in the governance and organization of the Edomite people, contributing to their identity and cohesion as a nation.

Relation to Israel:
The relationship between the Edomites and the Israelites was complex, marked by both kinship and conflict. While they shared a common ancestry, tensions often arose due to territorial disputes and differing allegiances. The biblical narrative records several instances of conflict between the two nations, yet also moments of cooperation and mutual recognition of their shared heritage.

Conclusion:
The mention of Alvah in the genealogical records of Genesis serves as a reminder of the broader narrative of God's dealings with the nations surrounding Israel. It highlights the fulfillment of divine promises and the intricate tapestry of relationships that form the backdrop of the biblical account.Alvah

his rising up; his highness

Alvah

(evil), a duke of Edom, (Genesis 36:40) written ALIAH in (1 Chronicles 1:51)

ALVAH

al'-va (`alwah): A chief (the King James Version duke) of Edom (Genesis 36:40), called "Aliah" in 1 Chronicles 1:51. Probably the same as Alvan, or Ahan, son of Shobal son of Seir (Genesis 36:23 1 Chronicles 1:40).

5933. Alvah -- an Edomite
Alvah or Alyah. 5932, 5933. Alvah or Alyah. 5934 . an Edomite. Transliteration:
Alvah or Alyah Phonetic Spelling: (al-vaw') Short Definition: Aliah. ...
/hebrew/5933.htm - 6k

5932. alvah -- iniquity
... 5931, 5932. alvah. 5933 . iniquity. Transliteration: alvah Phonetic Spelling:
(al-vaw') Short Definition: iniquity. ... see HEBREW evel. 5931, 5932. alvah. 5933 ...
/hebrew/5932.htm - 5k

Chapter xxxvi
... following are the names of the chiefs of Esau by clans according to their place
of residence, name by name: the chief of Timna, the chief of Alvah, the chief ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxvi.htm

Appendix
... Illustrated Documents. Providence, 1867. Hovey, Alvah. A Memoir of the Life and
Times of the Reverend Isaac Backus, AM Boston, 1858. Newman ...
/.../greene/the development of religious liberty in connecticut/appendix.htm

Alvah (2 Occurrences)
...ALVAH. al'-va (`alwah): A chief (the King James Version duke) of Edom (Genesis
36:40), called "Aliah" in 1 Chronicles 1:51. ...Alvah (2 Occurrences). ...
/a/alvah.htm - 7k

Alvan (2 Occurrences)
... It is probably the same as Alvah of Genesis 36:23, which appears in 1 Chronicles
1:51 as Aliah. Multi-Version Concordance Alvan (2 Occurrences). ...
/a/alvan.htm - 7k

Jetheth (2 Occurrences)
... are the names of the chiefs who came from Esau, according to their families, after
their places, and by their names: chief Timna, chief Alvah, chief Jetheth ...
/j/jetheth.htm - 7k

Localities (1 Occurrence)
... are the names of the chiefs who came from Esau, according to their families, after
their places, and by their names: chief Timna, chief Alvah, chief Jetheth ...
/l/localities.htm - 6k

Families (272 Occurrences)
... are the names of the chiefs who came from Esau, according to their families, after
their places, and by their names: chief Timna, chief Alvah, chief Jetheth ...
/f/families.htm - 38k

Timnah (12 Occurrences)
... And these are the names of the dukes that came of Esau, according to their families,
after their places, by their names; duke Timnah, duke Alvah, duke Jetheth ...
/t/timnah.htm - 13k

Timna (6 Occurrences)
... are the names of the chiefs who came from Esau, according to their families, after
their places, and by their names: chief Timna, chief Alvah, chief Jetheth ...
/t/timna.htm - 9k

Regions (22 Occurrences)
... are the names of the chiefs who came from Esau, according to their families, after
their places, and by their names: chief Timna, chief Alvah, chief Jetheth ...
/r/regions.htm - 12k

Duke (14 Occurrences)
... And these are the names of the dukes that came of Esau, according to their families,
after their places, by their names; duke Timnah, duke Alvah, duke Jetheth ...
/d/duke.htm - 13k

Dukes (14 Occurrences)
... And these are the names of the dukes that came of Esau, according to their families,
after their places, by their names; duke Timnah, duke Alvah, duke Jetheth ...
/d/dukes.htm - 10k

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