Bible Dictionary
TIMNA
Timna is named as a concubine of Eliphaz, Esau’s son, and the mother of Amalek. The name also belongs to a sister of Lotan and to an Edomite clan or chief, reflecting its use in different genealogical traditions.
Definition
Timna is a name borne by several persons or groups in the genealogical traditions concerning Edom. Timna was a concubine of Eliphaz, Esau’s son, and the mother of Amalek. The name also belongs to Lotan’s sister and to an Edomite chief or clan.
Biblical Usage
The genealogical notices connect Timna with Eliphaz and Amalek, with the family of Lotan, and with an Edomite clan or chief. These references occur in the genealogies of Genesis and Chronicles.
Historical Background
The variations in the notices are attributed to the different origins and forms of genealogical traditions. In English versions, the Genesis form “Timnah” does not consistently follow the usual rule for the name.
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>tim'-na (timna`; Thamna): A conbubine of Eliphaz, Esau's son, and the mother of Amalek (Ge 36:12). But in Ge 36:22 and 1Ch 1:39 Timna is the sister of Lotan, and in Ge 36:40 and 1Ch 1:51 a chief or elan of Edom (see TIMNAH (3)). These variations are to be expected when the origin of genealogies is recalled. (In Genesis, English Versions of the Bible read, contrary to rule, "Timnah.") Gunkel's theory is that Ge 36:12 is a later insertion in P.</p>