Dictionary entry

Timna

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

tim'-na (timna`; Thamna): A conbubine of Eliphaz, Esau's son, and the mother of Amalek (Ge 36:12). But inGe 36:22and1Ch 1:39Timna is the sister of Lotan, and inGe 36:40and1Ch 1:51a 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 thatGe 36:12is a later insertion in P.