Who was Javan?
Son of Japheth whose name later stands for a nation of traders and distant isles in the prophets.
Talk with Javan in the appThe story of Javan
Javan is a son of Japheth and grandson of Noah, listed in the Table of Nations. Later prophets use his name for a people and land descended from him. Genesis names him fourth among the sons of Japheth, after Gomer, Magog and Madai and before Tubal, Meshech and Tiras (Genesis 10:2), and 1 Chronicles repeats the list (1 Chronicles 1:5).
His sons are Elishah, Tarshish, Kittim and Dodanim (Genesis 10:4; 1 Chronicles 1:7). Genesis says that by these descendants of Japheth the isles of the Gentiles were divided in their lands, each after its tongue, families and nations (Genesis 10:5). The name Javan is traditionally identified with the Greeks, especially the Ionians.
In Isaiah, Javan is one of the distant nations to which God will send survivors to declare his glory among the Gentiles, alongside Tarshish, Pul, Lud and Tubal and the isles afar off that have not heard his fame (Isaiah 66:19). In Ezekiel's lament over Tyre (Ezekiel 27:3), Javan appears with Tubal and Meshech as merchants who traded the persons of men and vessels of brass in Tyre's market (Ezekiel 27:13). Javan is also listed with Dan as trading in Tyre's fairs, bringing bright iron, cassia and calamus (Ezekiel 27:19).
- Role
- Son of Japheth
- First mention
- Genesis 10:2
- Appearances in the Bible
- 7 mentions
Questions about Javan
Who was Javan in the Bible?
Javan is a son of Japheth and grandson of Noah, listed in the Table of Nations. Later prophets use his name for a people and land descended from him. Genesis names him fourth among the sons of Japheth, after Gomer, Magog and Madai and before Tubal, Meshech and Tiras (Genesis 10:2), and 1 Chronicles repeats the list (1 Chronicles 1:5). His sons are Elishah, Tarshish, Kittim and Dodanim (Genesis 10:4; 1 Chronicles 1:7). Genesis says that by these descendants of Japheth the isles of the Gentiles were divided in their lands, each after its tongue, families and nations (Genesis 10:5). The name Javan is traditionally identified with the Greeks, especially the Ionians. In Isaiah, Javan is one of the distant nations to which God will send survivors to declare his glory among the Gentiles, alongside Tarshish, Pul, Lud and Tubal and the isles afar off that have not heard his fame (Isaiah 66:19). In Ezekiel's lament over Tyre (Ezekiel 27:3), Javan appears with Tubal and Meshech as merchants who traded the persons of men and vessels of brass in Tyre's market (Ezekiel 27:13). Javan is also listed with Dan as trading in Tyre's fairs, bringing bright iron, cassia and calamus (Ezekiel 27:19).
Where is Javan first mentioned in the Bible?
Javan is first mentioned in Genesis 10:2.
How many times is Javan mentioned in the Bible?
Number of mentions in the Bible: 7.
Who were the parents of Javan?
Parents: Japheth.
Who were the children of Javan?
Children: Elishah, Tarshish, Kittim, and Dodanim.
Have a conversation with Javan
Ask Javan questions, seek wisdom, and explore their story through an AI-powered conversation. Download the BiblePics app to start chatting.
- Ask Javan your own questions
- Biblical Wordle and Bible trivia
- A reading streak, trophies and daily reminders
Scan with your phone camera to get the app
Free on iPhone and Android