1 Chronicles 1 35

1 Chronicles 1:35 kjv

The sons of Esau; Eliphaz, Reuel, and Jeush, and Jaalam, and Korah.

1 Chronicles 1:35 nkjv

The sons of Esau were Eliphaz, Reuel, Jeush, Jaalam, and Korah.

1 Chronicles 1:35 niv

The sons of Esau: Eliphaz, Reuel, Jeush, Jalam and Korah.

1 Chronicles 1:35 esv

The sons of Esau: Eliphaz, Reuel, Jeush, Jalam, and Korah.

1 Chronicles 1:35 nlt

The sons of Esau were Eliphaz, Reuel, Jeush, Jalam, and Korah.

1 Chronicles 1 verses

1 Chronicles 1 35 Meaning

1 Chronicles 1:35 details the five immediate sons of Esau, the twin brother of Jacob, whose lineage becomes the foundation of the nation of Edom. This verse is part of an extensive genealogical record in the book of 1 Chronicles, which systematically traces humanity from Adam, eventually narrowing its focus to the patriarchs of Israel. By listing Esau's sons, the Chronicler provides an important branch of Abraham's descendants, crucial for understanding the relationships and distinct identities of nations bordering ancient Israel. This seemingly simple listing establishes a historical link between Israel and Edom as related, yet distinct, nations descended from Isaac, and underscores the biblical emphasis on accurate family records.

1 Chronicles 1 35 Context

1 Chronicles chapter 1 is foundational to the Chronicler's historical narrative, commencing with a vast genealogy tracing from Adam through various patriarchal lines. It meticulously details the descendants of Noah, Shem, Ham, and Japheth, before narrowing down to the line of Abraham. Within Abraham's descendants, Ishmael's line is listed, followed by Isaac's. The Chronicler then explicitly focuses on Isaac's two sons, Jacob (Israel) and Esau (Edom). Verse 35 specifically provides the initial progeny of Esau, setting the stage for understanding the Edomite nation, their tribal structures, and ultimately their historical relationship (often adversarial) with Israel. This genealogical emphasis serves to validate Israel's heritage, covenant status, and their right to the land, while also connecting their story to the broader scope of humanity and Abraham's expansive family, including their sibling nation Edom. The detailed lists here served as historical and religious validation for the post-exilic community of Israel, solidifying their identity and reminding them of God's faithful preservation of lineage.

1 Chronicles 1 35 Word analysis

• The sons of: (Hebrew: b'ney - בְּנֵי) - This term signifies progeny, offspring, or descendants. It's fundamental in biblical genealogies, establishing direct paternal lineage. The repetition of "sons of" throughout 1 Chronicles underscores the book's purpose in tracing family lines, which were crucial for land inheritance, tribal identity, and eligibility for priestly or kingly roles. For the Chronicler's audience, it affirmed their place in the continuing covenant narrative.
• Esau: (Hebrew: Esaw - עֵשָׂו) - Meaning "hairy" or "fully formed," referring to his physical appearance at birth. Esau is Isaac's firstborn son, Jacob's twin, and the progenitor of the Edomites. His story, particularly his decision to sell his birthright (Gen 25:29-34) and his subsequent blessing, profoundly impacted the trajectory of his descendants vis-à-vis Jacob's. The Chronicler’s inclusion of Esau's sons acknowledges his significant place within the broader Abrahamic family, even as his line diverges from Israel.
• were: (Hebrew: hayu - הָיוּ) - A simple copula, indicating existence or identity. It links the preceding noun (sons) to the listed names. Grammatically straightforward, yet vital for forming a complete thought in the genealogical list.
• Eliphaz: (Hebrew: Eliyphaz - אֱלִיפָז) - One of Esau's sons, also listed in Genesis 36. He is a prominent figure in the Edomite lineage. The name itself possibly means "my God is fine gold" or "my God is dispersed/separated," which may hold some tribal or cultic significance within Edom, although not directly elaborated upon in the text.
• Reuel: (Hebrew: Re'uel - רְעוּאֵל) - Another son of Esau. The name means "friend of God" or "shepherd of God." This name also appears in other biblical contexts (e.g., as Moses' father-in-law, though a different individual), indicating its common usage. For Edom, Reuel’s descendants formed one of their prominent clans.
• Jeush, Jalam, and Korah: (Hebrew: Ye'ush, Ya'lam, Qorach - יְעוּשׁ֙, יַעְלָ֣ם, קֹ֔רַח) - These are the sons born to Esau through his Canaanite wife Oholibamah (Gen 36:5, 14).
  • Jeush: The meaning is uncertain, possibly "He protects" or related to "hastening."
  • Jalam: Also uncertain, possibly related to "hidden" or "young man."
  • Korah: Means "baldness" or "ice." Notably, there is another well-known Korah in the Bible, a Levite who rebelled against Moses and Aaron (Num 16). The presence of two individuals with the same name highlights its commonality and means the specific context must distinguish them. In Esau's lineage, Korah is another tribal ancestor for Edom. The distinct lines of "Korah" from Edom and the rebellious Korah from Levi avoid any intended conflation.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "The sons of Esau": This phrase directly identifies the immediate progeny from whom the Edomite nation descended. It serves to differentiate Esau's lineage from Jacob's, establishing the genealogical distinctiveness between two closely related nations, foreshadowing their often contrasting historical roles and destinies in God's plan. This segregation is vital for the Chronicler who is focused on the covenant line through Jacob.
• "Eliphaz, Reuel, Jeush, Jalam, and Korah": This specific enumeration of names underscores the Chronicler's precision and historical rigor. These individuals represent the initial founding fathers of various clans and sub-tribes of Edom. The consistent naming conventions across 1 Chronicles and Genesis 36 reinforce the accuracy and divine inspiration of these historical records. For the original audience, these names were not merely a list but a mnemonic of tribal identities and alliances, both among themselves and in their interactions with Israel. The names themselves, particularly Korah, might have resonated with tribal identities familiar to the Chronicler's audience, marking their ancestral connections.

1 Chronicles 1 35 Bonus section

The inclusion of Esau's descendants, alongside other non-Israelite lines (like Ishmael's) within Israel's core genealogies in 1 Chronicles, subtly communicates the monotheistic truth that all nations descend from a common ancestor (Adam) through a singular divine Creator. This is a quiet but powerful polemic against the polytheistic myths of origin prevalent in the ancient Near East, which often attributed diverse nations to separate gods or mythical figures. The precise, verifiable (through corroboration with Genesis) nature of these biblical genealogies asserts a coherent, historical account of humanity. The lineage of Esau is also significant because it highlights God's sovereignty in election—choosing Jacob over Esau (Rom 9:13) while still acknowledging Esau's legitimate, albeit non-covenantal, line of descent and their assigned territory (Deut 2:5).

1 Chronicles 1 35 Commentary

1 Chronicles 1:35, while a concise genealogical listing, serves several crucial functions within the larger biblical narrative. First, it affirms the historicity and significance of Esau as an ancestor, whose progeny, the Edomites, were a distinct and often antagonistic nation to Israel. By explicitly detailing Esau's immediate sons, the Chronicler reinforces the clear lines of descent from Isaac, demonstrating that both Jacob and Esau, despite their divergent paths and divine election, share a common Abrahamic heritage. This verse establishes a complete, though non-exhaustive, lineage of Abraham through Esau before continuing to focus intently on Jacob. It illustrates the Chronicler's commitment to presenting a comprehensive historical record, crucial for the post-exilic community's identity, land claims, and understanding of divine providence regarding their national past and future. The inclusion of the Edomite line highlights that God's work operates within specific family and national trajectories, validating Israel's position by placing it within the broader tapestry of the families of the earth.