1 Chronicles 1 36

1 Chronicles 1:36 kjv

The sons of Eliphaz; Teman, and Omar, Zephi, and Gatam, Kenaz, and Timna, and Amalek.

1 Chronicles 1:36 nkjv

And the sons of Eliphaz were Teman, Omar, Zephi, Gatam, and Kenaz; and by Timna, Amalek.

1 Chronicles 1:36 niv

The sons of Eliphaz: Teman, Omar, Zepho, Gatam and Kenaz; by Timna: Amalek.

1 Chronicles 1:36 esv

The sons of Eliphaz: Teman, Omar, Zepho, Gatam, Kenaz, and of Timna, Amalek.

1 Chronicles 1:36 nlt

The descendants of Eliphaz were Teman, Omar, Zepho, Gatam, Kenaz, and Amalek, who was born to Timna.

1 Chronicles 1 verses

1 Chronicles 1 36 Meaning

This verse lists seven "sons" or prominent descendants associated with Eliphaz, the firstborn son of Esau, ancestor of the Edomites. These individuals, Teman, Omar, Zepho, Gatam, Kenaz, and through a concubine, Timna's son Amalek, represent key clan founders or early tribal groups within the lineage of Edom. The verse thereby contributes to the comprehensive genealogical record, detailing the origins of a significant neighboring nation relative to Israel.

1 Chronicles 1 36 Context

1 Chronicles chapter 1 opens the historical record compiled by the Chronicler, likely written during or after the Babylonian exile (around 450-400 BCE). This chapter, primarily a list of names, serves as a comprehensive genealogical account tracing humanity from Adam through Noah and his sons (vv. 1-23), then focusing on the Abrahamic line from Shem to Abraham (vv. 24-27). It then branches out to Abraham's other descendants, including those from Ishmael and Keturah (vv. 28-33), before homing in on Isaac's two sons, Esau and Israel (vv. 34ff).

Verse 36 is part of the extensive listing of Esau's descendants, specifically those emerging from his firstborn son, Eliphaz. For the post-exilic community, these genealogies served as vital identifiers, grounding them in God's historical promises, validating tribal claims, and reinforcing their unique covenant identity among surrounding nations. By including Edom's lineage, the Chronicler sets out Israel's relation to its neighbors and highlights key adversaries such as Amalek, whose specific ancestry is detailed here.

1 Chronicles 1 36 Word analysis

• The sons: (Hebrew: bᵊnê בְּנֵי). This term generally refers to male offspring. However, in ancient genealogies, it can encompass descendants, clan leaders, or eponymous founders of tribes or regions, even if not immediate biological sons. In this specific verse, while most listed were biological sons of Eliphaz according to Gen 36, Amalek was technically a grandson, being the son of Eliphaz's concubine, Timna. The phrase "the sons of" thus indicates the primary line of descent or the key figures emerging from Eliphaz's branch.
• of Eliphaz: (Hebrew: 'ĕliypaz, אֱלִיפָז). Meaning "my God is fine gold" or "my God is dispersed." Eliphaz was Esau's firstborn son through his wife Adah (Gen 36:4, 10). As the initial male heir, his progeny established the major Edomite clans, emphasizing the lineage's continuity and expansion. His position as firstborn to Esau parallel’s Israel’s lineage through Jacob, drawing attention to the ancestral division between these two related nations.
• Teman: (Hebrew: Têmān, תֵּימָן). Means "south" or "right hand." Teman was a significant Edomite clan and also became a prominent geographical region (often cited for its wisdom, e.g., Job's friend Eliphaz was a Temanite). Its mention here solidifies its origin and foundational role within Edom.
• Omar: (Hebrew: ’Ômār, אוֹמָר). Meaning uncertain, possibly related to "talkative" or "high." He represents another Edomite clan, emphasizing the varied and branching nature of Esau's family tree.
• Zepho: (Hebrew: Tsêphô, צְפִי). Also transliterated as Zephi in Gen 36:11. Meaning possibly "watching" or "gazing." Another name associated with an Edomite clan, ensuring a comprehensive listing of the key branches.
• Gatam: (Hebrew: Gaṭam, גַּעְתָּם). Meaning uncertain. One of the less commonly referenced Edomite clan names outside of these genealogical lists. Its inclusion reinforces the Chronicler's commitment to detailed records.
• Kenaz: (Hebrew: Qᵊnaz, קְנַז). Means "hunter" or "hunting." A notable Edomite clan chief. The Kenizzites, an ancient tribe or clan group, may trace their ancestry through this Kenaz, highlighting inter-familial connections or possible adoption/integration of Kenizzite lineage into Esau's line (e.g., Caleb is connected to Kenizzites through Jephunneh in Josh 14:6).
• Timna, and Amalek: (Hebrew: Timna‘, תִּמְנָע; ‘Amālēq, עֲמָלֵק). This is a crucial pair. Timna was explicitly a concubine of Eliphaz, and she bore Amalek to him (Gen 36:12). Her specific identification ensures clarity about Amalek's precise lineage, confirming he was indeed a part of Esau's greater family.
  • Amalek: The eponymous ancestor of the Amalekites. His name's meaning is debated (possibly "dwellers in a valley" or "laborious"). From an Israelite perspective, Amalek is the most significant figure in this list. The Amalekites became the perpetual and implacable enemy of Israel, cursed by God due to their unprovoked attack during the Exodus (Exod 17) and repeated aggression. Their origin from Esau's line (though not Jacob's primary lineage) gives a familial context to the long-standing animosity between them and Israel.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• The sons of Eliphaz: This phrase introduces a specific branch of the broader Esau-Edom lineage. It underscores the patriarchal nature of tribal formation and the hierarchical structure of family units. By focusing on the "sons," the text highlights the main stems from which the nation of Edom expanded, laying the foundation for their later geopolitical role relative to Israel.
• Teman, Omar, Zepho, Gatam, Kenaz: These five names constitute the direct, initial descendants or significant clan leaders under Eliphaz. Their repeated appearance in the genealogies of Genesis 36 confirms their foundational importance for understanding the internal structure of early Edom. They represent the diversification and growth of Esau’s progeny into distinct clans inhabiting the region.
• Timna, and Amalek: The pairing of Timna with Amalek serves to clarify a specific and significant genealogical detail that might otherwise be overlooked. It explains that Amalek's ancestry, despite his tribe's notorious history, traces back to Esau's firstborn line through a concubine. This precise mapping of a future adversary into a familial context (even an illegitimate one) for the post-exilic reader implicitly underlines God’s overarching sovereign plan and foresight regarding all nations, not just Israel. It positions Amalek within the framework of sacred history, establishing the legitimacy of future narratives of conflict and divine judgment against them. This also hints at the lasting impact of family dynamics and ancestral decisions on subsequent national identities and destinies.

1 Chronicles 1 36 Bonus section

• Genealogical Accuracy for Claims: The detailed listing of names in genealogies like this provided a historical and legal basis for land claims, tribal identity, and communal structure for the returning exiles. It served as a historical constitution, linking the present community back to their biblical foundations and ensuring tribal distinctiveness.
• Polemics against Polytheism (Indirect): By anchoring all nations within the singular historical lineage originating from Adam and Noah, then specifically connecting nations like Edom/Amalek back to the Abrahamic line (albeit through Esau, the rejected twin), the genealogies subtly undermine any contemporary polytheistic notions of multiple, disconnected origins for various peoples. All peoples are portrayed as deriving from the one true God's creation, thus under His singular sovereignty and plan.
• Continuity of Narrative: For the Chronicler, recounting these ancestral lines ensured continuity with the broader biblical narrative (primarily Genesis and Exodus). By laying out these specific family ties, the stage is set for later narratives of interaction, conflict, and divine judgment against Edom and Amalek, linking the historical outcomes back to their very beginnings.

1 Chronicles 1 36 Commentary

1 Chronicles 1:36, within its seemingly dry recitation of names, performs several crucial functions for the Chronicler and his original audience. Primarily, it systematically extends the genealogy of Esau through his firstborn, Eliphaz, thereby continuing the comprehensive historical account of peoples established since Adam. This grounding in ancient lineages was critical for the post-exilic community of Judah, helping them affirm their identity and distinguish themselves amidst the mosaic of surrounding nations.

The inclusion of specific Edomite clans, particularly the exact mention of Timna (the concubine) and her son Amalek, elevates this verse beyond a mere list. It serves as a precise genealogical anchor for the Amalekites, a nation historically marked by severe divine judgment for their relentless hostility toward Israel. By tracing Amalek's origin to Esau's lineage (even if a distinct branch), the text implicitly frames their future conflicts with Israel as having deep, ancestral roots – a continuation of the foundational Jacob-Esau sibling rivalry into national-level antagonism. This also suggests God's comprehensive oversight of all peoples and events, weaving even the origins of His people's adversaries into His historical record. The detail regarding Amalek emphasizes the reality of unprovoked attacks against God's people and the just nature of God's enduring curse and command for their ultimate eradication.