Genesis 36:1 kjv

Now these are the generations of Esau, who is Edom.

Genesis 36:1 nkjv

Now this is the genealogy of Esau, who is Edom.

Genesis 36:1 niv

This is the account of the family line of Esau (that is, Edom).

Genesis 36:1 esv

These are the generations of Esau (that is, Edom).

Genesis 36:1 nlt

This is the account of the descendants of Esau (also known as Edom).

Genesis 36 verses

Genesis 36 1 Meaning

Genesis 36:1 introduces the lineage and history of Esau, the elder twin brother of Jacob, formally identifying him as the progenitor of the nation of Edom. This verse marks a distinct shift in the biblical narrative, dedicating a specific section (known as a toledot or "generations" account) to Esau's descendants, thereby clearly separating his line and its destiny from that of Jacob's, through whom the Abrahamic covenant would primarily flow. It establishes the foundational identity of the Edomites, explaining their origin from Esau and his association with the color "red" that undergirds their name.

Genesis 36 1 Context

Genesis 36:1 functions as a crucial "hinge" or "juncture" verse within the structure of Genesis. It appears immediately following the detailed account of Jacob's reconciliation with Esau and Jacob's return to Canaan (Gen 32-35). Up to this point, the narrative has predominantly focused on Jacob's spiritual and family development, as the bearer of the covenant promise. Genesis is famously structured around ten "generations" or toledot formulas (Gen 2:4; 5:1; 6:9; 10:1; 11:10; 11:27; 25:12; 25:19; 36:1; 37:2). This verse marks the ninth such formula, signaling a deliberate narrative interlude. By detailing Esau's family before Jacob's (Gen 37:2 begins the toledot of Jacob), the biblical writer effectively closes off Esau's story as a separate line from the main, divinely-chosen lineage that leads to Israel and ultimately to Christ. This is not simply a historical record but a theological statement about divine election and the separation of two nations, establishing the future relationship between Israel and Edom as distinct and often antagonistic entities in subsequent biblical history.

Genesis 36 1 Word analysis

• Now these (וְאֵלֶּה - Wə’ēlleh): The conjunction "Wə" (and/now) connects this verse to the preceding narrative, while "’ēlleh" (these) introduces what follows as a specific, discrete list or account. It indicates a continuation but also signals a new distinct section, akin to "And these are..." or "Here now are...". This formulation serves as a literary bridge.

• are the generations (תּוֹלְדֹת - tôlədōt): This significant Hebrew noun, typically translated "generations" or "account of," literally means "begettings" or "births." It denotes descendants, lineages, family histories, and even the unfolding of events from an origin point. In Genesis, the toledot formula serves as a key structural marker, segmenting the book into major sections detailing the origins and unfolding histories of various individuals, families, and even the heavens and the earth. Its use here indicates the start of a new, organized historical record, specifically focused on Esau's line.

• of Esau (עֵשָׂו - ‘Ēśāw): Esau, the elder son of Isaac and Rebekah, Jacob's twin brother. His name is associated with "hairy" or "fully formed at birth." Biblically, Esau is portrayed as a strong, skillful hunter but also as one who despised his birthright (Gen 25:34) and lacked foresight regarding spiritual matters (Heb 12:16). His presence in the narrative, despite being overshadowed by Jacob, is crucial for establishing the origins of Edom, a neighboring nation to Israel throughout biblical history.

• who is (הוּא - hû’): A Hebrew masculine singular pronoun meaning "he" or "that one." In this context, it functions as a simple linking verb or appositive, stating a direct identification or equivalency: "Esau, he is Edom."

• Edom (אֱדוֹם - ’Ĕḏôm): The name means "red" and is connected to two key moments in Esau's life: his reddish complexion at birth (Gen 25:25) and, more significantly, his selling of his birthright for a bowl of "red stew" (Gen 25:30). This name effectively ties the founder (Esau) to the nation (Edom), associating their identity from their inception with their founder's distinct characteristics and choices. The term 'Edom' also geographically designates the land southeast of Judah, often called Mount Seir.

• "Now these are the generations" (Wə’ēlleh tôlədōt): This phrase initiates the structural pattern of Genesis, emphasizing that Esau's lineage is presented as a complete and distinct narrative arc. It marks a decisive conclusion to Esau’s personal story intertwined with Jacob's and initiates the full account of his progeny. This is a deliberate literary choice to manage the scope of the main narrative focusing on the Abrahamic covenant line.

• "Esau, who is Edom" (Ēśāw hû’ ’Ĕḏôm): This immediate identification of Esau with the nation Edom underscores the deep connection between the man and the people. It is a powerful way to immediately define the upcoming genealogy: it is not just Esau's family, but the origin of a significant national entity known as Edom. The repeated emphasis on "red" (Esau's birth, his nickname "Edom" for red stew, the nation "Edom") suggests a theme of physical, earthly focus contrasting with Jacob's wrestling for spiritual blessing. It highlights a pre-ordained destiny and the consequences of pivotal decisions (birthright).

Genesis 36 1 Bonus Section

The inclusion of Esau’s extensive genealogy here (Gen 36) immediately after Jacob’s momentous spiritual transformation (Peniel, reconciliation) highlights the clear and decisive separation between the two brothers and their destinies. It pre-empts any confusion that might arise about the main covenant line, by clearly detailing what happened to the line not chosen for the direct Abrahamic promise. This serves to fulfill the "two nations" prophecy (Gen 25:23) by showing them established separately and fully. The subsequent biblical narrative repeatedly contrasts Jacob/Israel and Esau/Edom, portraying Edom as a proud and often hostile neighbor, underscoring the enduring significance of this initial bifurcation of their paths. This genealogical record also validates their future national existence in relation to Israel’s experiences.

Genesis 36 1 Commentary

Genesis 36:1 serves as a crucial editorial bridge and a theological marker within the unfolding narrative of God’s covenant with Abraham. By formally introducing "the generations of Esau, who is Edom," the biblical writer clearly delineates Esau’s progeny and historical trajectory from Jacob’s, effectively directing the reader’s focus back to the primary lineage of the covenant. This extensive genealogy, appearing before that of Jacob’s sons (Gen 37), confirms the fulfillment of God’s word that two nations would come from Rebekah’s womb (Gen 25:23).

The detailed enumeration of Esau's descendants, clans, and kings underscores their establishment as a separate and sovereign nation. This "removal" of Esau’s line from the main narrative ensures clarity regarding God’s elective purpose, which uniquely rests upon Jacob (Israel). The mention of "Edom" derived from Esau's personal attributes ("red" and selling his birthright for "red" stew) highlights that their national identity is intrinsically tied to Esau’s initial profane disregard for spiritual blessing. While Edom is presented as a mighty kingdom, often an adversary to Israel, their story here is concluded swiftly to prepare for the concentrated account of Jacob's family, through whom the promise-line would continue.