Genesis 36 11

Genesis 36:11 kjv

And the sons of Eliphaz were Teman, Omar, Zepho, and Gatam, and Kenaz.

Genesis 36:11 nkjv

And the sons of Eliphaz were Teman, Omar, Zepho, Gatam, and Kenaz.

Genesis 36:11 niv

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

Genesis 36:11 esv

The sons of Eliphaz were Teman, Omar, Zepho, Gatam, and Kenaz.

Genesis 36:11 nlt

The descendants of Eliphaz were Teman, Omar, Zepho, Gatam, and Kenaz.

Genesis 36 verses

Genesis 36 11 meaning

This verse details five sons born to Eliphaz, who was the firstborn son of Esau (also known as Edom). These names — Teman, Omar, Zepho, Gatam, and Kenaz — represent the foundational heads of prominent clans within the burgeoning Edomite nation, establishing their early lineage and organizational structure. It sets forth part of the familial and tribal groundwork for the future kingdom of Edom, emphasizing the rapid growth and established hierarchy of Esau's descendants.

Genesis 36 11 Context

Genesis chapter 36 serves as a detailed genealogical account of Esau's descendants, known as the Edomites. Coming directly after the narratives of Jacob's (Israel's) family and the significant events concerning Judah and Joseph, this chapter functions to systematically present the growth of the two nations originating from the twin brothers, Esau and Jacob. Its purpose is multifaceted: to confirm God's blessing on Esau in fulfillment of promises made to Abraham regarding him becoming "a great nation" (Gen 17:5-6); to establish the historical origins and organizational structure of the nation of Edom, providing insight into their future interactions with Israel; and to distinguish their separate lineages and territories. Verse 11 specifically names the first set of tribal heads descended from Eliphaz, Esau's eldest son, laying the groundwork for the Edomite "chiefs" or "dukes" who would later lead their territories (Gen 36:15-19).

Genesis 36 11 Word analysis

• And the sons of Eliphaz: (וּבְנֵ֥י אֱלִיפָֽז, u-v'nei Eliphaz)
  • "sons" (benei): Standard Hebrew term for male offspring or descendants. Here it indicates direct progeny who will form family lines.
  • "Eliphaz" (Eliphaz): Son of Esau and his first wife Adah. The name likely means "My God is gold" or "My God is strength/fine gold." As Esau's firstborn, his descendants are listed first, reflecting the cultural importance of the firstborn in establishing the family line's primary branch.
• were Teman, Omar, Zepho, and Gatam, and Kenaz: (תֵּימָן אוֹמָר צְפֽוֹ וְגַעְתָּם וּקְנַז, Teyman Omar Tsefo v'Ga'tam u-Qenaz)
  • "Teman" (Teyman): Derived from the Hebrew word for "south" (yāmīn, "right hand/south"). Teman becomes a prominent and influential region in Edom, famous for its wisdom (Jer 49:7, Job 2:11 - where Eliphaz is called "the Temanite"). This highlights a lineage that gives rise to a specific tribal territory or identity.
  • "Omar" (Omar): The meaning is debated; possibilities include "eloquent speaker" or "he who commands." It's less explicitly tied to later geographical or tribal significance than Teman or Kenaz.
  • "Zepho" (Tsefo): (Also spelled Zephi in 1 Chron 1:36). Possibly related to the root tsaphah "to look out, observe, watch" (as in "watchtower"). He is also listed as a chief (Gen 36:15), indicating his status.
  • "Gatam" (Ga'tam): The etymology is unclear; some suggest connections to "puny" or "cut off." It remains primarily a genealogical name.
  • "Kenaz" (Qenaz): Derived from a root meaning "to hunt." Significantly, a clan called the Kenizzites appears later in Scripture (Gen 15:19; Num 32:12; Josh 14:6). Caleb, one of the two faithful spies of Israel, is identified as a "son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite." This connection suggests the potential for interaction, intermarriage, or even assimilation of clans associated with Esau's line into the nation of Israel, showcasing the broader and more fluid nature of ancient tribal identities under God's overarching plan.
• Word-Group Analysis:
  • "And the sons of Eliphaz were": This phrase immediately establishes a direct paternal line, forming the initial layer of familial segmentation within the larger Edomite genealogy. This is a common and vital pattern in ancient lineage records.
  • "Teman, Omar, Zepho, and Gatam, and Kenaz": This enumeration provides the founding family units. The repetition of "and" (vav) preceding the last two names is a common Hebrew conjunction for listing items, signaling completion of a set. The very specific nature of these names underscores their importance in demarcating tribal origins within Edom, serving as the patriarchs for future Edomite chiefs and their clans.

Genesis 36 11 Bonus section

The thoroughness with which the Bible records Esau's lineage in Genesis 36 serves several important functions beyond mere historical record-keeping. Firstly, it fulfills prophecies made to Abraham that he would be the father of many nations (Gen 17:6) and specifically God's blessing on Esau that he would become "a great people" (Gen 25:23). Secondly, it provides an ancient context for understanding the long and often antagonistic relationship between the nation of Israel (descended from Jacob) and the nation of Edom (descended from Esau). This detailed record demonstrates that Edom was a legitimately constituted and powerful nation from its origins, possessing established internal structures, with the sons of Eliphaz being among the very first "chiefs" (Gen 36:15) of their respective clans. This careful charting highlights that God, even in His judgment concerning Esau's spiritual forfeiture, maintained His providential care for his physical offspring, allotting them land and allowing their growth into a kingdom.

Genesis 36 11 Commentary

Genesis 36:11, though part of a seemingly monotonous genealogical list, is critical for understanding the subsequent history of Israel and its neighbors. By detailing the five sons of Eliphaz, Esau's firstborn, Moses effectively chronicles the early development of the Edomite nation. This precision reflects the significance of lineage in the ancient Near East, establishing identity, rights, and authority. The inclusion of names like Teman, which later signifies a notable region in Edom, and Kenaz, possibly linked to the Kenizzites from whom the faithful Caleb emerged, reveals how disparate family lines intertwine in God's intricate providence. Though Esau lost the covenant blessings, God still multiplied his descendants, allowing them to form a formidable nation with its own designated territory. The verse, therefore, highlights God's sovereignty over all peoples, showing how even nations outside the direct covenant line play a role in the grand narrative of salvation history, interacting with and, at times, opposing, the chosen people of God.