Genesis 36 16

Genesis 36:16 kjv

Duke Korah, duke Gatam, and duke Amalek: these are the dukes that came of Eliphaz in the land of Edom; these were the sons of Adah.

Genesis 36:16 nkjv

Chief Korah, Chief Gatam, and Chief Amalek. These were the chiefs of Eliphaz in the land of Edom. They were the sons of Adah.

Genesis 36:16 niv

Korah, Gatam and Amalek. These were the chiefs descended from Eliphaz in Edom; they were grandsons of Adah.

Genesis 36:16 esv

Korah, Gatam, and Amalek; these are the chiefs of Eliphaz in the land of Edom; these are the sons of Adah.

Genesis 36:16 nlt

Korah, Gatam, and Amalek. These are the clan leaders in the land of Edom who descended from Eliphaz. All these were descendants of Esau's wife Adah.

Genesis 36 verses

Genesis 36 16 meaning

Genesis chapter 36, verse 16 lists three specific tribal chiefs—Korah, Gatam, and Amalek—who descended from Eliphaz, the firstborn son of Esau (Edom), through his wife Adah. This verse serves as a genealogical record, establishing the identity and lineage of prominent Edomite clans that arose from Esau, marking their existence in the land of Edom. It underscores the early development of distinct tribal leadership within the nascent nation of Edom.

Genesis 36 16 Context

Genesis chapter 36 provides an extensive and detailed genealogy of Esau, also known as Edom. This chapter interrupts the main narrative focus on Jacob, dedicating space to demonstrate how Esau, like Jacob, grew into a significant nation, fulfilling parts of the covenant promises regarding his posterity (Gen 17:6). It chronicles Esau's wives, his move to the land of Seir (Edom), and lists his descendants by clan, leading to various "chiefs" (or "dukes") and eventually the kings who reigned in Edom. Verse 16 specifically lists three chiefs originating from Esau's firstborn, Eliphaz, through his wife Adah, further elaborating the organizational structure and prominent lines within the Edomite people, setting the stage for their future interactions, often adversarial, with the nation of Israel. This thorough documentation contrasts the distinct trajectories of the two brothers' descendants.

Genesis 36 16 Word Analysis

• Korah (קֹרַח - Qoraḥ): This is a specific personal name meaning "bald" or "ice." In this context, Korah is an Edomite chief. It is crucial to note that this Korah is distinct from the Korah who led a rebellion against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness (Num 16:1-3), though both shared the same name. His inclusion highlights the diversification of Eliphaz's lineage.
• Gatam (גַעְתָּם - Ga‘tām): A less common personal name, likely meaning "their valley" or possibly "scorched valley." Gatam is listed here as another Edomite chief, one of the direct descendants and leaders among the clan of Eliphaz, contributing to the list of established tribal units.
• Amalek (עֲמָלֵק - ‘Amālēq): This name is of profound biblical significance. It denotes both an individual and the tribe descended from him. Amalek, here listed as a chief, is explicitly identified in Genesis 36:12 as the son of Eliphaz and his concubine Timna. The Amalekites would later become one of Israel's most formidable and persistent enemies, particularly hostile in their early wanderings (Exod 17:8-16; Deut 25:17-19). This early mention, even within an Edomite genealogical list, foreshadows a future of intense conflict.
• These are the chiefs (אֵלֶּה אַלּוּפֵי - ’ēlleh ’allūphê):
  • אֵלֶּה (’ēlleh): "These." A demonstrative pronoun, serving to introduce the following names as belonging to the category being defined.
  • אַלּוּפֵי (’allūphê): The plural form of אַלּוּף (’alluph), typically translated as "chief," "duke," "clan leader," or "prince." This term signifies a tribal head or a leader of a territorial subdivision. It implies a hierarchical structure of leadership among the Edomites, predating their later kingly rule (Gen 36:31), indicating a stage of national organization. The listing emphasizes that these individuals were not just names, but significant figures of authority within Edomite society.
• of Eliphaz (אֱלִיפָז - ’Ĕlîphāz): Eliphaz was the firstborn son of Esau and his wife Adah (Gen 36:4). Mentioning his name here clarifies the patriarchal branch from which these specific chiefs descended. His name may mean "my God is fine gold" or "my God is strength."
• in the land of Edom (בְּאֶרֶץ אֱדוֹם - bə’ereṣ ’Ĕḏōm):
  • בְּ (bə): "In," a preposition indicating location.
  • אֶרֶץ (’ereṣ): "Land," referring to a specific territory.
  • אֱדוֹם (’Ĕḏōm): The nation and territory associated with Esau, often synonymous with Seir. Its name means "red," linking back to Esau's consumption of the red stew (Gen 25:30). This phrase clearly defines the geographical domain of these chiefs.
• these are the sons of Adah (אֵלֶּה בְנֵי עָדָה - ’ēlleh bənê ‘Āḏāh):
  • אֵלֶּה (’ēlleh): "These." Reiterated for emphasis, clearly grouping these specific individuals.
  • בְנֵי (bənê): "Sons of." Indicates direct paternal or ancestral lineage.
  • עָדָה (‘Āḏāh): One of Esau's wives, mentioned in Genesis 36:2 as the daughter of Elon the Hittite. Her name means "ornament" or "dawn." This specification completes the direct family tree for Korah and Gatam (though Amalek is from Eliphaz's concubine, Timna, as per Gen 36:12, suggesting 'sons of Adah' primarily applies to the main line, with Amalek mentioned here as another key chief stemming from Eliphaz's broader family unit listed as the "chiefs of Eliphaz"). The phrase points to the significant influence of Esau's primary wives in establishing the various Edomite clans.

Words-group Analysis:The repetition of "these are the chiefs" and "these are the sons of" provides a systematic and organized framework for recording the numerous descendants. It emphasizes the foundational structure of the Edomite society—a collection of significant clan leaders—and distinguishes their origin from specific maternal lines, providing clarity to the complex genealogical record. The inclusion of Amalek in this specific list is particularly potent, given the future hostilities that would ensue, highlighting the prophetic and historical foresight embedded within the seemingly mundane genealogical data.

Genesis 36 16 Bonus Section

• Implicit Polemics: The detailed and structured genealogies of Genesis 36, including verses like 36:16, serve as a unique and divinely authorized historical record. They stand in stark contrast to the often less coherent or mythical origin stories of many ancient Near Eastern peoples. By providing precise lineages for both covenant and non-covenant nations (like Edom and Amalek), the text subtly asserts a comprehensive, accurate historical account guided by God's purposes. Documenting the specific origin of Amalek within Esau's lineage provided an understandable, albeit painful, familial basis for Israel's future confrontations with this recurring enemy, rejecting any claims of Amalekite divine favor independent of the Abrahamic narrative.
• Theological Significance of Genealogies: These detailed lists, though appearing dry, serve a vital theological purpose. They illustrate the fulfillment of God's promise that Esau too would become a great nation (Gen 25:23), albeit one whose destiny and relationship with Israel would be distinct from Jacob's. The mention of specific "chiefs" shows the process of tribal organization leading to nationhood, guided by divine providence, demonstrating that even those outside the immediate covenant promise were subjects of God's universal plan.
• Anticipatory Reference to Conflict: The explicit mention of Amalek's name as a chief so early in the narrative, long before the historic clashes with Israel, serves as an instance of anticipatory writing. It alerts the discerning reader to a future adversarial relationship rooted in a shared, albeit divided, patriarchal heritage, underscoring the severity of the coming conflicts.

Genesis 36 16 Commentary

Genesis 36:16 functions as a concise summary within the larger genealogy of Esau, specifically focusing on the emerging leadership structures among the Edomites. By listing "chiefs" rather than "kings," the text illustrates an earlier, pre-monarchical stage of Edomite social organization, ruled by influential clan leaders. The very precise naming and linking to Esau through Eliphaz underscores the biblical concern with accurate lineage and the divine establishment of nations. Most notably, the inclusion of "Amalek" is not a mere detail but a subtle foreshadowing of a bitter and protracted conflict between Israel and this kin-nation. This verse, along with others in the chapter, meticulously lays the historical and tribal groundwork, showing the formation of a distinct nation, Edom, often in contrast to, or in future opposition with, Israel, the descendants of Jacob. The meticulous documentation suggests God's sovereign oversight in the rise of all nations, even those outside the direct covenant line of Abraham through Isaac and Jacob.