Genesis 36:19 kjv
These are the sons of Esau, who is Edom, and these are their dukes.
Genesis 36:19 nkjv
These were the sons of Esau, who is Edom, and these were their chiefs.
Genesis 36:19 niv
These were the sons of Esau (that is, Edom), and these were their chiefs.
Genesis 36:19 esv
These are the sons of Esau (that is, Edom), and these are their chiefs.
Genesis 36:19 nlt
These are the clans descended from Esau (also known as Edom), identified by their clan leaders.
Genesis 36 19 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference ||---|---|---|| Gen 25:23 | The LORD said to her, “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated..." | Prophecy of two nations (Israel and Edom) || Gen 25:30 | So Esau said to Jacob, "Quick, let me gulp down some of that red stew! I’m starving!" (That is why he was also called Edom.) | Origin of Esau's name Edom ("red") || Gen 27:39-40 | Then Isaac his father answered and said to him... "Behold, away from the richness of the earth shall your dwelling be..." | Esau's blessing, foretelling his land and freedom || Gen 32:3 | Jacob sent messengers ahead of him to his brother Esau in the land of Seir, the country of Edom. | Association of Esau/Edom with Seir || Gen 36:1 | Now these are the generations of Esau (that is, Edom). | Reiterates the connection between Esau and Edom || Gen 36:31 | These are the kings who reigned in the land of Edom, before any king reigned over the Israelites. | Shows Edom's early established rule compared to Israel || Num 20:14-21 | Moses sent messengers from Kadesh to the king of Edom... But Edom refused to allow Israel to pass through their territory... | Early interaction between Edom and Israel || Deut 2:4-5 | Command the people, saying, ‘You are about to pass through the territory of your brothers the people of Esau, who live in Seir...’ | Divine instruction regarding respect for Edom || 1 Chr 1:35-54 | These are the sons of Esau: Eliphaz, Reuel, Jeush, Jalam and Korah... These are the chiefs of Edom. | Parallels and expands upon Gen 36, affirming Edomite lineage || Judg 11:17 | ...nor would the king of Edom allow us to pass through. So we turned aside from Edom. | Recounts Edom's refusal to grant passage || 1 Sam 14:47 | When Saul had taken the kingship over Israel, he fought against all his enemies on every side... and against Edom. | Ongoing conflict between Israel and Edom || 2 Sam 8:13-14 | David also made a name for himself when he returned from striking down 18,000 Edomites in the Valley of Salt... he stationed garrisons in Edom... | David's subjugation of Edom || 1 Ki 11:14-22 | And the LORD raised up an adversary to Solomon, Hadad the Edomite, of the royal house in Edom. | Edomite resistance and threat to Israel || Isa 63:1-6 | Who is this who comes from Edom, in crimsoned garments from Bozrah, he who is splendid in his apparel... | Prophetic imagery involving Edom in final judgment || Jer 49:7-22 | Concerning Edom. Thus says the LORD of hosts: Is wisdom no more in Teman? Has counsel perished from the prudent? | Prophecy of Edom's downfall || Ezek 25:12-14 | “Thus says the Lord GOD: ‘Because Edom acted revengefully against the house of Judah and has incurred grievous guilt...'" | Judgment upon Edom for animosity towards Judah || Joel 3:19 | “Egypt shall become a desolation and Edom a desolate wilderness, for the violence done to the people of Judah..." | Further prophecy of Edom's desolation || Amos 1:11-12 | "Thus says the LORD: 'For three transgressions of Edom, and for four, I will not revoke the punishment, because he pursued his brother with the sword..." | Specific charges against Edom and impending judgment || Obad 1:1-21 | The vision of Obadiah. Thus says the Lord GOD concerning Edom: "We have heard a report from the LORD..." | Comprehensive prophecy of Edom's utter destruction || Mal 1:2-3 | "Yet I have loved Jacob but Esau I have hated. I have made his mountains a wasteland and left his inheritance to the desert jackals." | Divine sovereign choice and Edom's desolation || Rom 9:13 | As it is written, “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.” | New Testament theological reference to Esau/Edom's standing || Heb 12:16 | See to it that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his birthright. | New Testament moral lesson drawn from Esau |
Genesis 36 verses
Genesis 36 19 Meaning
This verse serves as a summary statement for the preceding enumeration of Esau’s descendants, explicitly identifying Esau with the nation of Edom. It emphasizes the foundational nature of these listed individuals as the direct offspring who would become the tribal leaders of the Edomite people, indicating the establishment of a distinct national and governmental structure.
Genesis 36 19 Context
Genesis chapter 36 is entirely devoted to the genealogy and generations of Esau, known also as Edom. This comprehensive list details his wives, his sons, and the chiefs ('allufim) descended from him, establishing the foundation of the Edomite nation. This specific verse (36:19) acts as a concluding summary statement for the previous section that listed the chiefs descended from Esau's sons, Eliphaz and Reuel. It serves to neatly package and identify these individuals as the leading figures of the newly formed Edomite societal structure. Historically, this chapter distinguishes the lineage of Esau from that of Jacob (Israel), setting the stage for the narrative focus to shift entirely to Jacob’s family from Gen 37 onwards. It confirms the fulfillment of God’s promise that Esau would become a great nation (Gen 17:6; 35:11). The detailed lists also highlight the political organization of Edom through its "chiefs," noting its distinctive leadership model, especially in comparison to the later development of Israelite monarchy.
Genesis 36 19 Word analysis
- These: (אֵלֶּה, 'elleh) - A demonstrative pronoun. It points back to the preceding lists of sons and chiefs (from Gen 36:9-18) and forward to their identification as "sons of Esau, that is, Edom." Signifies summation and identity.
- are the sons: (בְּנֵי, b'ney) - Denotes offspring, descendants, establishing lineage. Forms the basis of tribal and national identity. Indicates biological succession and the foundation of families that grow into clans/nations.
- of Esau: (עֵשָׂו, 'Esav) - The proper name of Isaac's firstborn twin son. His name is linked to "hairy" (Gen 25:25), representing his rugged, outdoorsman nature. The individual from whom the Edomite nation sprang.
- that is, Edom: (הוּא אֱדוֹם, hu' 'Edôm) - Literally "he is Edom." A critical clarifying clause frequently used in Gen 36. Edom means "red," referring to Esau’s complexion at birth or the red lentil stew for which he sold his birthright (Gen 25:30), and later, the reddish land he settled (Mount Seir). This clause firmly connects the person Esau with the nation of Edom. It underlines the dual identity that became paramount for this people group.
- and these: (וְאֵלֶּה, w'elleh) - Conjunction "and" followed by the demonstrative pronoun "these." Continues the enumeration or summation, pivoting to focus on their leadership roles. Connects the individuals to their public office.
- are their chiefs: (אַלּוּפֵיהֶם, 'allufêhem) - From 'alluf (אַלּוּף), meaning "chief," "leader," "duke," or "captain." This is a distinctive term for the Edomite leaders. Unlike Israel's eventual "kings" (מֶלֶךְ, melek), the term 'alluf describes a type of tribal or clan head. It indicates a significant organizational structure among the Edomites early in their history, highlighting their self-governance. It differentiates their societal framework from others.
- "are the sons...and these are their chiefs": This phrase encapsulates the two primary aspects of the list: direct descendants and their established leadership roles. It moves from familial identity to political structure. This grouping underlines the rapid organization and solidification of Edom as a distinct geopolitical entity even before Israel became a formal nation with its own kings. The dual reference underscores both genealogical connection and functional authority.
Genesis 36 19 Bonus section
The term 'alluf, translated "chief," is used specifically for Edomite leaders in Genesis 36. Interestingly, the same word 'alluf is used metaphorically for God in Ps 55:13 as a "companion" or "trusted friend," though its primary usage remains associated with tribal leadership outside of the Israelite monarchy. This distinct title for Edomite rulers is replaced later in Gen 36:31 by "kings," signifying a shift in their governance structure, likely influenced by surrounding empires or their own development, foreshadowing their interaction with Israel's future kingship. The detailing of Esau's lineage here fulfills part of the Abrahamic covenant that God would make Abraham a father of many nations, acknowledging that not all descendants would be part of the covenant people Israel.
Genesis 36 19 Commentary
Genesis 36:19 serves as a concise recap of Esau’s direct lineage, underscoring that the individuals listed earlier were not just his offspring but also the established leaders, or 'chiefs', of the nascent nation of Edom. This verse is vital in highlighting the transformation of Esau, an individual, into Edom, a fully structured and identifiable people group with a distinct leadership system, characterized by 'chiefs' ('allufim). The repeated emphasis on "Esau, that is, Edom" reinforces the indelible link between the patriarch and the nation, which would feature prominently in Israel's history as both a related people and a frequent adversary. This chapter and verse exemplify divine providence in fulfilling prophecies about the proliferation of nations from the patriarchs, even those who were not chosen for the Messianic line, solidifying their unique identity and societal framework in biblical history.