Genesis 36 19

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 verses

Genesis 36 19 meaning

Genesis 36:19 serves as a concluding statement for the preceding enumeration of Esau’s direct male descendants and the tribal leaders or "chiefs" that arose from them. It emphatically links Esau with "Edom," underscoring the foundation of a distinct nation, Edom, established through Esau’s lineage. The verse summarizes that the lists just provided represent both Esau's sons and the specific clan chiefs who emerged from their generations, highlighting their established leadership structure in the land of Seir.

Genesis 36 19 Context

Genesis 36 details the "generations of Esau" (Gen 36:1), providing a genealogical record of his descendants, their wives, and their eventual settlement in the hill country of Seir, the land that came to be known as Edom. This chapter serves as a stark contrast to the preceding chapters focused on Jacob and his twelve sons, emphasizing the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham of becoming a great nation (Gen 17:6) but distinguishing the separate trajectory of Esau’s lineage.

Verse 19 specifically concludes the first major section detailing Esau's sons and the 'alluphim (chiefs) who originated directly from his sons Eliphaz (Gen 36:15-16) and Reuel (Gen 36:17-18). It encapsulates the immediately preceding verses by confirming that the individuals named were indeed the sons of Esau, identified as Edom, and these individuals formed the core leadership of their emerging nation. This structural repetition of the relationship between Esau and Edom ensures no misunderstanding of the burgeoning national entity.

Genesis 36 19 Word analysis

• These (אֵלֶּה, 'elleh): A demonstrative pronoun, serving as an explicit pointer back to the lists provided in Genesis 36:15-18. It confirms the individuals just enumerated are the subject of this summarizing statement. In Hebrew narrative, "these are the generations of" (אֵלֶּה תּוֹלְדֹת, 'elleh tôledōt) is a common structuring phrase, though here "these" directly references the persons listed.
• are the sons of Esau (בְּנֵי עֵשָׂו, bᵉney 'Esav): Identifies the direct paternal lineage, anchoring the upcoming nation of Edom to its founding father, Esau. "Esau" ('Esav) comes from the root 'asah (to make, do) possibly related to his "finished" or "hairy" appearance at birth (Gen 25:25). His name reflects physical characteristics.
• that is, Edom (הוּא אֱדוֹם, hu 'Edom): A direct appositional clause. This parenthetical clarification explicitly connects Esau to the geographical and national entity. The name "Edom" ('Edom) means "red" and relates to Esau's reddish complexion at birth and his sale of the birthright for red lentil stew (Gen 25:25, 30). This persistent association highlights the Edomite national identity as distinct and arising directly from Esau. It underscores their origins and character from the very beginning of their existence as a people.
• and these are their chiefs (וְאֵלֶּה אַלּוּפֵי, wᵉ'elleh 'alluphe):
  • "and these" (וְאֵלֶּה, wᵉ'elleh): Repeats the demonstrative, directing attention to the specific role these individuals hold.
  • "chiefs" (אַלּוּפֵי, 'alluphe): The plural form of 'alluf (אַלּוּף). This term signifies a tribal chief, a clan leader, or a head of a family group within the Bedouin or early nomadic social structure. It indicates a stage of societal organization that precedes kingship but signifies an established leadership. It contrasts with later references to "kings" in Edom (Gen 36:31), marking a transition in their political structure over time. The term 'alluf specifically refers to a designated leader, not merely any descendant. It underlines their organized, independent existence separate from Israel. This term also carries weight in other biblical contexts, sometimes appearing for leaders of Judah, reflecting a type of authority.
• Words-group by words-group analysis:
  • "These are the sons of Esau (that is, Edom)": This phrase reaffirms the genealogical core and establishes the interchangeable identity of Esau and Edom. It acts as a clear theological and historical marker of a distinct people group. The direct identification of the person with the emerging nation is a common biblical narrative device for establishing national origins.
  • "and these are their chiefs": This clause elevates the individuals from mere descendants to figures of authority. It signifies the development of social and political hierarchy within the Edomite lineage. The repeated "these are" indicates two facets of the list: direct lineage and specific leadership roles. The establishment of "chiefs" implies an organized tribal society capable of exercising collective influence, foreshadowing their future interactions with Israel as a distinct, organized nation.

Genesis 36 19 Bonus section

The Hebrew word 'alluf (אַלּוּף) used for "chiefs" in Gen 36:19 also appears in a fascinating prophetic context in Zechariah 9:7, where Judah's leaders are referred to using this same term, symbolizing Judah's humbled, tribal status compared to its former monarchical glory, almost as "clans" or "chieftains" rather than kings. This hints at the versatility and social implications embedded within the term, beyond its initial appearance describing Edomite leadership. The detailed lists of Esau's lineage and chiefs in Genesis 36 are unusual in their specificity for a non-Israelite nation, reflecting its future significance as Israel's "brother" nation with a turbulent relationship, often characterized by rivalry and hostility, as seen in books like Numbers, Obadiah, and Malachi. The naming of specific chiefs validates Edom's existence as a legitimate, recognized power in the ancient world, whose interactions with Israel were substantial.

Genesis 36 19 Commentary

Genesis 36:19 succinctly encapsulates the culmination of the preceding genealogy by emphasizing the foundational truth that the listed individuals are not merely Esau's progeny but the initial leaders, or chiefs, of the developing nation of Edom. The deliberate re-identification of "Esau" with "Edom" throughout the chapter, including this verse, serves as a crucial identifier for the audience, reminding them of this significant rival nation to Israel, both in their historical relationship and theological destiny.

This verse marks a pivotal point where a family line transitions into a structured tribal entity, foreshadowing the later emergence of kings in Edom, yet distinct from the nascent nation of Israel under Jacob. The mentioning of "chiefs" reveals the early socio-political organization of the Edomites, operating through clan or tribal leaders rather than a centralized monarchy at this initial stage. It reinforces the biblical account of separate national formations from common patriarchal roots (Isaac's sons), highlighting the divine distinction and chosen lineage established through Jacob in contrast to Esau. The verse signifies the emergence of a nation ready to assert its presence in the ancient Near East.