Genesis 36:20 kjv

These are the sons of Seir the Horite, who inhabited the land; Lotan, and Shobal, and Zibeon, and Anah,

Genesis 36:20 nkjv

These were the sons of Seir the Horite who inhabited the land: Lotan, Shobal, Zibeon, Anah,

Genesis 36:20 niv

These were the sons of Seir the Horite, who were living in the region: Lotan, Shobal, Zibeon, Anah,

Genesis 36:20 esv

These are the sons of Seir the Horite, the inhabitants of the land: Lotan, Shobal, Zibeon, Anah,

Genesis 36:20 nlt

These are the names of the tribes that descended from Seir the Horite. They lived in the land of Edom: Lotan, Shobal, Zibeon, Anah,

Genesis 36 verses

Genesis 36 20 Meaning

Genesis 36:20 details the immediate lineage of Seir the Horite, naming his prominent sons or descendants who were the original inhabitants of the land that later became Edom. This verse serves as a crucial historical record, establishing the identity and lineage of the native population prior to the arrival and eventual dominion of Esau's descendants, the Edomites. It highlights the patriarchal structure of these ancient societies and their territorial claims before their assimilation or displacement.

Genesis 36 20 Context

Genesis chapter 36 serves as an extensive genealogical account of Esau (Edom) and his descendants, marking a pivotal transition in the Book of Genesis. After the detailed narratives of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, this chapter outlines Esau's family and their migration to the hill country of Seir. It delineates the tribes, chiefs, and kings that emerged from Esau, contrasting his distinct nation from Jacob's descendants who would form Israel. Within this comprehensive genealogy, Genesis 36:20 introduces the indigenous people of Seir, the Horites, demonstrating that Esau's people settled in an already inhabited land. This detail underscores God's sovereignty over land tenure and national destinies, as the Edomites would eventually dispossess the Horites, mirroring the future disposition of Canaan for Israel. Historically, the Horites are associated with Hurrian culture, known in the Near East for their distinct language and possibly for dwelling in caves or rocky outcrops, a trait suitable for the rugged Seir mountains. This record contributes to the biblical emphasis on precise historical and geographical details, anchoring the unfolding narrative in identifiable earthly realities.

Genesis 36 20 Word analysis

• These are (אֵ֣לֶּה, eileh): A demonstrative plural pronoun, commonly used to introduce lists or genealogies. It functions as a declarative statement, setting the stage for the following enumeration. Its simple presence highlights the purpose of this verse: identification and categorization.

• the sons of (בְנֵי־, b'nei): A plural construct noun meaning "sons of," "children of," or more broadly, "descendants of." In ancient genealogies, "sons" could refer to immediate offspring or a broader lineage, often representing tribes or clans stemming from an eponymous ancestor.

• Seir (שֵׂעִ֣יר, Se'ir): Both a personal name and a geographical location, a mountainous region east of the Arabah, which later became the territory of Edom. The name likely means "hairy" or "shaggy," possibly describing the rugged, forested nature of the region or a physical characteristic. Seir represents the ancestral head of the Horite nation mentioned here.

• the Horite (הַחֹרִ֗י, ha-Chori): "Ha-" is the definite article "the." "Horite" comes from the root חֹר (khor), meaning "cave" or "hole." This suggests they were known as "cave-dwellers," which aligns with the topographical nature of the mountainous Seir region where natural caves abound, providing shelter and defense. It specifies the ethnic group associated with Seir.

• inhabitants of (יֹשְׁבֵי֮, yoshvei): A participle, plural construct form, meaning "those dwelling," "settlers of," or "inhabitants of." This confirms their established residency and claim to the land prior to the Edomite arrival.

• the land (הָאָ֒רֶץ֒, ha-aretz): "Ha-" is the definite article "the." "Eretz" means "land" or "earth." Here, "the land" specifically refers to the territory of Seir, the Horite domain. It emphasizes their autochthonous status within that particular geographic region.

• Lotan, and Shobal, and Zibeon, and Anah (לוֹטָ֤ן וְשׁוֹבָל֙ וְצִבְע֔וֹן וַעֲנָֽה׃): These are specific names of prominent individuals. The conjunction "and" (וְ) connects them in a list. These figures are named as sons of Seir in this verse. However, Gen 36:24 clarifies that Anah is the son of Zibeon (making him a grandson of Seir). This indicates that such "son lists" in ancient genealogies could include particularly influential descendants who might be clan founders or prominent chiefs, even if not direct biological sons, or that the word "son" is used in a broader sense for "descendant." Their names represent the foundational lineages and tribal units of the Horite people. Their recurring mention as chiefs (Gen 36:29-30, 1 Chr 1:38-41) underscores their historical importance.

Genesis 36 20 Bonus section

The inclusion of Horite genealogies within Esau's larger lineage (Genesis 36) subtly underscores the divine orchestration of territories and peoples. Just as the Edomites (descendants of Esau) would displace the Horites from Seir, so too would Israel eventually possess the land of Canaan, displacing its inhabitants. This parallelism highlights a consistent principle in God's dealing with nations: He determines their appointed times and the boundaries of their dwelling places. Furthermore, the very existence of such detailed lists of non-covenant peoples like the Horites emphasizes the meticulous nature of God's knowledge of all humanity and the historical accuracy of the biblical narrative, affirming its reliability not just for Israel's story but for broader ancient history. The integration and eventual assimilation of the Horites into the Edomite structure reflect common historical patterns of ancient Near Eastern conquests, where original inhabitants might be absorbed or subservient rather than entirely eradicated.

Genesis 36 20 Commentary

Genesis 36:20 is a foundational genealogical statement, providing the initial direct ancestors of the Horites, the aboriginal inhabitants of the land of Seir. The mention of "the Horite, the inhabitants of the land" highlights their indigenous status, which is key to understanding the subsequent narrative of Esau's dominion over the region. The precision of the biblical record in identifying these early non-Israelite peoples underscores its historical value and the comprehensive nature of divine oversight of nations. The listed names — Lotan, Shobal, Zibeon, and Anah — represent key tribal leaders, and though Anah is later clarified as a grandson through Zibeon (Gen 36:24), his inclusion in the list of Seir's "sons" shows a focus on significant lineage heads rather than a strict direct paternal chain, common in ancient Near Eastern genealogies for emphasizing influential family branches. This verse, therefore, sets the stage for the fulfillment of divine decrees concerning national lands and the shifting boundaries between peoples, illustrating that God sovereignly ordains the rise and fall, settlement and displacement of nations (Deut 2:12, 22; Acts 17:26).