Genesis 36:21 kjv

And Dishon, and Ezer, and Dishan: these are the dukes of the Horites, the children of Seir in the land of Edom.

Genesis 36:21 nkjv

Dishon, Ezer, and Dishan. These were the chiefs of the Horites, the sons of Seir, in the land of Edom.

Genesis 36:21 niv

Dishon, Ezer and Dishan. These sons of Seir in Edom were Horite chiefs.

Genesis 36:21 esv

Dishon, Ezer, and Dishan; these are the chiefs of the Horites, the sons of Seir in the land of Edom.

Genesis 36:21 nlt

Dishon, Ezer, and Dishan. These were the Horite clan leaders, the descendants of Seir, who lived in the land of Edom.

Genesis 36 verses

Genesis 36 21 Meaning

Genesis 36:21 continues the precise genealogical record of the Horite chiefs inhabiting the land of Seir. It lists Dishon, Ezer, and Dishan as specific leaders directly descended from Hori. These individuals represent a distinct layer of the indigenous leadership within the land later settled by Esau's descendants. The verse emphasizes their standing as "chiefs" within their own people and territory, providing a glimpse into the structured societies existing prior to and alongside the establishment of Edomite power.

Genesis 36 21 Context

Genesis chapter 36 provides an extensive record of Esau's family line and descendants, detailing the genesis of the nation of Edom. It is a transitional chapter that connects the patriarchal narratives of Isaac and Jacob to the rise of surrounding nations. Within this chapter, verses 20-30 specifically enumerate the Horites, the indigenous inhabitants of Mount Seir, with whom Esau's descendants intermarried and from whom they eventually inherited the land. Verse 21 fits directly into this listing, identifying three more specific Horite chiefs descended from the elder Hori, confirming the deep roots of leadership among this native population before Edomite dominion. This level of detail establishes the precise historical setting for later interactions between Israel and Edom.

Genesis 36 21 Word analysis

• And (וְ - wĕ): A simple conjunction connecting this verse to the preceding list, indicating continuation.
• Dishon (דִּישֹׁן - Dishon): A proper name, likely meaning "threshing," or "fat." It designates a specific individual who is a chief. He is identified as a son of Anah earlier (Gen 36:25) and later as a son of Seir, a common ancestor (1 Chr 1:38). Here, he's named as a chief derived from Hori.
• and (וְ - wĕ): Again, a conjunction.
• Ezer (אֵצֶר - Ezer): A proper name meaning "help" or "treasure." Identifies another specific Horite chief.
• and (וְ - wĕ): Conjunction.
• Dishan (דִּישָׁן - Dishan): A proper name, possibly related to "Dishon," carrying similar meanings. It specifies another distinct Horite chief.
• these are (אֵלֶּה הֵם - ’ēlleh hēm): Literally "these are they." A demonstrative phrase indicating a summary or concluding identification of the previously named individuals.
• the chiefs (אַלּוּפֵי - ’alluphê): Plural of alluph. This term signifies a chieftain, leader, or duke. It implies a distinct role of authority within their tribal or familial structure. It highlights a type of leadership different from the later concept of "kings" (Gen 36:31).
• that came of Hori / the sons of Hori (בְּנֵי חֹרִי - bĕnê Ḥōrî): Literally "sons of Hori." It specifies their direct patrilineal lineage, indicating they belong to the specific Horite clan named after the ancestor Hori, establishing their hereditary claim to leadership.
• among their chiefs / according to their chiefs (אַלּוּפֵיהֶם - ’alluphêhem): This phrase further clarifies that Dishon, Ezer, and Dishan held positions of leadership within their own established Horite societal structure. The repetition of alluph emphasizes their internal ranking and organized community. It confirms they are indeed among the prominent leaders of the Horites.
• in the land of Seir (בְּאֶרֶץ שֵׂעִיר - bĕ’ereṣ Śē‘îr): Locates their sphere of influence and habitation. "Seir" means "hairy" or "rugged," describing the mountainous terrain. It confirms these chiefs ruled within the geographic territory known as Seir.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Dishon, and Ezer, and Dishan": The specific listing of three distinct individuals underscores the detailed nature of this genealogical record. Each name represents a person of recognized standing.
• "these are the chiefs": This summary statement confirms the status of the named individuals. They were not merely family members but held positions of authority within their tribe. The term alluph here points to a hereditary or traditional tribal leadership model.
• "that came of Hori, among their chiefs": This phrase firmly anchors their leadership within the Horite clan structure. It highlights that they are part of a pre-existing indigenous leadership system. Their authority stems from their Horite lineage and position within that specific socio-political order in Seir.
• "in the land of Seir": This geographical reference provides the physical setting for their leadership. It situates these chiefs and their clans within a defined territory.

Genesis 36 21 Bonus section

• The term alluph (chief/duke) appears frequently in Gen 36 for both Horite and Edomite leaders, indicating a primary mode of governance before the rise of kingship, as mentioned later in the chapter (Gen 36:31ff). This transition from a tribal confederacy led by alluphim to a centralized monarchy reflects a common developmental trajectory for nations in the ancient world.
• The meticulous cataloging of diverse peoples, even those not directly in the messianic lineage, demonstrates God's attention to all humanity and the unfolding of His plan through distinct national histories. It grounds biblical narratives in real-world geography and anthropology.
• The listing of these Horite chiefs reinforces the biblical assertion in Deut 2:12 and 22 that the Edomites indeed took possession of the land formerly inhabited by these organized Horite clans, underscoring the divine principle of nations taking possession of territories God had prepared for them.

Genesis 36 21 Commentary

Genesis 36:21 continues a remarkably detailed but often overlooked genealogical record of the Horite people, the indigenous inhabitants of Mount Seir. While seemingly a simple list of names, its inclusion emphasizes the Bible's commitment to accurate historical documentation and its understanding of the established socio-political landscape of the ancient Near East. The naming of specific chiefs—Dishon, Ezer, and Dishan—from the lineage of Hori illustrates the structured nature of Horite society with its own recognized lines of authority (chiefs or "dukes," alluphim).

This verse highlights a key aspect of ancient tribal societies where leadership was often hereditary and clearly defined. The mention of "their chiefs" confirms an internal hierarchy and functioning community. This detailed Horite genealogy serves a crucial contextual purpose, preceding the enumeration of Esau's descendants who eventually came to dominate this same land. It quietly but powerfully foreshadows the narrative in Deuteronomy where the Edomites (descendants of Esau) are recorded as having dispossessed the Horites, much like Israel would dispossess the inhabitants of Canaan. Thus, these seemingly minor names represent leaders of a people group whose historical trajectory intersected significantly with the unfolding plan of God for Israel. The divine preservation of these records underscores that every nation, and their rise and fall, is within the purview of God's sovereign oversight, establishing the full historical context of Edom's emergence.