Genesis 36:24 kjv

And these are the children of Zibeon; both Ajah, and Anah: this was that Anah that found the mules in the wilderness, as he fed the asses of Zibeon his father.

Genesis 36:24 nkjv

These were the sons of Zibeon: both Ajah and Anah. This was the Anah who found the water in the wilderness as he pastured the donkeys of his father Zibeon.

Genesis 36:24 niv

The sons of Zibeon: Aiah and Anah. This is the Anah who discovered the hot springs in the desert while he was grazing the donkeys of his father Zibeon.

Genesis 36:24 esv

These are the sons of Zibeon: Aiah and Anah; he is the Anah who found the hot springs in the wilderness, as he pastured the donkeys of Zibeon his father.

Genesis 36:24 nlt

The descendants of Zibeon were Aiah and Anah. (This is the Anah who discovered the hot springs in the wilderness while he was grazing his father's donkeys.)

Genesis 36 verses

Genesis 36 24 Meaning

Genesis 36:24 identifies Anah, the son of Zibeon, as a notable figure among the Horite chiefs. His significance is highlighted by a specific discovery: he found "the hot springs" or "the mules" (depending on interpretation) in the wilderness while tending his father's donkeys. This detail distinguishes Anah within the genealogical record, emphasizing either his skill in locating vital resources in arid regions or his ingenuity in pioneering animal breeding. It marks him as a contributor to the practical sustenance and potential wealth of his people, highlighting a significant and unique accomplishment amidst a list of names.

Genesis 36 24 Context

Genesis chapter 36 provides an extensive genealogy of Esau, outlining his descendants who formed the nation of Edom. Within this list, the focus shifts to include the Horites, the indigenous people of Seir, among whom Esau's family intermarried. Anah, mentioned in verse 24, is part of this Horite lineage, specifically identified as a son of Zibeon and father of Esau's wife Oholibamah. This verse is not just a mere name in a long list; it briefly details an act that gives particular distinction to Anah. In the arid, wild terrain of Seir, where survival hinged on resourcefulness, finding either vital water sources or creating a valuable hybrid animal like the mule would have been a profoundly significant contribution, deserving of mention in his lineage. This detail offers a glimpse into the lives and accomplishments of non-Israelite peoples coexisting with the nascent patriarchs.

Genesis 36 24 Word analysis

• אֵלֶּה בְנֵי צִבְעוֹן (eleh bene Tsbion): "These are the sons of Zibeon."
  • אֵלֶּה (eleh): "These." A common demonstrative pronoun used to introduce a list or continuation of a genealogy.
  • בְנֵי (bene): "sons of." Indicates lineage and direct descendant.
  • צִבְעוֹן (Tsib'on): "Zibeon." A Horite chief, mentioned as Seir's son in verse 20. The name likely relates to 'dyed' or 'hyena.'
• אַיָּה וְעָנָה (Ayah ve'Anah): "Aiah and Anah."
  • אַיָּה (Aiah): "Aiah." Means "falcon" or "kite." This son is otherwise unmentioned.
  • וְעָנָה (ve'Anah): "and Anah." Anah is the primary subject of this verse, being singled out for special mention. His name's meaning is debated, possibly "answer" or "afflicted."
• זֶה עָנָה אֲשֶׁר מָצָא אֶת־הַיֵּמִם בַּמִּדְבָּר (zeh Anah asher matsa et-hayyemim ba-midbar): "This is Anah who found the yemim in the wilderness."
  • זֶה (zeh): "This (is)." Used to emphasize and specify which Anah is being referred to, drawing attention to his unique contribution.
  • אֲשֶׁר (asher): "who" or "which." A relative pronoun.
  • מָצָא (matsa): "found," "discovered," "came upon." Implies an act of searching or an unexpected encounter leading to discovery. The root is versatile, indicating anything from happening upon something by chance to deliberately seeking and finding.
  • אֶת־הַיֵּמִם (et-hayyemim): The most debated phrase.
    • הַיֵּמִם (hayyemim): This Hebrew word is critical and highly interpretative.
      • Interpretation 1: "hot springs" or "waters" (related to יָם yam "sea/water" or Akkadian yamīmu "hot springs," or Arabic ḥamīm "hot water"). This reading suggests Anah discovered a geothermally heated water source, which would be incredibly valuable in a wilderness environment for both drinking and possibly bathing/healing. This aligns with בַּמִּדְבָּר (in the wilderness).
      • Interpretation 2: "mules" or "wild donkeys" (often considered a hybrid animal, perhaps a cross between a horse and a donkey, or an ass and a wild ass). Many ancient versions (Septuagint, Targums, Vulgate, Peshitta) render this word as "mules." This interpretation posits that Anah was the first to successfully breed the horse with the donkey, resulting in mules (peres or pired in later Hebrew, pere often meaning wild donkey). Mules were known for their strength, endurance, and surefootedness, making them valuable pack animals in rugged terrain.
    • The Septuagint's Ἰαμεὶν (Iamein) in one translation refers to "Emim" or "giants," connecting to Num 13:33 for an interpretation of strong wild animals.
  • בַּמִּדְבָּר (ba-midbar): "in the wilderness." מִדְבָּר (midbar) refers to an arid, uncultivated, sparsely populated region used primarily for pasturing, a common setting in the patriarchal narratives. It highlights the difficulty and significance of such a discovery.
• בִּרְעֹתוֹ אֶת־הַחֲמֹרִים לְצִבְעוֹן אָבִיו (biro'ato et-ha-khamorim leTsbion aviv): "as he pastured the donkeys of Zibeon his father."
  • בִּרְעֹתוֹ (biro'ato): "while pasturing" or "when he pastured." From רָעָה (ra'ah), meaning "to shepherd," "to tend (flocks)," "to feed." It shows Anah's regular occupation.
  • אֶת־הַחֲמֹרִים (et-ha-khamorim): "the donkeys." חֲמוֹר (khamor) means "donkey" or "ass." These were common and essential beasts of burden. If hayyemim means mules, this phrase establishes that Anah started by pasturing ordinary donkeys, suggesting his discovery was related to their breeding.
  • לְצִבְעוֹן אָבִיו (leTsbion aviv): "for Zibeon his father." Indicates that Anah was working within his father's household, contributing to the family's assets.

Words-group analysis:

• "This Anah who found the yemim in the wilderness": This phrase uniquely sets Anah apart from others in the long genealogy. It indicates an unusual or innovative accomplishment. Whether finding hot springs or breeding mules, the discovery implies great resourcefulness and provided substantial practical value in the harsh environment of Seir. This distinguishes him not for military prowess or tribal leadership, but for ingenuity beneficial to daily life and commerce.
• "as he pastured the donkeys of Zibeon his father": This detail emphasizes Anah's ordinary occupation, suggesting his discovery was a product of diligent observation and practical engagement rather than a deliberate scientific expedition. It elevates common labor to a context of significant contribution and innovation, underscoring that even routine tasks can lead to remarkable outcomes under divine providence or human ingenuity.

Genesis 36 24 Bonus section

• The textual ambiguity surrounding הַיֵּמִים (hayyemim) in Gen 36:24 is one of the most intriguing and enduring exegetical challenges in the Pentateuch, illustrating how subtle linguistic nuances can lead to vastly different interpretations of a single historical detail. The strength of the ancient translations (Septuagint, Targums, Vulgate, Peshitta) leaning towards "mules" is significant for historical reception of the text.
• This verse underscores the importance of an individual's unique contribution, even when embedded in a broad tribal list. Anah's act of discovery became part of his identifying marker, a kind of primitive curriculum vitae included in a sacred genealogy.
• The context of Anah pasturing donkeys while making this discovery adds a layer of depth. It implies that valuable insights or innovations can arise from daily labor and observation, rather than solely from privileged positions or scholarly pursuits. This aligns with biblical principles that often honor those who labor faithfully with their hands.
• The integration of Horite and Edomite genealogies, specifically through Anah's daughter Oholibamah marrying Esau's son, implies cultural and social interaction. Anah's significant discovery becomes part of the shared legacy between these peoples, showing how the unique contributions of an individual could affect a wider tribal or national group.

Genesis 36 24 Commentary

Genesis 36:24 provides a concise yet impactful description of Anah, a Horite chief, setting him apart within a lengthy genealogy through a specific and remarkable discovery. The debate surrounding "hot springs" versus "mules" for hayyemim speaks to the value placed on practical resourcefulness in the ancient world. If Anah found hot springs, it highlights the critical role of water discovery for sustenance and potential healing in arid regions, marking him as a crucial benefactor. If he bred mules, it signifies his ingenuity in animal husbandry, introducing a highly valuable and enduring animal that would become essential for transport and agriculture, establishing him as a pioneer of immense economic and practical contribution. In either interpretation, Anah is recognized for an innovative act derived from his daily labor, demonstrating that divine providence often reveals vital provisions through diligence and keen observation. This detail reminds us that practical contributions, even in mundane occupations, hold significance and can leave a lasting legacy.