Genesis 36:27 kjv

The children of Ezer are these; Bilhan, and Zaavan, and Akan.

Genesis 36:27 nkjv

These were the sons of Ezer: Bilhan, Zaavan, and Akan.

Genesis 36:27 niv

The sons of Ezer: Bilhan, Zaavan and Akan.

Genesis 36:27 esv

These are the sons of Ezer: Bilhan, Zaavan, and Akan.

Genesis 36:27 nlt

The descendants of Ezer were Bilhan, Zaavan, and Akan.

Genesis 36 verses

Genesis 36 27 Meaning

Genesis 36:27 is a genealogical record detailing two distinct branches of Esau's (Edom's) descendants, specifically the sons of Ezer and the sons of Dishan. It establishes and tracks the specific lineages that contribute to the Edomite nation, demonstrating the fulfillment of God's promise for Abraham's descendants to multiply, even through Esau, and laying the groundwork for understanding the structure of the Edomite people and their territories.

Genesis 36 27 Context

Genesis 36 focuses entirely on the generations and chieftains of Esau, known also as Edom. This detailed list, following closely after the focus on Jacob's family (leading to the nation of Israel), serves to emphasize the separate but equally significant development of the Edomite nation. It demonstrates God's faithfulness in allowing both brothers, Jacob and Esau, to multiply into great peoples, even though God's covenantal promises and special election lay with Jacob's line. The chapter categorizes Esau's descendants first by his wives and then by his sons, culminating in lists of "chiefs" (clans/tribal heads) of Edom, solidifying their national structure. Verse 27 specifically names key figures from two prominent Edomite clans, those descending from Ezer and Dishan, sons of Seir the Horite, indicating an intermingling with the native Horites who were earlier inhabitants of the land.

Genesis 36 27 Word analysis

• These: A common demonstrative pronoun used to introduce a list or categorize. It serves as a signpost to indicate the specific group being presented.
• are: Implies identity or direct lineage, a simple declarative statement in the Hebrew as is often omitted.
• the sons of: (Hebrew: bənê) - Signifies direct male offspring. In biblical genealogies, "sons of" can also denote descendants more broadly, clan members, or tribal affiliations. It is fundamental to tracking lineage.
• Ezer: (Hebrew: `Etser`) - One of the sons of Seir the Horite, mentioned as a "chief of the Horites" in Gen 36:21, 27, 30. His name possibly relates to "help" or "treasure," but its significance here is primarily as a tribal patriarch within the Edomite/Horite amalgamation.
• Bilhan: (Hebrew: Bilhan) - A direct descendant of Ezer. The name's potential meaning (e.g., "newness" or "their destruction/dread") is not explicitly developed in the narrative, primarily serving as a marker in the lineage.
• Zaavan: (Hebrew: Za‘avan) - Another son of Ezer. The name might relate to "disquiet," "agitation," or "trembling." Its primary role here is to identify a specific branch of Ezer's descendants.
• and: (Hebrew: waw connective) - A simple conjunction linking names within the list, indicating parity.
• Akan: (Hebrew: ‘Akan) - The final son listed for Ezer. This name is sometimes identified with Jaakan or Jakan in 1 Chr 1:42 and is found as part of the Beeroth Bene-Jaakan wells (Deut 10:6), indicating its presence in desert areas. It might relate to "tortuous" or "viper," but again, its main function is genealogical identification.
• Dishan: (Hebrew: Dishon) - Another son of Seir the Horite, brother to Ezer (Gen 36:21). Also listed as a chief of the Horites. The name potentially means "gazelle" or "antelope." Its importance here is establishing a separate significant line within the Edomite/Horite chieftaincy.
• Uz: (Hebrew: `Uts) - One of the sons of Dishan. This name also appears as a land/region (Job 1:1, Jer 25:20) and a descendant of Aram (Gen 10:23). Its repetition suggests significance, but here it marks a particular line from Dishan. Possibly meaning "counsel."
• Aran: (Hebrew: `Aran) - The second son listed for Dishan. The name might mean "wild goat." Like others, it is primarily a genealogical marker, defining a branch of Dishan's family.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "These are the sons of Ezer: Bilhan, Zaavan, and Akan.": This phrase introduces a specific segment of the genealogy, focusing on the immediate male offspring of Ezer, a prominent figure in the Horite population that became integrated with Edom. It is a factual and precise enumeration for historical record-keeping, common in ancient Near Eastern texts to delineate tribal origins and power structures. The listing of specific individuals solidifies the chain of descent and the formation of particular clans or chieftaincies within the broader Edomite nation.
• "These are the sons of Dishan: Uz and Aran.": Similarly, this phrase introduces another distinct family unit from Dishan, another Horite chief. The simple structure, mirroring the previous line, emphasizes the parallel importance of these different lines in constructing the Edomite national identity. The conciseness underscores the practical nature of such records – to identify who belonged to which major lineage within Edom. Together, these two phrases serve to meticulously detail the family trees that underpin the growing strength and presence of the Edomites in their allotted territory.

Genesis 36 27 Bonus section

The inclusion of detailed genealogies like Genesis 36:27 highlights a crucial aspect of ancient biblical cultures: the profound importance of lineage and family for identity, social standing, land claims, and historical continuity. Unlike modern societies where individual identity often supersedes family origin, ancient peoples drew their essence and future from their ancestors. This verse, by naming distinct individuals within the Horite-Edomite clans, acts as a title deed and historical charter, affirming the legitimate existence and composition of the Edomite nation. Such lists also function to preserve the purity of family lines for covenantal promises, even as seen implicitly through its absence for the chosen line here (as Israel's detailed line comes later, separate from Esau's). It subtly contrasts the detailed, self-contained Edomite nation with the later focus on God's singular chosen people, Israel, even while acknowledging their shared patriarchal root in Isaac.

Genesis 36 27 Commentary

Genesis 36:27, nestled within the broader Edomite genealogy, may seem like a simple list of names, yet its significance is multifaceted. It attests to the biblical record's historical precision, detailing the expansion and complexity of nations distinct from Israel. While focused on Edom, this genealogy, like others in Genesis, serves as a testament to God's faithfulness in causing the descendants of Abraham (through Esau) to multiply, fulfilling aspects of the covenant promise even to the non-chosen line. The specific names delineate the distinct clans or "chiefs" (as seen later in the chapter) that constituted the early Edomite nation, confirming their existence and territorial presence long before the period of Israel's kings. This record also hints at the intermarriage and assimilation of Esau's descendants with the native Horite inhabitants of Seir, contributing to a diverse Edomite identity. The verse lays groundwork for understanding later biblical narratives where Edom interacts, often antagonistically, with Israel, confirming the origins of a key opposing nation whose roots were shared with the patriarchs.