Genesis 36 28

Genesis 36:28 kjv

The children of Dishan are these; Uz, and Aran.

Genesis 36:28 nkjv

These were the sons of Dishan: Uz and Aran.

Genesis 36:28 niv

The sons of Dishan: Uz and Aran.

Genesis 36:28 esv

These are the sons of Dishan: Uz and Aran.

Genesis 36:28 nlt

The descendants of Dishan were Uz and Aran.

Genesis 36 verses

Genesis 36 28 meaning

Genesis 36:28 simply records two individuals, Uz and Aran, as the sons of Dishan. This verse is part of a detailed genealogical record in Genesis chapter 36, which meticulously lists the descendants of Esau (also known as Edom), tracing his family through his wives and their offspring, including chieftains and kings who ruled in the land of Seir before the monarchy of Israel. This particular entry establishes the direct patrilineal lineage of Uz and Aran, situating them within the broader Edomite family tree derived from Dishan.

Genesis 36 28 Context

Genesis chapter 36 is entirely devoted to the genealogies of Esau (also called Edom), documenting his descendants, chieftains, and early kings. This chapter provides a complete account of Esau's lineage and settlement in the land of Seir, the indigenous inhabitants of which were the Horites. The verse Gen 36:28 fits within a list of "the sons of Seir" (36:20), indicating the integration and intermarriage between Esau's descendants and the Horites. Specifically, Dishan is identified as a son of Anah (36:25), who was the daughter of Zibeon the Horite (36:24). This implies that Dishan was either a Horite integrated into Esau's broader family or perhaps Esau’s own grandson through a Horite mother. The meticulous record keeping in this chapter serves to show God’s faithfulness in multiplying Esau's seed as promised, but also to clearly delineate the Edomites as a distinct nation from Israel, despite their shared ancestry through Isaac. The chapter sets the historical and geographical background for later interactions between Israel and Edom. In the Ancient Near East, such detailed genealogies were crucial for establishing claims to land, proving tribal identity, and maintaining social status and political legitimacy.

Genesis 36 28 Word analysis

• These: Hebrew "ēlleh" (אֵלֶּה). A demonstrative pronoun, referring directly to the previously mentioned Dishan, explicitly linking the following names as his immediate offspring. It provides continuity in the genealogical listing.
• were: Hebrew "hāyū" (הָיוּ). A simple verb of being, indicating a direct factual statement about their existence as Dishan's progeny. Its presence confirms this as a historical record rather than a narrative interpretation.
• the sons: Hebrew "bēn" (בֵּן). Literally "son" or "child." In this context, used collectively as "the sons." This term signifies direct patrilineal descent, crucial for identifying tribal groups and establishing lineage within ancient Israelite and ANE societies. It underscores the patriarchal structure of families and nations.
• of Dishan: Hebrew "Diyshôn" (דּישׁן). A name referring to a chieftain of the Horites and a descendant of Seir, and through his daughter Oholibamah, connected to Esau. The name itself might mean "threshing." His placement within the genealogies, distinct from the four sons listed in 36:26 (which is attributed to another "Dishan" or another listing), reflects the complex interweaving of lineages in the Horite-Edomite society, sometimes leading to textual challenges for commentators trying to reconcile these names definitively. This Dishan (Gen 36:28) is son of Anah, whereas another Dishan is son of Seir. The Chronicles passage 1 Chron 1:41 also explicitly attributes Uz and Aran as sons of Dishan.
• Uz: Hebrew "ʻÛwts" (עוּץ). A personal name. This individual is distinct from "Uz" mentioned elsewhere in genealogies (e.g., as a son of Aram in Gen 10:23, or a son of Nahor in Gen 22:21). The repetition of such names reflects common naming patterns of the time rather than a single individual. The land of Uz (Job 1:1), while not directly identified as the territory of this specific Uz, is geographically connected with the Edomite region. Its mention here places him within the developing tapestry of the peoples neighboring Israel.
• and: Hebrew "waw" (וְ). A simple conjunction, connecting Uz and Aran as co-equal brothers and sons of Dishan, maintaining the flow of the list.
• Aran: Hebrew "'Ârân" (אָרָן). A personal name, likely meaning "wild goat" or "strong." Like Uz, Aran is a descendant of Dishan and contributes to the Horite/Edomite family tree. No further significant biblical role or event is specifically tied to this individual named Aran, making him primarily a part of the genealogical record.

Genesis 36 28 Bonus section

The repeated name "Uz" across different biblical genealogies (son of Aram, son of Nahor, and son of Dishan as seen here) highlights that names were often common. Biblical context is crucial to identify the specific individual being referenced, preventing misinterpretation of lineage or historical events. This verse, like many others in Genesis 36, also underscores the Bible's historical meticulousness, even for groups like the Edomites, who later became adversaries of Israel. It affirms that God’s providential oversight extends to all nations, even those outside the direct line of covenantal promise, detailing their rise and establishment as peoples in the ancient world. The precision of such genealogical records provides an early "population register" that validates the distinctiveness and interconnections of the nations surrounding early Israel, reinforcing the narrative integrity of Scripture.

Genesis 36 28 Commentary

Genesis 36:28, while seemingly a minor entry within a lengthy genealogical chapter, serves a vital purpose in the biblical narrative. It is a precise detail in a comprehensive record of Esau's lineage, the Edomites. This seemingly dry factual statement confirms the continuing fulfillment of God's blessing of numerous descendants, even for Esau, showcasing divine faithfulness to His word broadly spoken, although His specific covenant promise remained with Jacob. The meticulous cataloging of these individuals and their relationships demonstrates the careful historical grounding of the biblical accounts and distinguishes the various peoples related to, yet distinct from, Israel. The inclusion of names like Uz and Aran, alongside Horite chieftains, reveals the complex intermarriage and societal integration that occurred in the early settlement of the land of Seir. This foundational information laid the groundwork for future interactions between Israel and Edom, highlighting both their kinship and their distinct national identities and destinies. Such genealogies were not mere lists; they established identity, claim to land, and provided crucial historical and socio-political context for future divine actions and human interactions within the overarching story of redemption.