Genesis 36 29

Genesis 36:29 kjv

These are the dukes that came of the Horites; duke Lotan, duke Shobal, duke Zibeon, duke Anah,

Genesis 36:29 nkjv

These were the chiefs of the Horites: Chief Lotan, Chief Shobal, Chief Zibeon, Chief Anah,

Genesis 36:29 niv

These were the Horite chiefs: Lotan, Shobal, Zibeon, Anah,

Genesis 36:29 esv

These are the chiefs of the Horites: the chiefs Lotan, Shobal, Zibeon, Anah,

Genesis 36:29 nlt

So these were the leaders of the Horite clans: Lotan, Shobal, Zibeon, Anah,

Genesis 36 verses

Genesis 36 29 meaning

Genesis 36:29 lists three more chieftains, Dizahav, Alvah, and Jetheth, concluding the section detailing the chieftains who descended from Esau according to their specific clans and dwelling places. This verse serves as a genealogical record, delineating the established leadership structure within the nation of Edom.

Genesis 36 29 Context

Genesis chapter 36 provides an extensive genealogy of Esau, also known as Edom, detailing his descendants, their settlements, and their chieftains and kings in the land of Seir. This chapter functions to explain the rise of the Edomite nation, distinct from, yet related to, the Israelite nation through Jacob. Verses 15-19 present a list of chieftains ("dukes") descended from Esau's immediate sons, differentiating them by the regions or clans over which they ruled. Verses 20-28 then focus on the chieftains from the Horites, the original inhabitants of Seir, among whom Esau's descendants intermarried and gained control. Verse 29 concludes this particular enumeration of chieftains, likely representing significant clan leaders or territorial rulers who governed specific parts of Edom. The overall context establishes Edom as a developed nation with an established political structure, providing historical groundwork for future interactions between Israel and Edom.

Genesis 36 29 Word analysis

• Dizahav (דִּיזָהָב - Dîzāhāḇ): This is a proper noun, the name of a chieftain or clan of Edom. While its exact etymology is debated, the component 'zahav' (זָהָב) means "gold." Some interpret it as "region of gold" or "sufficient gold," potentially indicating a wealthy area or the prosperity of this clan. The name Dizahab is also mentioned as a place name in Deuteronomy 1:1, located in the vicinity of Sinai, which helps connect the historical geography of Edom to later biblical narratives concerning Israel's journey in the wilderness.
• Alvah (עַלְוָה - ‘Alwāh): Another proper noun, representing a chieftain or a distinct clan within Edom. The precise meaning is uncertain, but it might be related to a root meaning "coming up" or "ascent," though some rare interpretations suggest "iniquity." In this genealogical context, it functions primarily as a name designating a branch of Esau's lineage.
• Jetheth (יְתֵת - Yəṯêṯ): A third proper noun in this sequence, identifying a chieftain or a prominent clan. The name likely derives from a root associated with "to fix," "to place," "peg," or "nail." This might imply firmness, stability, or establishment, reflecting the secure presence of this clan within Edom.

• "Dizahav, Alvah, Jetheth": The listing of these three names sequentially signifies a continuation of the previous lists of chieftains. It emphasizes the organized, structured nature of the Edomite society, which had distinct ruling lineages and territorial divisions. Their inclusion validates the diverse and extensive progeny of Esau and illustrates the breadth of his influence in establishing the nation of Edom with multiple leading families or territories, often termed "dukes" or "chiefs," before the Edomites had kings.

Genesis 36 29 Bonus section

The mention of Dizahav in this genealogical context, alongside its appearance as a geographical location in Deuteronomy 1:1, suggests that some of these Edomite chieftains or clans were likely named after the regions they controlled or from which they originated. This practice of naming leaders or groups after geographical landmarks was common in the ancient Near East and helps in understanding the historical geography of the territories inhabited by Esau's descendants. This chapter emphasizes the divine providence in shaping separate nations from a common ancestor, Jacob and Esau, demonstrating God's sovereign hand over all peoples and their destinies. The precise detail in recording these chieftains highlights the value placed on lineage, tribal identity, and political organization in ancient societies.

Genesis 36 29 Commentary

Genesis 36:29 completes a list of prominent leaders or clan heads within the nation of Edom, establishing its tribal and territorial structure. The naming of Dizahav, Alvah, and Jetheth reinforces the comprehensive record of Esau's extensive lineage and the consolidated nature of the Edomite state. This verse, like others in the chapter, is not deeply theological but serves a vital historical purpose: to validate the Edomites as a distinct, organized nation, fulfilling the blessing given to Esau regarding his descendants and demonstrating their established presence in the land of Seir before the rise of the Israelite monarchy. It lays the groundwork for understanding future interactions, often adversarial, between the two sibling nations of Edom and Israel.