Genesis 36:3 kjv

And Bashemath Ishmael's daughter, sister of Nebajoth.

Genesis 36:3 nkjv

and Basemath, Ishmael's daughter, sister of Nebajoth.

Genesis 36:3 niv

also Basemath daughter of Ishmael and sister of Nebaioth.

Genesis 36:3 esv

and Basemath, Ishmael's daughter, the sister of Nebaioth.

Genesis 36:3 nlt

He also married his cousin Basemath, who was the daughter of Ishmael and the sister of Nebaioth.

Genesis 36 verses

Genesis 36 3 Meaning

Genesis 36:3 specifically names another wife of Esau, Basemath. The verse clarifies her identity by stating she is "Ishmael's daughter" and "sister of Nebaioth." This details the specific Ishmaelite lineage entering the ancestry of Edom.

Genesis 36 3 Context

Genesis chapter 36 is dedicated to the detailed genealogies and generations of Esau, also known as Edom. It serves to account for Esau's descendants and the origin of the nation of Edom, a people distinct from, yet closely related to, the Israelites through their shared patriarchal lineage from Isaac. Verses 1-8 specifically list Esau's wives and their immediate offspring, establishing the foundation of the Edomite clans. This verse, Gen 36:3, adds to the list of Esau's wives, indicating his connection to two different non-covenant lines: Canaanites (mentioned in Gen 36:2) and Ishmaelites, through Basemath. This genealogical account distinguishes Esau's line, setting it apart from Jacob's line, which would become the chosen nation of Israel. Historically, it reflects the social patterns of polygamy and intermarriage among patriarchal leaders to establish broad familial and tribal alliances.

Genesis 36 3 Word analysis

• and: Connects this new piece of information about Basemath to the previous mention of Esau's wives, particularly following Oholibamah in Gen 36:2. It serves to continue the list of wives contributing to Esau's diverse lineage.
• Basemath (בָּשְׂמַת, Basmath): This Hebrew name means "fragrance" or "spice." The precise identification that follows, "Ishmael’s daughter," is critical because Genesis 26:34 also lists a "Basemath, daughter of Elon the Hittite" as one of Esau's wives. This repetition of the name for two distinct wives emphasizes the need for careful reading and the distinct family ties involved. This Basemath connects Esau to the Ishmaelite line.
• Ishmael’s daughter: This phrase specifically identifies Basemath as originating from the line of Ishmael, Abraham's first son through Hagar. This highlights Esau's significant intermarriage beyond just the Canaanites previously mentioned. It underscores the intertwined familial relationships stemming from Abraham, yet emphasizes Esau's choice to blend with those outside the specific Isaac-Jacob covenant line. It implicitly points to God's earlier blessing to Ishmael (Gen 17:20, 21:13) regarding his descendants.
• sister of Nebaioth: This further specifies Basemath's prestigious family connection. Nebaioth was Ishmael's firstborn son (Gen 25:13), suggesting a prominent position within the Ishmaelite tribal structure. Marrying the sister of such an important figure indicates a significant alliance and provides a clearer link between the developing Edomite nation and the burgeoning Ishmaelite tribes. It also solidifies Basemath's identity within the broader Abrahamic family tree.
• and Basemath Ishmael’s daughter, sister of Nebaioth: This grouping serves as a precise identifier. It is a full descriptor essential for disambiguating this Basemath from any other and highlighting the specific family alliance formed. Esau's multiple marriages demonstrate his extensive tribal connections and the complex formation of the Edomite nation, distinct from, yet related to, the Israelite people. This alliance highlights that despite a shared ancestor (Abraham), the lines of Esau (Edom) and Ishmael remained distinct from the covenant line of Jacob (Israel), although they interacted closely.

Genesis 36 3 Bonus section

• The careful distinction between the two women named Basemath (Basemath daughter of Elon the Hittite in Gen 26:34 and Basemath daughter of Ishmael in Gen 36:3, which could also be confused with Mahalath, another daughter of Ishmael Esau marries in Gen 28:9) highlights the meticulous nature of biblical genealogies. These records were crucial for tracing inheritance, covenant lines, and national identity.
• Esau's choices in marriage reveal a man less focused on the covenant legacy passed through Isaac and more concerned with forging immediate alliances and consolidating power through diverse marital ties, unlike Jacob, who eventually sought wives from his family in Paddan-Aram (Gen 28). This ultimately leads to the Edomite nation, closely related but eternally distinct from the Abrahamic covenant line that culminates in Israel.

Genesis 36 3 Commentary

Genesis 36:3 provides a vital piece of genealogical information within the generations of Esau, specifying one of his wives as Basemath, the daughter of Ishmael and sister of Nebaioth. This verse is concise yet profound, meticulously distinguishing this Basemath from the Hittite Basemath mentioned earlier, emphasizing the care given to lineage in biblical narratives. Its inclusion underscores Esau's significant marital ties to two major regional groups—the local Canaanites and, importantly, the Abrahamic descendants through Ishmael. This intermarriage with Ishmaelites is particularly notable as it reflects the early integration and close relationship between the developing Edomite nation and its neighboring Ishmaelite tribes. Ultimately, this genealogical detail serves to further delineate the lineage of Esau, setting the stage for the distinct identity and destiny of Edom, a nation closely related to Israel yet separate from the specific covenant blessings and purposes God had reserved for the line of Jacob.