Genesis 36:42 kjv

Duke Kenaz, duke Teman, duke Mibzar,

Genesis 36:42 nkjv

Chief Kenaz, Chief Teman, Chief Mibzar,

Genesis 36:42 niv

Kenaz, Teman, Mibzar,

Genesis 36:42 esv

Kenaz, Teman, Mibzar,

Genesis 36:42 nlt

Kenaz, Teman, Mibzar,

Genesis 36 verses

Genesis 36 42 Meaning

Genesis 36:42 continues a listing of "dukes" or tribal chieftains of Edom, descendants of Esau. It names Aholibamah, Elah, and Pinon as heads of clans, indicating a established leadership structure within the various family lines that constituted the Edomite nation. This verse, part of a larger genealogy, underscores the fulfillment of God's general blessing of fruitfulness, even for those not in the Abrahamic covenant, and establishes the genealogical record of a significant neighboring nation to Israel.

Genesis 36 42 Context

Genesis chapter 36 is commonly referred to as the "Edomite toledot," detailing the generations of Esau, also known as Edom. This comprehensive list includes his wives, sons, grandsons, and ultimately the chieftains ("dukes") who emerged from his various lineages and inhabited specific territories. The chapter establishes Edom as a distinct and powerful nation coexisting alongside the emerging nation of Israel. Verses 40-43 specifically enumerate chiefs by name, according to their families, and their places of dwelling, emphasizing a developed, structured society beyond nomadic tribes, even before Israel had its monarchy. This detailed record highlights God's sovereignty over all nations, not just His covenant people, and sets the stage for future interactions between the Edomites and the Israelites throughout biblical history.

Genesis 36 42 Word analysis

• Duke (אַלּוּף - alluph): This Hebrew term refers to a tribal chieftain or leader, indicating a system of governance among the Edomites that predates the monarchy in Israel. It implies authority over a specific clan or region, functioning as a "head" or "chief" rather than a monarch over an entire unified kingdom. The repeated use of "Duke" before each name emphasizes their distinct leadership roles within separate familial divisions of Edom. It also points to the structured, though decentralized, nature of Edomite society. This title differs from "prince" (nasi), often used for Israelite tribal heads, signifying possibly a different social organization. The word's root can also relate to "to tame" or "to make familiar," potentially linking a leader's role to guidance or pasturing their people like domesticated cattle.
• Aholibamah (אָהֳלִיבָמָה - ʼOholîbhāmâh): This is a proper noun, identifying a specific duke. Aholibamah was originally one of Esau's wives (Gen 36:2) from whom a significant Edomite lineage sprung. The "duke" named Aholibamah here likely refers to a chieftain descended from or belonging to the clan of Esau through his wife Aholibamah. This common practice in biblical genealogies helps categorize lineages by their prominent founders or ancestors, signifying a leader connected to that specific matriarchal line.
• Elah (אֵלָה - ʼElâh): A proper noun, signifying another specific chieftain in the Edomite genealogy. This name is also found elsewhere in the Bible, but here it specifically denotes an Edomite leader. The name likely refers to the clan headed by this individual.
• Pinon (פִּינֹן - Pîynon): A proper noun, identifying a third duke in this triplet. Like Aholibamah and Elah, Pinon represents the head of a distinct clan or territory within Edom. The exact locations of the territories ruled by these dukes (Aholibamah, Elah, Pinon) are implied but not specified beyond the general "land of their possession" in verse 43.

Genesis 36 42 Bonus section

The detail and repetitive nature of the genealogies, especially for Edom in Genesis 36, underscore the meticulous care taken in ancient records, often to establish land claims, legitimate rulers, and national identity. The consistent use of "duke" (אַלּוּף - alluph) is distinct. While alluph literally means "chieftain" or "leader," its usage for Edomite leaders in contrast to terms like nasi (prince, chieftain for Israelite tribes) or melek (king) might subtly convey the unique, often decentralized, governance model of Edom before the later establishment of kingship (Gen 36:31 "before any king reigned over the Israelites"). This distinction signifies that the Edomites had their own complex, recognized system of rule and power structures. The listing of names in triplets or groups within these Edomite genealogies might suggest familial clusters or geographical proximity of these chieftaincies.

Genesis 36 42 Commentary

Genesis 36:42 is a fragment of a highly systematic and exhaustive list of Esau's descendants, serving primarily as a genealogical record rather than a narrative account. Its inclusion highlights the meticulously kept lineage of both covenant (Israel) and non-covenant (Edom) peoples, reflecting God's sovereignty over all nations. The repeated mention of "Duke" (אַלּוּף - alluph) for Aholibamah, Elah, and Pinon emphasizes the distinct, tribal leadership structure of Edom during this formative period. This suggests a collection of powerful, localized chieftains rather than a single unified monarchy, indicating an established socio-political order for a nation that would become Israel's geographical neighbor and historical adversary. The purpose of this detail-oriented chapter is not merely historical but theological: it demonstrates the fulfillment of God's blessing of fruitfulness given even to Esau (Gen 27:39-40), though his descendants did not inherit the covenant promises passed through Jacob. It solidifies Edom's identity as a separate and sovereign entity, providing crucial context for future interactions with Israel as depicted throughout the Old Testament. The meticulous listing prepares the reader for the broader biblical narrative where these "chiefs" represent a recognized, albeit ungodly, political force.