Genesis 36 9

Genesis 36:9 kjv

And these are the generations of Esau the father of the Edomites in mount Seir:

Genesis 36:9 nkjv

And this is the genealogy of Esau the father of the Edomites in Mount Seir.

Genesis 36:9 niv

This is the account of the family line of Esau the father of the Edomites in the hill country of Seir.

Genesis 36:9 esv

These are the generations of Esau the father of the Edomites in the hill country of Seir.

Genesis 36:9 nlt

This is the account of Esau's descendants, the Edomites, who lived in the hill country of Seir.

Genesis 36 verses

Genesis 36 9 meaning

Genesis 36:9 marks a new section within the book of Genesis, specifically introducing and summarizing the descendants of Esau, the twin brother of Jacob. It establishes Esau as the progenitor of the nation of Edom and explicitly links this nation to the geographical region of Mount Seir, confirming their settled territory and distinct national identity separate from Israel. This verse signifies the fulfillment of God's word regarding Esau, that "two nations" would come from Rebekah (Gen 25:23), detailing the lineage of one of these nations.

Genesis 36 9 Context

Genesis chapter 36 is entirely devoted to the lineage of Esau. This verse, Gen 36:9, acts as an overarching summary or heading for the subsequent detailed list of Esau's descendants, clans, and chiefs. It directly follows earlier verses (Gen 36:1, Gen 36:8) that have already established Esau's identity as "Edom" and his residence in Mount Seir. The chapter serves to demonstrate the fulfillment of God's blessing upon Esau (Gen 27:39-40) and to demarcate his lineage as a separate, distinct nation (Edom) from the lineage of Jacob (Israel), highlighting that both branches of Isaac's family tree grew into nations as prophesied in Gen 25:23. Historically, this account sets the stage for the future interactions between Israel and Edom, who, despite their shared ancestry, frequently became adversaries. By providing a detailed account of Edom's lineage and territory, the Bible legitimizes their existence as a distinct national entity while also underscoring God's specific covenant relationship with Jacob's line, which will inherit Canaan.

Genesis 36 9 Word analysis

• These: (Hebrew: ’elleh, אֵלֶּה) A demonstrative pronoun. Here, it functions to introduce or refer back to a list of descendants. In Genesis' toledoth formula, it usually serves as a heading, introducing what follows.
• are the generations: (Hebrew: tôlədōt, תּוֹלְדֹת) A crucial term in Genesis, appearing eleven times, often marking major sections. It means "generations," "descendants," "account," or "history." It signifies a progression through family lines, charting historical and familial development. Its use here indicates a formal break and focus on a new lineage.
• of Esau: (Hebrew: ‘Ēśāv, עֵשָׂו) Isaac and Rebekah's elder twin, Jacob's brother. His name relates to "hairy" (Gen 25:25). Biblically, he represents a choice to value temporal gratification over spiritual inheritance (Heb 12:16). He is the patriarch whose line establishes the nation of Edom.
• the father: (Hebrew: ‘av, אָב) Signifies progenitor or ancestor. It highlights Esau's foundational role in the genesis of a distinct national identity.
• of the Edomites: (Hebrew: ’Ĕḏôm, אֱדוֹם) The descendants of Esau. The name means "red" and is strongly linked to Esau's red complexion at birth and his sale of the birthright for red lentil stew (Gen 25:25, Gen 25:30). It establishes Esau's legacy as the founder of this nation.
• in Mount Seir: (Hebrew: bə-har Śē‘îr, בְּהַר שֵׂעִיר) The specific geographical region where Esau and his descendants settled. Har means "mount" or "mountain range." Seir means "hairy" or "shaggy," likely referring to its rugged, uncultivated terrain. This location is key; it's distinct from the land of Canaan promised to Abraham and Jacob, thus clearly separating the Edomite dominion. Esau's move there (Gen 36:6-8) signifies a deliberate geographical separation from Jacob's descendants and the promised land.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "These are the generations": This phrase acts as a formal superscription or a pivot in the narrative of Genesis, consistently signaling the start of a new section detailing the descendants and historical developments stemming from a particular patriarch or event (e.g., "generations of the heavens and the earth," "generations of Noah"). Its inclusion for Esau confirms the unfolding of a major branch in human history and God's plan.
• "of Esau, the father of the Edomites": This directly links Esau's individual identity to his role as the founding patriarch of a nation. It reiterates his alternate name, Edom, making the connection explicit and unambiguous. It underscores the biblical emphasis on familial lineage leading to national identity.
• "in Mount Seir": This phrase establishes the specific geographic locus of the Edomite nation. Esau intentionally moved to Seir (Gen 36:6-8), symbolizing the distinct destinies and territories assigned by divine providence to Esau and Jacob, respectively. It solidifies the physical and national boundary between these two related but separate peoples.

Genesis 36 9 Bonus section

• The placement of Esau's genealogy in Gen 36 after Jacob's story of returning to the land (Gen 32-35) highlights the divine prioritization of the covenant lineage through Jacob, even while acknowledging Esau's blessing of fruitfulness. It provides a full account of the two nations stemming from Rebekah, one through whom the Messiah would come, and the other, though blessed, external to the primary covenant promise of Canaan.
• The genealogies in Genesis, including Esau's, served critical functions for the ancient Israelites, validating tribal identities, land claims, and the fulfillment of God's promises across generations. They were more than mere lists; they were historical and theological markers of God's unfolding plan.
• The Horites (Gen 14:6, Deut 2:12, 22) were the previous inhabitants of Seir, implying that Esau's descendants dispossessed them, much like Israel would dispossess the Canaanites. This parallel shows God's sovereignty over nations, even those outside the direct covenant line.
• Edom's future hostility towards Israel (Num 20:14-21, Obadiah 1:10-14, Ezek 25:12-14) makes this introductory verse about their origin and distinct territory even more significant, laying the foundation for later narratives of conflict.

Genesis 36 9 Commentary

Genesis 36:9 concisely provides a pivotal summary, introducing the extensive genealogy of Esau (Edom). This verse, like a historical title deed, verifies the development of Esau's descendants into a distinct nation with its own defined territory in Mount Seir. It underscores that Esau, despite not receiving the covenant promises linked to the land of Canaan as Jacob did, was nevertheless blessed by God to become a great nation, fulfilling Isaac's blessing to him (Gen 27:39-40). The emphasis on "Mount Seir" solidifies Edom's unique identity and homeland, separate from the land divinely designated for Israel. This strategic placement in the biblical narrative emphasizes the distinct paths and destinies of Jacob and Esau, setting the stage for their future interactions as nations.