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Genesis 36:15

Genesis 36:15 in Multiple Translations

These are the chiefs among the sons of Esau. The sons of Eliphaz the firstborn of Esau: Chiefs Teman, Omar, Zepho, Kenaz,

¶ These were dukes of the sons of Esau: the sons of Eliphaz the firstborn son of Esau; duke Teman, duke Omar, duke Zepho, duke Kenaz,

These are the chiefs of the sons of Esau: the sons of Eliphaz the first-born of Esau: chief Teman, chief Omar, chief Zepho, chief Kenaz,

These were the chiefs among the sons of Esau: the sons of Eliphaz, Esau's first son: Teman, Omar, Zepho, Kenaz,

These were the tribal leaders of Esau's sons. The tribal leaders of the sons of Eliphaz (Esau's firstborn) were Teman, Omar, Zepho, Kenaz,

These were Dukes of the sonnes of Esau: the sonnes of Eliphaz, the first borne of Esau: Duke Teman, Duke Omar, Duke Zepho, Duke Kenaz,

These [are] chiefs of the sons of Esau: sons of Eliphaz, first-born of Esau: chief Teman, chief Omar, chief Zepho, chief Kenaz,

These are the chiefs of the sons of Esau: the sons of Eliphaz the firstborn of Esau: chief Teman, chief Omar, chief Zepho, chief Kenaz,

These were dukes of the sons of Esau: the sons of Eliphaz the first-born son of Esau; duke Teman, duke Omar, duke Zepho, duke Kenaz,

These were dukes of the sons of Esau: the sons of Eliphaz the firstborn of Esau: duke Theman, duke Omar, duke Sepho, duke Cenez,

◄Here is/I will now give you► a list of the people-groups who were descendants of Esau. His oldest son Eliphaz was the ancestor of the Teman people-group, the Omar people-group, the Zepho people-group, the Kenaz people-group,

Esau’s tribe split up into clans, and all those clans had leaders. These are the names of those leaders. Esau’s oldest son Elifaz, he had these sons, – Teman – Omar – Zefo – Kenaz

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Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 36:15

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Genesis 36:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB אֵ֖לֶּה אַלּוּפֵ֣י בְנֵֽי עֵשָׂ֑ו בְּנֵ֤י אֱלִיפַז֙ בְּכ֣וֹר עֵשָׂ֔ו אַלּ֤וּף תֵּימָן֙ אַלּ֣וּף אוֹמָ֔ר אַלּ֥וּף צְפ֖וֹ אַלּ֥וּף קְנַֽז
אֵ֖לֶּה ʼêl-leh H428 these Pron
אַלּוּפֵ֣י ʼallûwph H441 tame N-mp
בְנֵֽי bên H1121 son N-mp
עֵשָׂ֑ו ʻÊsâv H6215 Esau N-proper
בְּנֵ֤י bên H1121 son N-mp
אֱלִיפַז֙ ʼĔlîyphaz H464 Eliphaz N-proper
בְּכ֣וֹר bᵉkôwr H1060 firstborn N-ms
עֵשָׂ֔ו ʻÊsâv H6215 Esau N-proper
אַלּ֤וּף ʼallûwph H441 tame N-ms
תֵּימָן֙ Têymân H8487 Teman N-proper
אַלּ֣וּף ʼallûwph H441 tame N-ms
אוֹמָ֔ר ʼÔwmâr H201 Omar N-proper
אַלּ֥וּף ʼallûwph H441 tame N-ms
צְפ֖וֹ Tsᵉphôw H6825 Zepho N-proper
אַלּ֥וּף ʼallûwph H441 tame N-ms
קְנַֽז Qᵉnaz H7073 Kenaz N-proper
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 36:15

אֵ֖לֶּה ʼêl-leh H428 "these" Pron
This Hebrew word is used to point out specific people or things, like saying 'these' or 'those'. It appears in the book of Genesis, where God says 'let there be light' and separates the light from the darkness.
Definition: 1) these 1a) used before antecedent 1b) used following antecedent Aramaic equivalent: el.leh (אֵלֶּה "these" H0429)
Usage: Occurs in 697 OT verses. KJV: an-(the) other; one sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those, thus, which, who(-m). See also: Genesis 2:4; Exodus 35:1; Deuteronomy 1:35.
אַלּוּפֵ֣י ʼallûwph H441 "tame" N-mp
A chief or leader is referred to as 'alluwph' in Hebrew. The word can also mean friend or governor. It describes someone in a position of authority or guidance.
Definition: 1) tame, docile 2) friend, intimate
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: captain, duke, (chief) friend, governor, guide, ox. See also: Genesis 36:15; 1 Chronicles 1:52; Psalms 55:14.
בְנֵֽי bên H1121 "son" N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
עֵשָׂ֑ו ʻÊsâv H6215 "Esau" N-proper
Esau was the son of Isaac and twin brother of Jacob, and his name means 'hairy'. He sold his birthright to Jacob and lost the divine blessing, as told in Genesis 25:29-34, and became the ancestor of the Arab peoples.
Definition: § Esau = "hairy" eldest son of Isaac and Rebecca and twin brother of Jacob; sold the birthright for food when he was hungry and the divine blessing went to Jacob; progenitor of the Arab peoples
Usage: Occurs in 82 OT verses. KJV: Esau. See also: Genesis 25:25; Genesis 33:9; Jeremiah 49:8.
בְּנֵ֤י bên H1121 "son" N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
אֱלִיפַז֙ ʼĔlîyphaz H464 "Eliphaz" N-proper
Eliphaz was a friend of Job and a son of Esau, whose name means my God is gold. He is mentioned in the book of Job as one of the friends who came to comfort him. The KJV translates his name as Eliphaz.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Job.2.11 § Eliphaz = "my God is (fine) gold" 1) Esau's son, father of Teman 2) the Temanite friend of Job
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: Eliphaz. See also: Genesis 36:4; 1 Chronicles 1:36; Job 42:9.
בְּכ֣וֹר bᵉkôwr H1060 "firstborn" N-ms
In the Bible, this word refers to the firstborn child or animal, often holding a special status or responsibility. It appears in stories like Genesis and Exodus, highlighting the importance of birth order. The KJV translates it as 'eldest' or 'firstborn'.
Definition: 1) firstborn, firstling 1a) of men and women 1b) of animals 1c) noun of relation (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 96 OT verses. KJV: eldest (son), firstborn(-ling). See also: Genesis 10:15; Deuteronomy 21:17; Psalms 78:51.
עֵשָׂ֔ו ʻÊsâv H6215 "Esau" N-proper
Esau was the son of Isaac and twin brother of Jacob, and his name means 'hairy'. He sold his birthright to Jacob and lost the divine blessing, as told in Genesis 25:29-34, and became the ancestor of the Arab peoples.
Definition: § Esau = "hairy" eldest son of Isaac and Rebecca and twin brother of Jacob; sold the birthright for food when he was hungry and the divine blessing went to Jacob; progenitor of the Arab peoples
Usage: Occurs in 82 OT verses. KJV: Esau. See also: Genesis 25:25; Genesis 33:9; Jeremiah 49:8.
אַלּ֤וּף ʼallûwph H441 "tame" N-ms
A chief or leader is referred to as 'alluwph' in Hebrew. The word can also mean friend or governor. It describes someone in a position of authority or guidance.
Definition: 1) tame, docile 2) friend, intimate
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: captain, duke, (chief) friend, governor, guide, ox. See also: Genesis 36:15; 1 Chronicles 1:52; Psalms 55:14.
תֵּימָן֙ Têymân H8487 "Teman" N-proper
Teman is a name for two Edomites and the region they inhabited, located east of Idumea. It is mentioned in the books of Obadiah and Amos, referencing the region and its people.
Definition: Teman = "south" the region occupied by the descendants of Teman, located east of Idumea Also named: te.ma.ni (תֵּימָנִי "Temanite" H8489)
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: south, Teman. See also: Genesis 36:11; Jeremiah 49:7; Jeremiah 49:20.
אַלּ֣וּף ʼallûwph H441 "tame" N-ms
A chief or leader is referred to as 'alluwph' in Hebrew. The word can also mean friend or governor. It describes someone in a position of authority or guidance.
Definition: 1) tame, docile 2) friend, intimate
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: captain, duke, (chief) friend, governor, guide, ox. See also: Genesis 36:15; 1 Chronicles 1:52; Psalms 55:14.
אוֹמָ֔ר ʼÔwmâr H201 "Omar" N-proper
Omar was a grandson of Esau, mentioned in Genesis 36:11, and his name means 'speaker' or 'eloquent'. He was part of the Edomite family tree. The KJV simply translates his name as 'Omar'.
Definition: A man of the Edomites living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.36.11; son of: Eliphaz (H0464); brother of: Teman (H8487), Zepho (H6825), Gatam (H1609), Kenaz (H7073), Amalek (H6002H) and Korah (H7141H) § Omar = "speaker" or "eloquent" grandson of Esau
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: Omar. See also: Genesis 36:11; Genesis 36:15; 1 Chronicles 1:36.
אַלּ֥וּף ʼallûwph H441 "tame" N-ms
A chief or leader is referred to as 'alluwph' in Hebrew. The word can also mean friend or governor. It describes someone in a position of authority or guidance.
Definition: 1) tame, docile 2) friend, intimate
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: captain, duke, (chief) friend, governor, guide, ox. See also: Genesis 36:15; 1 Chronicles 1:52; Psalms 55:14.
צְפ֖וֹ Tsᵉphôw H6825 "Zepho" N-proper
Zepho was a man who lived in the time of the Patriarchs, mentioned in Genesis 36:11. He was the son of Eliphaz and the grandson of Esau, and his name means 'watch-tower'.
Definition: A man of the Edomites living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.36.11; son of: Eliphaz (H0464); brother of: Teman (H8487), Omar (H0201), Gatam (H1609), Kenaz (H7073), Amalek (H6002H) and Korah (H7141H) § Zepho or Zephi = "watch-tower" son of Eliphaz and grandson of Esau and one of the chiefs of the Edomites
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: Zephi, Zepho. See also: Genesis 36:11; Genesis 36:15; 1 Chronicles 1:36.
אַלּ֥וּף ʼallûwph H441 "tame" N-ms
A chief or leader is referred to as 'alluwph' in Hebrew. The word can also mean friend or governor. It describes someone in a position of authority or guidance.
Definition: 1) tame, docile 2) friend, intimate
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: captain, duke, (chief) friend, governor, guide, ox. See also: Genesis 36:15; 1 Chronicles 1:52; Psalms 55:14.
קְנַֽז Qᵉnaz H7073 "Kenaz" N-proper
Kenaz was the name of an Edomite and two Israelites, including a hunter and a brother of Caleb. The name Kenaz means hunter and is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 4:15.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Judah living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ch.4.15; son of: Elah (H0425J) § Kenaz = "hunter" 1) son of Eliphaz and grandson of Esau; one of the dukes of Edom 2) a brother of Caleb and father of Othniel
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: Kenaz. See also: Genesis 36:11; Judges 3:9; 1 Chronicles 4:15.

Study Notes — Genesis 36:15

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Obadiah 1:9 Then your mighty men, O Teman, will be terrified, so that everyone in the mountains of Esau will be cut down in the slaughter.
2 Job 2:11 Now when Job’s three friends—Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite—heard about all this adversity that had come upon him, each of them came from his home, and they met together to go and sympathize with Job and comfort him.
3 Genesis 36:11–12 The sons of Eliphaz were Teman, Omar, Zepho, Gatam, and Kenaz. Additionally, Timna, a concubine of Esau’s son Eliphaz, gave birth to Amalek. These are the grandsons of Esau’s wife Adah.
4 Job 4:1 Then Eliphaz the Temanite replied:
5 1 Chronicles 1:51–54 Then Hadad died. Now the chiefs of Edom were Timna, Alvah, Jetheth, Oholibamah, Elah, Pinon, Kenaz, Teman, Mibzar, Magdiel, and Iram. These were the chiefs of Edom.
6 Habakkuk 3:3 God came from Teman, and the Holy One from Mount Paran. Selah His glory covered the heavens, and His praise filled the earth.
7 Psalms 37:35 I have seen a wicked, ruthless man flourishing like a well-rooted native tree,
8 Job 21:8 Their descendants are established around them, and their offspring before their eyes.
9 Genesis 36:18 These are the sons of Esau’s wife Oholibamah: Chiefs Jeush, Jalam, and Korah. They are the chiefs descended from Esau’s wife Oholibamah, the daughter of Anah.
10 Jeremiah 49:20 Therefore hear the plans that the LORD has drawn up against Edom and the strategies He has devised against the people of Teman: Surely the little ones of the flock will be dragged away; certainly their pasture will be made desolate because of them.

Genesis 36:15 Summary

[Genesis 36:15 lists the chiefs among the sons of Esau, who are the sons of Eliphaz, the firstborn of Esau. This verse is part of a larger section of the Bible that describes the family of Esau and their place in the biblical story. The Bible includes these genealogies to help us understand the relationships between different characters and to see how God's promises are fulfilled over time (Genesis 12:1-3, Genesis 17:1-14). By studying these verses, we can learn more about God's plan for His people and how we fit into that plan.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the chiefs mentioned in Genesis 36:15?

The chiefs mentioned in Genesis 36:15 are Teman, Omar, Zepho, and Kenaz, who are the sons of Eliphaz, the firstborn of Esau, as described in the verse. This is part of the genealogy of Esau's family, which is also discussed in Genesis 36:9-14 and Genesis 36:16-17.

Why are the genealogies in Genesis important?

The genealogies in Genesis, including Genesis 36:15, are important because they help establish the family lines and relationships between the characters in the Bible, which is crucial for understanding the storyline and the fulfillment of God's promises, as seen in Genesis 12:1-3 and Genesis 17:1-14.

What can we learn from the family of Esau?

From the family of Esau, we can learn about the consequences of worldly priorities and the importance of seeking God's will, as Esau's story is contrasted with that of his brother Jacob in Genesis 25:29-34 and Genesis 27:1-40.

How does Genesis 36:15 relate to the rest of the Bible?

Genesis 36:15 is part of the larger narrative of the Bible, which tells the story of God's relationship with His people, and the genealogies in Genesis help to establish the context for the rest of the biblical story, including the history of the Israelites and the coming of Jesus Christ, as foretold in Genesis 3:15 and fulfilled in Matthew 1:1-17.

Reflection Questions

  1. What can I learn from the way the Bible records the genealogies of different families, and how can I apply this to my own family's story?
  2. How does the description of the chiefs among the sons of Esau in Genesis 36:15 relate to the concept of leadership and authority in my own life?
  3. What are some ways that I can seek to understand and fulfill God's will for my life, as opposed to pursuing my own worldly priorities, like Esau did?
  4. How can I use the story of Esau and his family to share the gospel with others and to encourage them to seek a relationship with God?

Gill's Exposition on Genesis 36:15

These were dukes of the sons of Esau,.... Ben Melech says, the difference between a duke and a king was, that a king is crowned and a duke is not crowned; but Jarchi interprets the word of heads of

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 36:15

These were dukes of the sons of Esau: the sons of Eliphaz the firstborn son of Esau; duke Teman, duke Omar, duke Zepho, duke Kenaz, Dukes , [ 'luwpiym (H441)] - phylarchs, leaders, chieftains of tribes.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 36:15

1715 These were dukes, princes or heads of their several families and little principalities, according to the manner of those times, who ruled their dominions, either severally, each his own, or jointly, by common advice, or it may be under one chief prince, their superior either in title or in power. And in this division Eliphaz, as he was Esau’ s first-born, so he had more than a double portion, his six sons being made dukes, as Esau’ s immediate sons were. Compare .

Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 36:15

(15) Dukes.—Duke is the Latin word dux, a leader; but the Hebrew word alluph signifies a tribal prince, It is derived from eleph, a thousand, used in much the same way as the word hundred with us for a division of the country. Probably it was one large enough to have in it a thousand grown men, whereas a hundred in Saxon times was a district in which there were a hundred homesteads. For this use of it, see Micah 5:2. Each alluph, therefore, would be the prince of one of these districts, assigned to him as the possession of himself and his seed.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 36:15

Verse 15. Dukes of the sons of Esau] The word duke comes from the Latin dux, a captain or leader. The Hebrew אלוף alluph has the same signification; and as it is also the term for a thousand, which is a grand capital or leading number, probably the אלופי alluphey or dukes had this name from being leaders of or captains over a company of one thousand men; just as those among the Greeks called chiliarchs, which signifies the same; and as the Romans called those centurions who were captains over one hundred men, from the Latin word centum, which signifies a hundred The ducal government was that which prevailed first among the Idumeans, or descendants of Esau. Here fourteen dukes are reckoned to Esau, seven that came of his wife, Adah, four of Bashemath, and three of Aholibamah.

Cambridge Bible on Genesis 36:15

15–19. The Tribal Chiefs of Esau 15. the dukes] Better, as marg., chiefs. The word “duke” has been introduced into the English version from the Lat. dux which translates the LXX ἡγεμών. The Heb. allϋph is connected with eleph = 1000, or “a clan”; and hence is used for “the chieftain of a clan,” or “a chiliarch,” especially in Edom: cf. Exodus 15:15; Zechariah 9:7; Zechariah 12:5-6. “Duke,” in Old English, was not limited to the highest rank of nobility. It meant “leader” or “chief.” Cf. Wiclif, Matt. ii. 6, “And thou Bethleem … for of thee a duyk shall go out”; Latimer, Serm., p. 31, “Gideon a duke which God raised up.” duke Teman] A better idea would be conveyed to English readers, if the rendering were “the chieftain of Teman, of Omar, &c.”

Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 36:15

THE DUKES OF ESAU, Genesis 36:15-19. Here the chief tribe-fathers of the Edomites are named again, under the title of dukes, Hebrews, alluphim, (ΰμετιν,) phylarchs, chiefs, or princes.

Sermons on Genesis 36:15

SermonDescription
J. Vernon McGee (Genesis) Genesis 36:15-43 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the speaker discusses the genealogy and history of the Edomites, who were descendants of Esau. The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding this family hi
Chuck Missler Genesis #21 Ch. 35-37 Joseph, the Dreamer by Chuck Missler In this sermon, Chuck Missler discusses Genesis chapters 35 through 37. He begins by praying for understanding and guidance from the Holy Spirit. He then highlights the importance
Theodore Epp Needed: True Friends by Theodore Epp Theodore Epp emphasizes the significance of true friendship in times of distress, using the story of Job and his friends as a cautionary tale. While Job's friends initially showed
Frank Knox Report of Visits to Prisions Hospitals Homes by Frank Knox In this sermon transcript, the speaker emphasizes the importance of actively spreading the word of God. They mention their husband's joy in evangelizing and visiting 20,000 houses.
Theodore Epp Counsel Based on Human Experience by Theodore Epp Theodore Epp discusses the flawed reasoning of Eliphaz in the Book of Job, emphasizing that age and experience do not guarantee wisdom. Eliphaz's philosophy, rooted in personal obs
Carter Conlon If God Could Keep Me From Trouble, Then Why Doesn't He? by Carter Conlon In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of trusting in the Lord and doing good. He encourages the audience to look for opportunities to do good and to rely on God's p
Joseph Parker God's Terribleness and Gentleness by Joseph Parker Joseph Parker preaches about the contrasting truths of God's power and restraint, emphasizing the importance of understanding and embracing both aspects. He illustrates how God's p

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