1 Chronicles 1:36

KJV

The sons of Eliphaz; Teman, and Omar, Zephi, and Gatam, Kenaz, and Timna, and Amalek.

KJV (with Strong's)

The sons {H1121} of Eliphaz {H464}; Teman {H8487}, and Omar {H201}, Zephi {H6825}, and Gatam {H1609}, Kenaz {H7073}, and Timna {H8555}, and Amalek {H6002}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The sons of Elifaz: Teman, Omar, Tzefi, Ga'tam, K'naz, Timna and 'Amalek.

Berean Standard Bible

The sons of Eliphaz: Teman, Omar, Zepho, Gatam, and Kenaz; and by Timna, Amalek.

American Standard Version

The sons of Eliphaz: Teman, and Omar, Zephi, and Gatam, Kenaz, and Timna, and Amalek.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 1:36 is a pivotal verse within the extensive genealogical records that open the book of Chronicles, specifically detailing seven sons of Eliphaz, the firstborn son of Esau. This seemingly simple list serves a profound purpose: it meticulously traces the lineage of nations, including those related to Israel by kinship, thereby establishing historical continuity, validating tribal identities, and underscoring God's sovereign hand in the unfolding history of all peoples, even those who would later become adversaries to His chosen nation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles commences with a sweeping and meticulously detailed genealogical account, beginning with [Adam](/1_chronicles/1-1 "1 Chronicles 1:1 - Adam's Lineage") and systematically tracing the lines through the patriarchs, various tribes, and clans of Israel. This exhaustive record-keeping is not merely an exercise in historical documentation but serves to establish the legitimate identity and heritage of the post-exilic community. Verse 36 flows directly from [1 Chronicles 1:35](/1_chronicles/1-35 "1 Chronicles 1:35 - Esau's Sons"), which introduces Esau's sons, setting the stage for the specific enumeration of Eliphaz's descendants. The chronicler's focus is on the continuity of God's covenant promises through the lineage of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, but he also acknowledges the broader family tree, including Esau's line, which forms the nation of Edom.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** For the post-exilic community returning to Judah, these genealogies were of paramount importance. They provided a vital link to their past, affirming their identity as the people of God, establishing land rights, validating claims to priestly and royal offices, and reinforcing the continuity of the divine covenant despite the trauma of exile. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, genealogies served as legal documents, historical records, and social charters. The inclusion of Esau's descendants, particularly the Edomites, reflects their historical proximity and often contentious relationship with Israel. Eliphaz, as Esau's firstborn, held a significant position, and his descendants, like Teman, became prominent clans or regions within Edom, as seen in [Genesis 36:10](/genesis/36-10 "Genesis 36:10 - Esau's Descendants and Edomite Chiefs"). The meticulous nature of this record underscores the chronicler's concern for historical accuracy and the divine ordering of nations.

* **Key Themes:** This verse, embedded within the broader genealogies, contributes to several key themes. Firstly, it highlights the **Historical Record** and the Bible's commitment to documenting the real, traceable origins of peoples. Secondly, it speaks to the **Origin of Nations**, showing how specific individuals became the progenitors of significant tribes and nations in the ancient Near East, particularly among the Edomites. Most notably, the inclusion of **Amalek** is profoundly significant. As a grandson of Esau through Eliphaz and his concubine Timna (as explicitly stated in [Genesis 36:12](/genesis/36-12 "Genesis 36:12 - Timna and Amalek")), Amalek became the ancestor of the Amalekites, who would emerge as a persistent and formidable enemy of Israel. Their hostility began with an unprovoked attack in the wilderness ([Exodus 17:8](/exodus/17-8 "Exodus 17:8 - Amalek Attacks Israel")), leading to a divine command for their perpetual remembrance and eventual eradication ([Deuteronomy 25:17-19](/deuteronomy/25-17 "Deuteronomy 25:17-19 - Remember Amalek")). This enmity culminated in King Saul's failure to fully execute God's judgment against them ([1_samuel/15-2](/1_samuel/15-2 "1 Samuel 15:2 - God's Command to Destroy Amalek")). Thus, this seemingly simple genealogical entry subtly foreshadows centuries of conflict and divine judgment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Eliphaz (Hebrew, _'Eliyphaz'_):** Meaning "My God is fine gold" or "God is strength." He is identified as the firstborn son of Esau and Adah (Genesis 36:4), making him a significant progenitor of the Edomite nation. His prominence is further underscored by the listing of his sons here, who would become major clans or chiefs within Edom.
* **Amalek (Hebrew, _'Amaleq'_):** The name's etymology is debated, possibly meaning "dweller in a valley" or "laborious." This individual is of particular note as the ancestor of the Amalekites, a nomadic people who became Israel's enduring enemy. His inclusion here, despite the future animosity, highlights the comprehensive nature of the biblical genealogies, tracing even the roots of adversary nations.
* **Teman (Hebrew, _Teyman'_):** Meaning "south" or "right hand." Teman became the name of a prominent Edomite clan and a significant region or city in Edom, renowned in ancient times for its wisdom (cf. Jeremiah 49:7). Job's friend Eliphaz is identified as a Temanite, underscoring the importance of this lineage.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The sons of Eliphaz;":** This opening clause immediately establishes the paternal lineage, focusing the reader's attention on the direct descendants of Esau's firstborn. It serves as a clear heading for the subsequent list, indicating a shift from the general enumeration of Esau's sons to a more specific detailing of Eliphaz's offspring.
* **"Teman, and Omar, Zephi, and Gatam, Kenaz, and Timna, and Amalek.":** This is a direct list of the seven individuals identified as Eliphaz's sons. The inclusion of Timna here is notable, as [Genesis 36:12](/genesis/36-12 "Genesis 36:12 - Timna, Eliphaz's concubine") clearly states that Timna was a concubine of Eliphaz and the mother of Amalek. This apparent discrepancy is often understood in one of several ways: (1) Timna here refers to a different male descendant with the same name, (2) it represents a clan or tribal name rather than a direct son, or (3) it's a scribal variation where a mother is listed among sons due to her significance (e.g., as progenitor of a key line like Amalek). Regardless, the list systematically presents the foundational figures of various Edomite sub-clans, each carrying potential future significance in the broader narrative of the ancient Near East.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in 1 Chronicles 1:36, and indeed throughout the opening chapters of Chronicles, is **Genealogy**. This is not merely a dry list of names but a foundational literary structure that serves multiple purposes: it establishes historical **Continuity**, linking the post-exilic community to their ancient roots and the promises made to their patriarchs; it provides **Legitimacy** for tribal claims, land ownership, and priestly succession; and it functions as a form of **Historical Record**, demonstrating the real, traceable origins of peoples and nations within God's overarching plan. Furthermore, the specific inclusion of "Amalek" serves as a subtle but powerful instance of **Foreshadowing**. By listing the progenitor of Israel's most persistent enemy within the family tree of Esau, the chronicler subtly hints at the future conflicts and divine judgments that will unfold, demonstrating God's comprehensive knowledge and sovereign orchestration of history, even involving those who would oppose His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 1:36, though a simple list of names, profoundly underscores God's meticulous sovereignty over all of human history and the origins of nations. It demonstrates that even the lineages of peoples outside the direct covenant line of Israel, including those who would become their adversaries, are known to God and recorded within His divine narrative. The chronicler's detailed record-keeping reflects a theological conviction that God's plan unfolds through specific individuals and their descendants, highlighting His intentionality and precision in shaping the destinies of both covenant and non-covenant peoples. This verse reminds us that no detail is too small for God's grand design, and that the roots of future conflicts and divine judgments are often established in the seemingly mundane facts of lineage.

* [Genesis 10:1](/genesis/10 "Genesis 10 - The Table of Nations"): This chapter provides the comprehensive "Table of Nations," demonstrating how all peoples descend from Noah, showcasing God's universal sovereignty over all humanity.
* [Numbers 24:20](/numbers/24-20 "Numbers 24:20 - Balaam's Prophecy Against Amalek"): Balaam's prophecy explicitly states, "Amalek was the first of the nations, but his end will be utter destruction," highlighting the unique and severe judgment pronounced against this nation.
* [Romans 9:13](/romans/9-13 "Romans 9:13 - Jacob I Loved, Esau I Hated"): Paul's reference to God's choice between Jacob and Esau, made before their birth, illustrates the principle of divine election and God's sovereign prerogative in choosing individuals and nations for His purposes, even within the same family line.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous recording of genealogies, even seemingly obscure ones like 1 Chronicles 1:36, invites us to reflect on the profound truth of God's sovereignty and His active involvement in every detail of human history. It reminds us that God's plan is not haphazard but unfolds with precision through specific individuals and their lineages, whether they are part of His covenant people or not. This should instill in us a deep trust in God's overarching control, knowing that He orchestrates the rise and fall of nations, the formation of peoples, and even the origins of future conflicts, all within His wise and purposeful design. It challenges us to see beyond the immediate and appreciate the long-term, generational impacts of choices and the divine hand at work in seemingly ordinary historical records. Understanding these "roots" of history can deepen our appreciation for the intricate tapestry of God's redemptive plan and His faithfulness across millennia.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous nature of biblical genealogies, such as the one in 1 Chronicles 1:36, strengthen your faith in the historical accuracy and divine inspiration of Scripture?**
* **What does the inclusion of both covenant and non-covenant lines (like Esau's descendants) in God's recorded history teach us about His universal sovereignty and His knowledge of all peoples?**
* **Considering the future conflict with Amalek foreshadowed by this verse, how does God's long-term perspective on history inform your understanding of current global events or personal challenges?**

### FAQ
**Why are genealogies so important in the Bible, especially in Chronicles?**

Answer: Genealogies in the Bible serve several crucial purposes. For the post-exilic community to whom Chronicles was addressed, they provided a vital link to their heritage, establishing their identity as the people of God and reinforcing the continuity of God's covenant promises despite the exile. They were essential for proving tribal affiliations, validating land claims, and confirming eligibility for priestly or royal duties. For example, the lineage of the priests was critical for temple worship, and the Davidic line was central to the hope of a restored monarchy. These lists underscore the Bible's commitment to historical accuracy, demonstrating that God's plan unfolds through real people in real history, as seen in the detailed tracing from [Adam](/1_chronicles/1-1 "1 Chronicles 1:1 - Adam's Lineage") through to the return from exile.

**Is there a discrepancy regarding Timna in this verse, as Genesis 36:12 lists her as Eliphaz's concubine?**

Answer: Yes, there appears to be an apparent discrepancy. [Genesis 36:12](/genesis/36-12 "Genesis 36:12 - Timna, Eliphaz's concubine") explicitly states that Timna was a concubine of Eliphaz and the mother of Amalek. However, 1 Chronicles 1:36 lists Timna among the "sons" of Eliphaz. Scholars offer several interpretations for this: (1) It could refer to a different individual named Timna, who was indeed a son. (2) "Timna" here might represent a tribal or clan name descended from Eliphaz, rather than a direct biological son, a common practice in ancient genealogies where individuals sometimes represent larger groups. (3) Less likely, it could be a scribal error or a unique genealogical convention where a significant female progenitor (especially of a key line like Amalek) is listed in a way that emphasizes her foundational role. The primary purpose of the genealogy remains intact, regardless of this minor variation, which is to trace the lineage of the Edomite clans.

**Why is Amalek specifically highlighted as significant among Eliphaz's sons?**

Answer: Amalek is highly significant because he is the progenitor of the Amalekites, who became one of Israel's most persistent and formidable enemies throughout their history. Their hostility began with an unprovoked attack on the Israelites shortly after the Exodus ([Exodus 17:8](/exodus/17-8 "Exodus 17:8 - Amalek Attacks Israel")), leading to a unique and severe divine command for their perpetual remembrance and ultimate eradication ([Deuteronomy 25:17-19](/deuteronomy/25-17 "Deuteronomy 25:17-19 - Remember Amalek")). This enmity continued through the period of the Judges and reached a climax with King Saul's failure to completely destroy them as commanded by God ([1_samuel/15-2](/1_samuel/15-2 "1 Samuel 15:2 - God's Command to Destroy Amalek")). The inclusion of Amalek in this genealogy, therefore, serves as a subtle foreshadowing of centuries of conflict and divine judgment, highlighting God's comprehensive knowledge of all nations and their roles in His unfolding plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 1:36 details the lineage of Esau, a line not chosen for the covenant blessings that flow through Jacob, it nonetheless contributes to a Christ-centered understanding of history. The meticulous recording of all nations, even those destined to be adversaries like Amalek, underscores God's universal sovereignty. He is not merely the God of Israel but the God of all creation, orchestrating the rise and fall of every people group within His grand redemptive plan. The inclusion of these lineages, even those of "the seed of the serpent" ([Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "Genesis 3:15 - The Protoevangelium")), foreshadows the cosmic spiritual warfare that culminates in Christ. Ultimately, all genealogies, whether of covenant or non-covenant lines, point to the ultimate fulfillment in the [genealogy of Jesus Christ](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") himself, who, as the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), came to redeem not just Israel but people from [every tribe and language and people and nation](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - A Multitude from Every Nation"). Thus, even a list of Esau's descendants reminds us that God's plan encompasses all humanity, leading to the day when salvation is offered to all who believe, transcending the boundaries of earthly lineage and culminating in the universal reign of the [King of kings and Lord of lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.