Genesis 36:11

KJV

And the sons of Eliphaz were Teman, Omar, Zepho, and Gatam, and Kenaz.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the sons {H1121} of Eliphaz {H464} were Teman {H8487}, Omar {H201}, Zepho {H6825}, and Gatam {H1609}, and Kenaz {H7073}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The sons of Elifaz were Teman, Omar, Tzefo, Ga'tam and K'naz.

Berean Standard Bible

The sons of Eliphaz were Teman, Omar, Zepho, Gatam, and Kenaz.

American Standard Version

And the sons of Eliphaz were Teman, Omar, Zepho, and Gatam, and Kenaz.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 36:11 provides a concise, yet significant, genealogical entry within the detailed account of Esau's descendants, who would form the nation of Edom. This verse specifically enumerates the five sons of Eliphaz—Teman, Omar, Zepho, Gatam, and Kenaz—identifying them as the immediate offspring of Esau's firstborn. This foundational lineage is crucial for understanding the subsequent development of the Edomite tribal chiefs and territories, meticulously charting the origins of a distinct people group in the ancient Near East.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis chapter 36 serves as a comprehensive genealogical record of Esau, also known as Edom, Jacob's twin brother. Positioned immediately after the detailed narratives of Jacob's family and his reconciliation with Esau, this chapter provides a parallel account of Esau's burgeoning lineage, establishing the historical and tribal foundation for the nation of Edom. The chapter begins by listing Esau's wives and initial children in [Genesis 36:1-8](/genesis/36-1-8 "Esau's Wives and Children, and His Departure to Seir"), followed by a more detailed enumeration of his descendants. Verse 11 specifically focuses on the offspring of Eliphaz, Esau's firstborn son, whose lineage is pivotal as it forms the basis for several key Edomite clans and chiefs mentioned later in the chapter, such as the "chiefs of Teman" in [Genesis 36:15](/genesis/36-15 "Chiefs of Esau's Descendants"). This meticulous record highlights the Bible's commitment to documenting the origins of nations, even those outside the direct covenant line of Israel.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, genealogies were far more than mere lists of names; they were vital documents that established identity, legitimate claims to land and inheritance, and tribal or national structures. For the Edomites, descendants of Esau, their territory was primarily Mount Seir, located southeast of the Dead Sea. This region was known for its rugged, mountainous terrain, offering natural defenses. The listing of Eliphaz's sons in [Genesis 36:11](/genesis/36-11 "The Sons of Eliphaz") reflects the patriarchal and tribal organization of early societies, where family units expanded into clans, and clans into larger tribal groups led by "chiefs" (alluphim), as detailed later in [Genesis 36:15-19](/genesis/36-15-19 "The Chiefs of Esau's Descendants"). This structure provided the framework for their social, political, and military organization, which would frequently interact with the nascent nation of Israel throughout biblical history.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, within the broader context of Genesis 36, contributes to several significant theological and narrative themes. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty** over all nations, not just Israel. God's plan encompasses the rise and development of all peoples, even those who would later become adversaries to His chosen nation. Secondly, it illustrates the **Fulfillment of Patriarchal Blessings**, as both Jacob and Esau were promised numerous descendants, albeit with distinct destinies, as prophesied in [Genesis 25:23](/genesis/25-23 "The Lord's Oracle to Rebekah about Two Nations"). While the primary covenant line continued through Jacob, Esau's lineage also prospered, establishing a significant nation. Thirdly, the detailed genealogy highlights the **Distinct Identity of Edom**, setting it apart from Israel while acknowledging their shared patriarchal ancestry through Isaac. This distinction would become crucial in later biblical narratives, defining the complex relationship between the two nations, as seen in passages like [Numbers 20:14-21](/numbers/20-14-21 "Edom Refuses Passage to Israel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sons (Hebrew, _bên_):** From the root meaning "to build," this term signifies more than just biological offspring. It encompasses the idea of those who build up the family name, lineage, and future generations. In this context, the "sons" of Eliphaz are the foundational progenitors of distinct clans and tribal divisions within the burgeoning Edomite nation, extending the family's influence and establishing its future structure.
* **Eliphaz (Hebrew, _ʼĔlîyphaz_):** Meaning "God of gold," Eliphaz was Esau's firstborn son through Adah. His name, though not directly expounded upon in this genealogical context, carries a sense of divine provision or perhaps even a reflection of the wealth and prosperity associated with Esau's blessing and the land of Seir. As the firstborn, his sons would naturally hold a prominent position in the developing Edomite tribal hierarchy.
* **Teman (Hebrew, _Têymân_):** This name, meaning "south," is particularly significant. Teman was not only one of Eliphaz's sons but also became the name of a prominent region and a leading clan within Edom, located in the southern part of the territory. In later biblical literature, Teman is often associated with wisdom and a center of Edomite influence, as referenced in [Jeremiah 49:7](/jeremiah/49-7 "God's Judgment on Edom and Teman's Wisdom"). Its inclusion here highlights the direct link between the individual progenitor and the future geographical and tribal identity of Edom.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the sons of Eliphaz":** This opening clause immediately establishes the focus on the lineage of Eliphaz, who has already been identified as Esau's firstborn son (Genesis 36:4). The emphasis on "sons" underscores the patriarchal nature of the society and the importance of male progeny in extending the family line and establishing societal structures. Eliphaz's position as firstborn grants his descendants particular prominence within the Edomite hierarchy.
* **"were Teman, Omar, Zepho, and Gatam, and Kenaz":** This enumeration lists the five direct male offspring of Eliphaz. Each name represents not merely an individual but the progenitor of a distinct clan or tribal group within Edom. The inclusion of these specific names provides the foundational building blocks for the Edomite nation, detailing the immediate branches stemming from Esau's firstborn. While Teman is the most prominent in later biblical texts, the inclusion of Omar, Zepho, Gatam, and Kenaz indicates a comprehensive record of the significant family lines that contributed to the Edomite identity.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Genesis 36:11, and indeed throughout much of Genesis 36, is **Genealogy** (or **Toldot** in Hebrew, meaning "generations" or "account"). This device is fundamental to the biblical narrative, serving to establish historical continuity, legitimate lineage, and the fulfillment of divine promises. In this specific verse, the genealogy takes the form of **Enumeration** or a **List**, systematically naming the sons of Eliphaz. This precise listing provides a factual, almost archival, record of the foundational figures of the Edomite people. The meticulous detail of these names underscores the Bible's commitment to historical accuracy and its careful tracking of the development of nations, even those outside the direct covenant line of Israel. This literary technique validates the historical claims and tribal structures that would shape the future interactions between Edom and Israel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 36:11, though a simple list of names, carries profound theological implications. It demonstrates God's sovereign oversight not only of the chosen line of Jacob but also of all nations and peoples. The meticulous record of Esau's descendants forming the nation of Edom underscores that God's plan encompasses the entire tapestry of human history, orchestrating the rise and development of distinct peoples. This verse, therefore, serves as a testament to God's faithfulness, fulfilling His promise to make Abraham's descendants numerous, even extending this blessing to Esau's lineage. It also highlights the divine precision in establishing the distinct identities of nations, setting the stage for their future interactions within the broader unfolding of redemptive history.

* [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "God's Promise to Abraham of Numerous Descendants")
* [Genesis 25:23](/genesis/25-23 "The Lord's Oracle to Rebekah about Two Nations")
* [Deuteronomy 2:5](/deuteronomy/2-5 "God's Grant of Mount Seir to Esau")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While a genealogical list might seem dry or disconnected from daily life, Genesis 36:11 offers a powerful reminder of God's meticulous attention to detail and His sovereign hand in orchestrating all of human history. Every individual, every family, and every nation, no matter how briefly mentioned or seemingly peripheral, plays a part in God's grand narrative. This verse encourages us to value our own heritage and recognize that our personal stories are interwoven into the larger tapestry of God's ongoing work in the world. It teaches us that even seemingly minor details contribute to His magnificent and comprehensive plan, inviting us to trust in His providential care over our lives and the world around us, knowing that He oversees the rise and fall of all things.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Bible's meticulous record of genealogies, even for nations outside the direct covenant line, deepen your understanding of God's sovereignty over all peoples?**
* **What significance do you find in the fact that God not only blessed Jacob with numerous descendants but also allowed Esau's lineage to prosper and form a distinct nation?**
* **How might recognizing your own place within a larger family or historical narrative encourage you to see God's hand at work in your life?**

### FAQ
**Why are genealogies like Genesis 36:11 included in the Bible?**

Answer: Genealogies serve several crucial purposes in the Bible. They establish historical accuracy and authenticity, tracing the lineage of key figures and demonstrating the fulfillment of God's promises regarding descendants. They highlight God's sovereignty over the rise and fall of nations and families, showing how individual lives and family lines contribute to God's broader redemptive plan. In the case of Esau's descendants, it provides the historical context for the Edomite nation, which would frequently interact with Israel.

**Who was Eliphaz in relation to Esau?**

Answer: Eliphaz was the firstborn son of Esau and his wife Adah, as explicitly stated in [Genesis 36:4](/genesis/36-4 "Eliphaz, Esau's Firstborn Son"). His sons, listed in [Genesis 36:11](/genesis/36-11 "The Sons of Eliphaz"), were foundational figures who would become significant tribal chiefs within the Edomite nation, playing a critical role in its early development and structure.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Genesis 36:11 details the lineage of Esau, a line distinct from the direct covenant line of Jacob from which the Messiah would come, it indirectly points to Christ by demonstrating God's meticulous sovereignty over all nations and His faithfulness in orchestrating human history. The very existence of these detailed genealogies, even for those outside the immediate messianic lineage, underscores the precision with which God works out His universal plan. Ultimately, all genealogies in Scripture, whether of Israel or other nations, set the stage for the coming of the one through whom all the families of the earth would be blessed—Jesus Christ. The meticulous record of the Edomite nation's origins in this verse, alongside Israel's, foreshadows the universal scope of Christ's redemption, where people from "every tribe and language and people and nation" will be gathered into His kingdom, as prophesied in [Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "The Lamb is Worthy to Take the Scroll"). Thus, even the seemingly peripheral details of Esau's descendants contribute to the grand narrative that culminates in the global reign of the true King.

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.

Cross-References

1 Chronicles 1:35

The sons of Esau; Eliphaz, Reuel, and Jeush, and Jaalam, and Korah.

1 Chronicles 1:36

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

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,

Genesis 36:16

Duke Korah, duke Gatam, [and] duke Amalek: these [are] the dukes [that came] of Eliphaz in the land of Edom; these [were] the sons of Adah.