Genesis 36:12

KJV

And Timna was concubine to Eliphaz Esau's son; and she bare to Eliphaz Amalek: these [were] the sons of Adah Esau's wife.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Timna {H8555} was concubine {H6370} to Eliphaz {H464} Esau's {H6215} son {H1121}; and she bare {H3205} to Eliphaz {H464} Amalek {H6002}: these were the sons {H1121} of Adah {H5711} Esau's {H6215} wife {H802}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Timnah was the concubine of Elifaz 'Esav's son, and she bore to Elifaz 'Amalek. These were the descendants of 'Adah 'Esav's wife.

Berean Standard Bible

Additionally, Timna, a concubine of Esau’s son Eliphaz, gave birth to Amalek. These are the grandsons of Esau’s wife Adah.

American Standard Version

And Timna was concubine to Eliphaz Esau’s son; and she bare to Eliphaz Amalek: these are the sons of Adah, Esau’s wife.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 36:12, a seemingly minor genealogical entry, profoundly introduces Amalek, born to Eliphaz (Esau's son) through his concubine Timna. This verse is critically significant as it marks the origin of the Amalekites, a nation destined to become a persistent, divinely condemned adversary of Israel throughout biblical history, thereby foreshadowing future conflicts and underscoring God's meticulous oversight of human lineage and His sovereign plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis chapter 36 serves as the "toledot" or "account" of Esau, meticulously detailing his wives, children, and the tribal chiefs who descended from him. This chapter functions as a crucial narrative pivot, documenting the origins and early development of Israel's brother nation, Edom, before the biblical narrative shifts its exclusive focus to the descendants of Jacob. The inclusion of Esau's lineage, parallel yet distinct from Jacob's, highlights the unfolding of God's covenant promises through a specific line while acknowledging the broader family of Abraham. Verse 12, specifically, is embedded within the genealogy of Esau's firstborn son, Eliphaz, and its precise mention of Amalek's birth lays foundational groundwork for understanding subsequent narratives of conflict and divine decree.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The patriarchal society of the ancient Near East, as depicted in Genesis, featured complex family structures, including the practice of having concubines. A concubine (*pilgesh*) was a recognized secondary wife whose children were considered legitimate heirs, though their status might differ from those born to a primary wife. Timna's identity as a Horite (implied by her being the sister of Lotan, a Horite chief mentioned in [Genesis 36:22](/genesis/36-22 "The Sons of Seir the Horite")), connects Esau's lineage to the indigenous inhabitants of Seir (Edom), indicating intermarriage and the absorption of local populations into the emerging Edomite nation. This verse reflects the fluid nature of tribal formation and the intermingling of peoples that characterized the region, setting the stage for the distinct national identities of Israel and Edom.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes in Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **divine sovereignty in lineage**, demonstrating God's meticulous oversight of the origins of nations, even those outside the direct covenant line of Israel. Secondly, it highlights the **meticulous nature of biblical record-keeping**, showing how seemingly minor genealogical details are preserved for their future theological and historical significance. Thirdly, and most importantly, it introduces the **seeds of future conflict**, specifically the enduring antagonism between the Amalekites and the Israelites. This seemingly innocuous birth foreshadows the unprovoked attack on Israel in the wilderness ([Exodus 17:8-16](/exodus/17-8-16 "The Battle with Amalek at Rephidim")) and the subsequent divine command to utterly blot out Amalek's memory ([Deuteronomy 25:17-19](/deuteronomy/25-17-19 "Remember Amalek's Attack")), establishing a long-standing theological archetype of opposition to God's people and His purposes.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 36:12 states, "And Timna was concubine to Eliphaz Esau's son; and she bare to Eliphaz Amalek: these [were] the sons of Adah Esau's wife." This verse introduces Amalek as a son of Eliphaz, Esau's firstborn, but distinct from the sons Eliphaz had with his primary wife, Adah, who are listed in the preceding verses. Amalek's mother, Timna, is identified as a "concubine" (Hebrew: *pilgesh*), indicating a secondary wife whose children were nonetheless considered legitimate heirs within the patriarchal social structure. The final clause, "these [were] the sons of Adah Esau's wife," clarifies that the previously mentioned sons of Eliphaz (Teman, Omar, Zepho, Gatam, and Kenaz in [Genesis 36:11](/genesis/36-11 "The Sons of Eliphaz")) were indeed born to Adah, distinguishing them from Amalek, who was born to Timna.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **concubine (Hebrew, _pîylegesh'_):** From an uncertain derivation, this term refers to a secondary wife. In ancient Israelite and patriarchal society, a concubine held a recognized legal and social status, distinct from a primary wife but still part of the household. Children born to a concubine were considered legitimate heirs, as seen with figures like Bilhah and Zilpah (Jacob's concubines) or Hagar (Abraham's concubine). Timna's status as a concubine means Amalek was a legitimate son of Eliphaz, solidifying his place in the Edomite lineage and, by extension, in biblical history.
* **bare (Hebrew, _yâlad'_):** A primitive root meaning "to bear young" or "to beget." This verb is fundamental in genealogical contexts, signifying the act of giving birth and establishing lineage. In this verse, it directly links Timna to Amalek as his mother and confirms Amalek's direct descent from Eliphaz, thereby connecting him to Esau and the broader Edomite family tree. The use of this verb emphasizes the biological and legal continuity of the family line, crucial for understanding national origins.
* **Amalek (Hebrew, _ʻĂmâlêq'_):** Probably of foreign origin, this is the proper name of a descendant of Esau and, by extension, his posterity and their country. The seemingly straightforward mention of Amalek's birth here belies his immense future significance. He is the progenitor of the Amalekites, a nomadic people who would become Israel's first post-Exodus enemy and a perpetual antagonist throughout their history. His inclusion in this genealogy, even through a concubine, highlights the meticulous nature of biblical record-keeping and God's foresight in detailing the origins of nations that would play crucial roles in His unfolding plan.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Timna was concubine to Eliphaz Esau's son":** This clause introduces Timna and defines her relationship to Eliphaz, Esau's firstborn son. Her designation as a "concubine" indicates a secondary, yet legitimate, marital status within the patriarchal household, underscoring the complex family structures of the time. This detail is important for establishing the legitimacy of Amalek's lineage within Esau's family.
* **"and she bare to Eliphaz Amalek":** This is the central declaration of the verse, explicitly stating that Timna gave birth to Amalek, with Eliphaz as the father. This simple statement of birth carries immense weight, as it marks the historical and genealogical origin of a people who would become one of Israel's most formidable and enduring enemies, setting the stage for future narratives of conflict and divine judgment.
* **"these [were] the sons of Adah Esau's wife":** This concluding clause serves to clarify the lineage of Eliphaz's other sons. It refers back to the sons listed in [Genesis 36:11](/genesis/36-11 "The Sons of Eliphaz") (Teman, Omar, Zepho, Gatam, and Kenaz), confirming that they were born to Adah, Eliphaz's primary wife, thereby distinguishing them from Amalek, who had a different mother (Timna). This phrasing ensures clarity in the genealogical record, even as it groups all of Eliphaz's offspring together.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Genesis 36:12, and indeed throughout the chapter, is **Genealogy**. This is not merely a dry list of names but a purposeful record establishing lineage, legitimacy, and the historical progression of nations. The inclusion of Amalek's birth, even from a concubine, highlights the meticulousness of the biblical account in tracing the origins of peoples who would interact with God's covenant nation. Furthermore, the verse employs **Foreshadowing**. By introducing Amalek, the text subtly hints at future conflicts and the significant role this descendant will play in the history of Israel. The seemingly minor detail of his birth gains immense significance when viewed through the lens of later biblical narratives, where the Amalekites emerge as a persistent and divinely condemned adversary. There is also an implicit **Juxtaposition** within the broader chapter, as the detailed genealogy of Esau (Edom) stands in parallel to the implied, yet soon-to-be-detailed, genealogy of Jacob (Israel), setting up the relationship and eventual distinction between these two brother nations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 36:12, though a brief genealogical note, is replete with profound theological and thematic implications. It underscores the meticulousness of divine providence, revealing that God's sovereign plan encompasses even the seemingly minor details of human lineage and the origins of nations. The inclusion of Amalek's birth, despite his mother's status as a concubine, demonstrates that every individual and every nation has a place within God's overarching historical narrative. This verse, therefore, serves as a foundational building block for understanding the complex tapestry of biblical history, where the seeds of future conflict and divine judgment are sown long before their full manifestation. It highlights God's foreknowledge and His orchestration of events, even those involving future adversaries of His chosen people.

* [Deuteronomy 25:17-19](/deuteronomy/25-17-19 "Remember Amalek's Attack"): This passage records God's command to Israel to "blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven" due to their unprovoked attack on the weak and weary Israelites in the wilderness.
* [Exodus 17:8-16](/exodus/17-8-16 "The Battle Against Amalek at Rephidim"): This narrative details the first major conflict between Israel and Amalek after the Exodus, where Joshua led the Israelites to victory while Moses held up his hands, symbolizing the spiritual nature of the warfare.
* [1 Samuel 15:1-35](/1_samuel/15-1-35 "Saul's Disobedience Regarding Amalek"): This chapter recounts King Saul's failure to fully obey God's command to utterly destroy the Amalekites, leading to his rejection as king and highlighting the severity of God's judgment against this nation.
* [Esther 3:1](/esther/3-1 "Haman, the Agagite"): Haman, the antagonist in the Book of Esther who sought to annihilate all Jews, is identified as an Agagite, a descendant of Agag, the Amalekite king spared by Saul, thus demonstrating the long-lasting enmity stemming from Amalek's lineage.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 36:12, though a brief genealogical entry, profoundly reminds us that no detail in God's Word is insignificant. It teaches us to appreciate the meticulousness of divine record-keeping and foresight, demonstrating how the seemingly minor birth of a child from a concubine can set the stage for millennia of historical and theological significance. Understanding the origins of nations and their relationships, even those rooted in complex family structures, helps us comprehend the unfolding of God's plan, the nature of long-standing conflicts, and the interconnectedness of biblical narratives across vast stretches of time. It encourages us to look for God's hand in every detail of history, recognizing that He orchestrates even the most obscure events for His ultimate purposes, often revealing His grand design through seemingly small, initial disclosures. This verse calls us to a deeper study of Scripture, recognizing that even the genealogies are not mere lists but vital threads in the tapestry of redemption.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this seemingly minor genealogical detail reveal God's meticulous oversight of history and His long-term plans?**
* **What can we learn about the nature of spiritual opposition and the importance of vigilance from the persistent enmity of Amalek against Israel?**
* **How does understanding the interconnectedness of biblical narratives, from Genesis to later books, deepen our appreciation for the unity and coherence of God's Word?**

### FAQ
**Who was Timna in relation to Esau?**

Answer: Timna was the concubine of Eliphaz, who was Esau's firstborn son. Therefore, Timna was Esau's daughter-in-law by marriage, but in a secondary, concubine role. She is also identified as the sister of Lotan, a Horite chief ([Genesis 36:22](/genesis/36-22 "The Sons of Seir the Horite")), indicating her connection to the indigenous inhabitants of Seir (Edom), where Esau's descendants settled.

**Why is Amalek's birth so important if he's only mentioned briefly here?**

Answer: Amalek's birth is crucial because he is the progenitor of the Amalekites, a nation that became a persistent and bitter enemy of Israel. Their first unprovoked attack on the Israelites after the Exodus ([Exodus 17](/exodus/17 "Israel's Journey and Battle with Amalek")) led to a divine decree of perpetual warfare against them and a command to "blot out their remembrance" ([Deuteronomy 25:17-19](/deuteronomy/25-17-19 "Remember Amalek's Attack")). Thus, Amalek's origin here is a foundational detail for understanding much subsequent biblical history, prophecy, and the theological concept of spiritual opposition.

**What does the mention of a "concubine" imply about social structures in ancient times?**

Answer: The term "concubine" (Hebrew: *pilgesh*) indicates a recognized secondary wife in patriarchal society. While she might not have the same social standing or legal rights as a primary wife, her children were considered legitimate heirs and part of the family lineage. This practice was common in the ancient Near East and contributed to the complex family trees that formed the early nations, demonstrating the diverse ways families were structured and heirs were produced in that era, all within a legally and socially accepted framework.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The persistent enmity of Amalek against Israel, originating from this genealogical entry in [Genesis 36:12](/genesis/36-12 "The Birth of Amalek"), ultimately points to the spiritual warfare that defines the human condition and finds its decisive resolution in Christ. Just as Amalek represented a relentless foe seeking to hinder God's people and their journey to the Promised Land, so too does sin, spiritual darkness, and the demonic realm oppose God's kingdom and His people. Christ, as the true Israel, the ultimate Deliverer, embodies the perfect fulfillment of God's decree against Amalek. He engaged and decisively defeated all spiritual "Amalekites"—the powers of sin, death, and the devil—through His atoning sacrifice on the cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). His resurrection and ascension confirm His victory over the one who had the power of death ([Hebrews 2:14](/hebrews/2-14 "Christ's Defeat of Death")). Ultimately, Christ's final return will ensure the complete "blotting out" of all evil and opposition, fulfilling the ancient decree against Amalek in a cosmic and redemptive sense, establishing His eternal reign of peace and righteousness where all enemies are put under His feet ([1 Corinthians 15:25](/1_corinthians/15-25 "Christ Must Reign Until He Has Put All His Enemies Under His Feet")).

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

Deuteronomy 25:17

Remember what Amalek did unto thee by the way, when ye were come forth out of Egypt;

Deuteronomy 25:19

Therefore it shall be, when the LORD thy God hath given thee rest from all thine enemies round about, in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee [for] an inheritance to possess it, [that] thou shalt blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven; thou shalt not forget [it].

Exodus 17:8

¶ Then came Amalek, and fought with Israel in Rephidim.

Exodus 17:16

For he said, Because the LORD hath sworn [that] the LORD [will have] war with Amalek from generation to generation.

Numbers 24:18

And Edom shall be a possession, Seir also shall be a possession for his enemies; and Israel shall do valiantly.

Numbers 24:20

And when he looked on Amalek, he took up his parable, and said, Amalek [was] the first of the nations; but his latter end [shall be] that he perish for ever.

Genesis 14:7

And they returned, and came to Enmishpat, which [is] Kadesh, and smote all the country of the Amalekites, and also the Amorites, that dwelt in Hazezontamar.