Genesis 36:13

KJV

And these [are] the sons of Reuel; Nahath, and Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah: these were the sons of Bashemath Esau's wife.

KJV (with Strong's)

And these are the sons {H1121} of Reuel {H7467}; Nahath {H5184}, and Zerah {H2226}, Shammah {H8048}, and Mizzah {H4199}: these were the sons {H1121} of Bashemath {H1315} Esau's {H6215} wife {H802}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The sons of Re'u'el were Nachat, Zerach, Shammah and Mizah. These were the sons of Basmat 'Esav's wife.

Berean Standard Bible

These are the sons of Reuel: Nahath, Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah. They are the grandsons of Esau’s wife Basemath.

American Standard Version

And these are the sons of Reuel: Nahath, and Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah: these were the sons of Basemath, Esau’s wife.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 36:13 details the four sons of Reuel—Nahath, Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah—who were born to Bashemath, one of Esau's wives. This verse is a specific entry within the broader genealogical record of Esau's descendants, highlighting the formation of the Edomite nation and underscoring the meticulous nature of biblical history in tracing the lineage of peoples distinct from the covenant line of Israel.

### CONTEXT
Genesis chapter 36 serves primarily as a comprehensive genealogical record, meticulously outlining the descendants of Esau, who was also known as [Edom](/genesis/25-30 "Esau's name change to Edom"). This chapter functions as a crucial interlude within the Pentateuch, distinctly separating Esau's lineage and the emergence of the Edomite nation from the narrative of Jacob (Israel) and his descendants. [Verse 13](/genesis/36-13 "Genesis 36:13 KJV") specifically lists the four sons of Reuel, who was himself a son of Esau and his wife Bashemath. These named individuals—Nahath, Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah—are vital in establishing the detailed family tree that would eventually coalesce into the tribes and chiefs of Edom, a significant neighboring nation to ancient Israel. The inclusion of such detail emphasizes the distinct trajectories of the two brothers' descendants.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
[Genesis 36:13](/genesis/36-13 "Genesis 36:13 KJV") states, "And these [are] the sons of Reuel; Nahath, and Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah: these were the sons of Bashemath Esau's wife." This verse is a concise, declarative statement, typical of genealogical entries found throughout the Old Testament. The phrase "these are the sons of..." is a common Hebrew literary device, often used to introduce a new segment of a family record, emphasizing the direct lineage.

Reuel is identified as a son of Esau through his wife Bashemath, who is also known as Mahalath in [Genesis 28:9](/genesis/28-9 "Esau marries Mahalath"). The listing of Reuel's four sons—Nahath, Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah—provides specific details that contribute to the comprehensive account of Esau's progeny. While the individual meanings of these Hebrew names are interesting, their primary significance within this context is their role in establishing the family line that would form the foundational clans of Edom.

* **Nahath:** Meaning "quietness" or "descent."
* **Zerah:** Meaning "rising of light" or "dawning."
* **Shammah:** Meaning "astonishment" or "desolation."
* **Mizzah:** Meaning "despair" or "fear."

The inclusion of these names, even for individuals who do not play a prominent role in the broader biblical narrative, underscores the Bible's commitment to historical accuracy and meticulous record-keeping. These genealogical lists provide a foundational framework for understanding the demographic, geographical, and political landscape of the ancient Near East, demonstrating how the promise to Abraham about becoming the father of many nations began to unfold even through lines not directly chosen for the covenant.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **Fulfillment of God's Broader Promises:** Although Esau was not the chosen heir of the covenant through whom the Messiah would come, God still blessed him with numerous descendants, fulfilling the broader promise made to Abraham that he would be the father of many nations ([Genesis 17:4-6](/genesis/17-4 "God's covenant with Abraham")). This verse contributes to the detailed record of how these nations, including Edom, began to form.
* **Distinction of Nations and Divine Sovereignty:** The meticulous recording of [Esau's generations](/genesis/36-1 "The generations of Esau") highlights the distinct development of the Edomites separate from the Israelites. This distinction is crucial for understanding later interactions, conflicts, and the unique destinies of the two peoples within biblical history, affirming God's sovereign hand in shaping nations.
* **Historical Reliability of Scripture:** The inclusion of such specific genealogical lists, even for seemingly minor characters, underscores the Bible's commitment to historical record-keeping and its claim to divine inspiration. These details provide a verifiable framework for understanding the ancient world, reinforcing the trustworthiness of the biblical narrative.
* **God's Attention to All Humanity:** While the primary focus of Scripture is on God's covenant people, Israel, the detailed account of Esau's descendants demonstrates God's comprehensive knowledge of and interaction with all peoples, even those outside the direct covenant line.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While a genealogical list like [Genesis 36:13](/genesis/36-13 "Genesis 36:13 KJV") might initially appear to be dry or irrelevant, it holds profound significance for our understanding of God's character and plan. It reminds us that God's overarching plan is vast and encompasses many peoples and nations, even those not directly in the covenant line of Israel, demonstrating His universal sovereignty. This meticulous record-keeping also emphasizes the importance of lineage and identity in the ancient world, which helps us to appreciate the divine precision with which the Messianic line was carefully traced through Jacob. Ultimately, the presence of such granular detail in Scripture, even for seemingly minor characters or genealogies, serves as a testament to the divine inspiration and historical reliability of the Bible, assuring us that every detail, no matter how small, contributes to the larger, unfolding narrative of God's redemptive interaction with humanity.

### FAQ

**Why are genealogies like Genesis 36:13 included in the Bible?**

Answer: Genealogies serve several crucial purposes: they establish lineage, confirm historical accuracy, fulfill divine promises regarding descendants, and differentiate various peoples. In [Genesis 36](/chapter/bible_verses_kjv/genesis/36 "The Generations of Esau"), it specifically distinguishes the Edomite nation from Israel, demonstrating God's sovereign ordering of all peoples.

**Does this verse have direct spiritual application for believers today?**

Answer: While not a direct command or moral lesson, [Genesis 36:13](/genesis/36-13 "Genesis 36:13 KJV") reinforces the Bible's reliability and God's faithfulness to His promises, even to those outside the direct covenant line. It encourages trust in God's meticulous plan and His comprehensive oversight of history, which includes every individual and nation.

**Why is Bashemath specifically mentioned as Esau's wife?**

Answer: Mentioning Bashemath (also known as Mahalath) identifies the specific maternal line for Reuel's sons, providing clarity and precision within the genealogical record. In ancient cultures, identifying both parents was crucial for establishing tribal affiliation, inheritance, and social standing, reinforcing the detailed accuracy of the biblical text.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [Genesis 36:13](/genesis/36-13 "Genesis 36:13 KJV") focuses on the lineage of Esau, distinct from the covenant line of Jacob, it indirectly points towards Christ by highlighting the precision and intentionality of God's redemptive plan. The meticulous detailing of Esau's descendants underscores the deliberate choice and preservation of the lineage through Jacob, from whom the Messiah would ultimately come. By clearly delineating the generations of Esau (Edom) as separate from Israel, the text implicitly emphasizes the unique, divinely appointed path through which the promise of a Savior would be fulfilled. This distinction serves as a backdrop, making the eventual arrival of Christ through the specific, carefully preserved line of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob all the more significant as the singular channel for God's universal salvation.

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.