Genesis 36:14

KJV

And these were the sons of Aholibamah, the daughter of Anah the daughter of Zibeon, Esau's wife: and she bare to Esau Jeush, and Jaalam, and Korah.

KJV (with Strong's)

And these were the sons {H1121} of Aholibamah {H173}, the daughter {H1323} of Anah {H6034} the daughter {H1323} of Zibeon {H6649}, Esau's {H6215} wife {H802}: and she bare {H3205} to Esau {H6215} Jeush {H3274}, and Jaalam {H3281}, and Korah {H7141}.

Complete Jewish Bible

These were the sons of Oholivamah, the daughter of 'Anah the daughter of Tziv'on, 'Esav's wife: she bore to 'Esav Ye'ush, Ya'lam and Korach.

Berean Standard Bible

These are the sons of Esau’s wife Oholibamah (daughter of Anah and granddaughter of Zibeon) whom she bore to Esau: Jeush, Jalam, and Korah.

American Standard Version

And these were the sons of Oholibamah the daughter of Anah, the daughter of Zibeon, Esau’s wife: and she bare to Esau Jeush, and Jalam, and Korah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 36:14 meticulously records a specific branch of Esau's extensive family tree, identifying Aholibamah, the daughter of Anah and granddaughter of Zibeon, as one of Esau's wives. This verse then names the three sons she bore to Esau: Jeush, Jaalam, and Korah, thereby embedding this particular family unit within the broader genealogical record of Esau's descendants and the emerging nation of Edom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis chapter 36 serves as a comprehensive "toledot" or "generations" account, focusing entirely on the descendants of Esau, also known as Edom. Its placement immediately follows the detailed narrative of Jacob's life and the formation of the nascent nation of Israel. This strategic positioning highlights the distinct, yet parallel, development of the two brother-nations, fulfilling the divine prophecy given to Rebekah in [Genesis 25:23](/genesis/25-23 "Genesis 25:23 - Prophecy of Two Nations") that "two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels." The chapter meticulously lists Esau's wives, children, and the chiefs (dukes) that sprang from them, providing a foundational understanding of the Edomite people who would later become a significant, often adversarial, presence to Israel in the ancient Near East.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Esau, having sold his birthright and chosen a path distinct from Jacob, settled in the hill country of Seir, which became the land of Edom. His marriages, particularly to Canaanite and Horite women, were a departure from the covenantal practices of Abraham and Isaac, causing [grief to his parents](/genesis/26-35 "Genesis 26:35 - Esau's Wives Grieve Isaac and Rebekah"). Aholibamah's lineage, traced to Anah and Zibeon, connects her to the Horites, the indigenous inhabitants of Seir (cf. [Genesis 36:20-30](/genesis/36-20-30 "Genesis 36:20-30 - The Horites, Inhabitants of Seir")). Esau's integration with these local tribes through marriage was a key factor in the formation of the distinct Edomite identity, blending his Abrahamic heritage with the culture of the land he adopted. This intermarriage also explains the Hurrian/Horite names appearing in the Edomite genealogies.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, as part of the broader [genealogy of Esau](/genesis/36 "Genesis 36 - The Generations of Esau"), contributes to several key themes. Firstly, it underscores the **fulfillment of prophecy**, demonstrating how God's word concerning the two nations from Rebekah's womb came to pass, even in the precise details of their lineages. Secondly, it emphasizes the **distinct development of nations**, showing how the Edomites, though related to Israel, forged their own identity and destiny apart from the covenant line. Thirdly, the meticulous record highlights the **Bible's commitment to historical accuracy and detail**, affirming God's sovereign oversight not only of the covenant people but of all human history and the formation of all peoples. The inclusion of these "outside" lineages also serves to set the stage for future interactions between Israel and its neighbors, providing a necessary historical backdrop for later biblical narratives.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sons (Hebrew, _bên'_):** From the root meaning "to build," this term (H1121) signifies a male offspring, but in a much wider sense, can refer to descendants, members of a group, or even qualities. In this context, it specifically denotes the direct male offspring who will contribute to the "building" or continuation of Esau's family line and, by extension, the Edomite nation.
* **daughter (Hebrew, _bath'_):** As the feminine form of _bên_ (H1323), this word denotes a female offspring. Its repetition in the verse ("daughter of Anah the daughter of Zibeon") emphasizes the specific maternal lineage of Aholibamah, establishing her tribal connections and status within the Horite community.
* **bare (Hebrew, _yâlad'_):** This primitive root (H3205) means "to bear young" or "to beget." It is a fundamental term in biblical genealogies, signifying the act of procreation and the continuation of a family line. Here, it explicitly states that Aholibamah was the biological mother of the three named sons, solidifying their place in Esau's lineage.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And these were the sons of Aholibamah, the daughter of Anah the daughter of Zibeon, Esau's wife:"** This opening clause immediately identifies the specific family unit being detailed. Aholibamah is presented as Esau's wife, but her identity is further elaborated through her paternal and grandpaternal lineage (Anah and Zibeon). This detailed ancestry is crucial for understanding the cultural and tribal connections of Esau's family, particularly his integration with the Horite inhabitants of Seir. The mention of her being the "daughter of Anah the daughter of Zibeon" clarifies that Anah was Aholibamah's father, and Zibeon was Anah's father, thus making Zibeon Aholibamah's grandfather.
* **"and she bare to Esau Jeush, and Jaalam, and Korah."** This second clause names the direct offspring of Aholibamah and Esau. The act of "bearing" (yâlad) highlights the continuity of the family line. These three sons are not merely names; they are significant figures who would later become "chiefs" or "dukes" within the Edomite tribal structure (cf. [Genesis 36:18](/genesis/36-18 "Genesis 36:18 - Chiefs from Aholibamah's Sons")), indicating their foundational role in the emerging Edomite nation. Their distinct names further emphasize the unique identity of this branch of Esau's descendants.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in [Genesis 36:14](/genesis/36-14 "Genesis 36:14 - Aholibamah's Sons") and the surrounding chapter is **Genealogy**. This meticulous listing of names and family relationships serves a crucial theological and historical purpose, establishing the lineage of Esau and the formation of the Edomite nation. The **Repetition** of "daughter" ("daughter of Anah the daughter of Zibeon") emphasizes Aholibamah's specific and important lineage within the Horite community, highlighting the intermarriage that characterized Esau's family. Furthermore, the naming of Jeush, Jaalam, and Korah here serves as **Foreshadowing**, as these individuals are later identified as prominent chiefs, indicating their future significance in the Edomite tribal structure. This detailed record is not merely a dry list but a purposeful act of **Documentation**, affirming the historical reality of these nations and their origins within God's overarching plan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The detailed genealogies in Genesis, including the specific record of Esau's descendants in [Genesis 36](/genesis/36 "Genesis 36 - The Generations of Esau"), underscore God's sovereign hand in history, even in the formation of nations outside the direct covenant line of Israel. While Esau forfeited his birthright and chose a path distinct from Jacob, God's promise to Abraham that he would be the father of many nations (cf. [Genesis 17:6](/genesis/17-6 "Genesis 17:6 - God's Promise of Many Nations to Abraham")) extended even to Esau's prolific lineage. The meticulous recording of the Edomite family tree, including Aholibamah's sons, demonstrates that God's comprehensive plan encompasses all peoples and their movements across time, preparing the stage for the unfolding drama of redemption.

* [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "Genesis 12:2 - God's Promise to Abraham")
* [Numbers 20:14-21](/numbers/20-14-21 "Numbers 20:14-21 - Edom Refuses Israel Passage")
* [Malachi 1:2-3](/malachi/1-2-3 "Malachi 1:2-3 - Jacob I Loved, Esau I Hated")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly dry lists of names in biblical genealogies, such as [Genesis 36:14](/genesis/36-14 "Genesis 36:14 - Aholibamah's Sons"), serve as profound reminders of God's meticulous attention to detail and His unwavering faithfulness to His word. Even the lineage of those who did not directly inherit the covenant promise through Jacob is carefully recorded, demonstrating that God's comprehensive plan encompasses all peoples and their movements across time. This encourages us to appreciate the Bible's deep historical foundation and the intricate interconnectedness of biblical narratives, recognizing that every detail, no matter how small, contributes to the grand tapestry of God's redemptive story. These records affirm the Bible's claim as a reliable historical document that not only traces the origins of nations but also meticulously prepares the way for the coming of the Messiah. For us today, it reminds us that God is sovereign over all history, working out His purposes in every generation and through every family line, even those we might perceive as peripheral.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Bible's meticulous recording of genealogies, even those outside the direct covenant line, deepen your understanding of God's sovereignty over all nations and history?**
* **What can we learn about the consequences of individual choices, such as Esau's, when we observe the distinct trajectories of the nations that sprang from Jacob and Esau?**
* **In what ways do these historical records challenge or affirm your view of the Bible's reliability as a historical document?**

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

Answer: Genealogies in the Bible serve multiple crucial purposes. They establish historical continuity, demonstrating the fulfillment of God's promises over generations, such as the promise to Abraham that his descendants would be numerous and form great nations (cf. [Genesis 17:6](/genesis/17-6 "Genesis 17:6 - God's Promise of Many Nations to Abraham")). They also validate claims of lineage, particularly for priestly and kingly lines, ensuring proper succession and authority. Most importantly, they meticulously trace the specific line through which the Messiah would come, culminating in the genealogies of Jesus Christ found in [Matthew 1](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - The Genealogy of Jesus") and [Luke 3](/luke/3 "Luke 3 - The Genealogy of Jesus"). Furthermore, they highlight God's faithfulness in preserving a people and a plan across millennia, even amidst human failures and historical upheaval.

**What was the relationship between Edom and Israel?**

Answer: The relationship between Edom (descendants of Esau) and Israel (descendants of Jacob) was complex and often adversarial, despite their shared ancestry through Isaac. Though they were kindred nations, their interactions were frequently marked by conflict, beginning with Edom's refusal to allow Israel passage through their land during the Exodus (cf. [Numbers 20:14-21](/numbers/20-14-21 "Numbers 20:14-21 - Edom Refuses Israel Passage")). This tension continued throughout much of their history, with periods of warfare and subjugation, as seen in the Book of Samuel and Kings. This ongoing struggle ultimately fulfilled the prophecy of two nations struggling from Rebekah's womb (cf. [Genesis 25:23](/genesis/25-23 "Genesis 25:23 - Prophecy of Two Nations")), illustrating the deep-seated rivalry between the two peoples.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [Genesis 36:14](/genesis/36-14 "Genesis 36:14 - Aholibamah's Sons") details the lineage of Esau, a line distinct from the covenant promise given to Jacob, its inclusion within the biblical narrative ultimately points to the universal scope of God's redemptive plan in Christ. The meticulous recording of all humanity's origins, even those outside the direct Messianic lineage, underscores God's sovereignty over all nations and His meticulous preparation for the coming of the Redeemer. The separation of nations, such as Edom from Israel, sets the stage for the specific lineage through which the Messiah would come, highlighting the particularity of God's covenant with Israel that culminated in Jesus. Yet, Christ's redemptive work transcends these ancient divisions, fulfilling the promise to Abraham that through his "seed"—who is Christ—[all families of the earth would be blessed](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - All Families Blessed Through Abraham"). Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus broke down the dividing wall of hostility between peoples (cf. [Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Breaks Down the Dividing Wall")), creating one new humanity in Himself, where there is neither Jew nor Gentile (cf. [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - No Jew or Gentile in Christ")), ultimately bringing reconciliation and unity to a diverse humanity under one Lord and Savior (cf. [Colossians 3:11](/colossians/3-11 "Colossians 3:11 - Christ is All, and in All")).

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

Genesis 36:2

Esau took his wives of the daughters of Canaan; Adah the daughter of Elon the Hittite, and Aholibamah the daughter of Anah the daughter of Zibeon the Hivite;

Genesis 36:5

And Aholibamah bare Jeush, and Jaalam, and Korah: these [are] the sons of Esau, which were born unto him in the land of Canaan.

1 Chronicles 1:35

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

Genesis 36:18

And these [are] the sons of Aholibamah Esau's wife; duke Jeush, duke Jaalam, duke Korah: these [were] the dukes [that came] of Aholibamah the daughter of Anah, Esau's wife.