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](/genesis/36-14 "Commentary on Genesis 36:14 KJV") details the three sons born to Esau, also known as Edom, through his wife Aholibamah: Jeush, Jaalam, and Korah. This verse further specifies Aholibamah's lineage as the daughter of Anah and granddaughter of Zibeon, embedding this specific family unit within the broader genealogical record of Esau's descendants and the emerging nation of Edom.

### CONTEXT
[Chapter 36 of Genesis](/chapter/bible_verses_kjv/genesis/36 "Read Genesis chapter 36 KJV") serves as a comprehensive account of [Esau's family line](/genesis/36-1 "Esau's family in Genesis 36:1 KJV") and the development of the Edomite nation. Coming immediately after the narrative of Jacob (Israel), this chapter highlights the distinct paths of the twin brothers, fulfilling the prophecy given before their birth that "[two nations are in thy womb](/genesis/25-23 "Prophecy of two nations from Rebekah in Genesis 25:23 KJV")". The meticulous listing of Esau's wives and children here is crucial for understanding the origins of the Edomites, a people who would later have significant, often adversarial, interactions with the nation of Israel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
The verse [Genesis 36:14](/genesis/36-14 "Analysis of Genesis 36:14 KJV") focuses on a specific branch of Esau's extensive family tree, highlighting the children of one of his wives.

* **Aholibamah:** Identified as one of [Esau's three wives](/genesis/36-2 "Esau's wives in Genesis 36:2 KJV") mentioned in [Genesis 36](/chapter/bible_verses_kjv/genesis/36 "Read Genesis chapter 36 KJV"). Her detailed ancestry—daughter of Anah and granddaughter of Zibeon—is significant. This lineage points to her Hurrian background, a people indigenous to the land of Seir, where Esau settled. Esau's marriage choices, particularly to Canaanite women, were a source of [grief to his parents, Isaac and Rebekah](/genesis/26-35 "Esau's wives cause grief in Genesis 26:35 KJV"), indicating a departure from the covenantal marriage practices of Abraham and Isaac.
* **Esau:** Jacob's twin brother, who famously [sold his birthright](/genesis/25-34 "Esau sells his birthright in Genesis 25:34 KJV") for a meal. He later moved to the hill country of Seir, becoming the progenitor of the Edomites, a nation distinct from Israel. His family records are included to show the broader fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham regarding many nations.
* **Jeush, Jaalam, and Korah:** These three sons became significant tribal chiefs (dukes) within the nascent Edomite nation, as further detailed later in the chapter ([Genesis 36:18](/genesis/36-18 "Edomite chiefs in Genesis 36:18 KJV")). Their mention here establishes the direct lineage from Aholibamah to these future leaders.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **Fulfillment of Prophecy:** The detailed record of Esau's descendants, including the sons of Aholibamah, demonstrates the fulfillment of [God's promise to Abraham](/genesis/12-2 "God's promise to Abraham in Genesis 12:2 KJV") that he would be the father of many nations, extending even to Esau's lineage.
* **Distinct Nations:** The meticulous genealogical record highlights the separation and distinct development of the Edomites from the Israelites, though both shared a common ancestor in Isaac. This distinction was crucial for understanding future geopolitical relationships in the ancient Near East.
* **Historical Record and Divine Sovereignty:** While seemingly a mere list of names, this genealogy underscores the Bible's commitment to historical accuracy and detail in its accounts. It implicitly affirms God's sovereign oversight of all human history, even in the formation of nations outside the direct covenant line of Israel.
* **Consequences of Choices:** Esau's choices, particularly his disregard for his birthright and his marriages to local women, led to a distinct trajectory for his descendants compared to Jacob's, illustrating how individual decisions can shape national identities.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed genealogies in Genesis, including this one, serve as a profound reminder of God's sovereign oversight of history and His unwavering faithfulness to His word. Even the lineage of those who did not inherit the covenant promise through Jacob is meticulously 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, even in what might appear to be dry lists of names. 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.

### 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. They also validate claims of lineage, particularly for priestly and kingly lines, and most importantly, they trace the specific line through which the Messiah would come. Furthermore, they highlight God's faithfulness in preserving a people and a plan across millennia.

**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. Though they were kindred nations, their interactions were frequently marked by conflict, as seen in the Book of Numbers when Edom refused Israel passage through their land ([Numbers 20:14-21](/numbers/20-14 "Edom refuses Israel passage in Numbers 20:14-21 KJV")). This tension continued throughout much of their history, fulfilling the prophecy of two nations struggling from Rebekah's womb.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [Genesis 36:14](/genesis/36-14 "Christ-centered fulfillment of Genesis 36:14 KJV") details the lineage of Esau, distinct from the covenant line of 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. 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. Yet, Christ's redemptive work transcends these ancient divisions, fulfilling the promise to Abraham that through his "seed" (Christ), [all families of the earth would be blessed](/genesis/12-3 "All families blessed through Abraham in Genesis 12:3 KJV"), ultimately bringing reconciliation and unity to a diverse humanity under one Lord.

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.