Genesis 36:16

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Duke {H441} Korah {H7141}, duke {H441} Gatam {H1609}, and duke {H441} Amalek {H6002}: these are the dukes {H441} that came of Eliphaz {H464} in the land {H776} of Edom {H123}; these were the sons {H1121} of Adah {H5711}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Korach, Ga'tam and 'Amalek. These were the chieftains descended from Elifaz in Edom and from 'Adah.

Berean Standard Bible

Korah, Gatam, and Amalek. They are the chiefs of Eliphaz in the land of Edom, and they are the grandsons of Adah.

American Standard Version

chief Korah, chief Gatam, chief Amalek: these are the chiefs that came of Eliphaz in the land of Edom; these are the sons of Adah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 36:16 meticulously lists three prominent Edomite chieftains: Duke Korah, Duke Gatam, and Duke Amalek. This verse specifically identifies them as descendants of Esau through his firstborn son Eliphaz and his wife Adah, thereby establishing their significant lineage within the emerging national structure of Edom. The inclusion of Amalek is particularly noteworthy, as his descendants would later become a persistent and formidable adversary to the nation of Israel throughout biblical history.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 36 serves as a detailed genealogical account of Esau, also known as Edom, and his descendants. Positioned between the narratives of Jacob's family (leading to Israel) and the subsequent account of Joseph, this chapter provides a crucial diversion to trace the lineage of Esau. It meticulously records his wives, sons, and grandsons, culminating in a list of "dukes" or chieftains who formed the foundational leadership of the Edomite nation. Verse 16 is part of a larger enumeration of these dukes, specifically focusing on those who descended from Eliphaz, Esau's firstborn son. This detailed record highlights the rapid development of Esau's family into a structured tribal society, contrasting with the still-developing, less formally organized tribal identity of Jacob's family at this point in the narrative.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period described in Genesis 36 reflects the transition from nomadic patriarchal clans to more settled, organized tribal entities in the ancient Near East. Esau's descendants settled in the mountainous region of Seir, which became known as Edom, located southeast of the Dead Sea. This land, characterized by its rugged terrain, provided natural defenses and resources. The term "duke" (Hebrew: *alluph*) used for these leaders suggests a form of chieftainship or tribal headship, indicating a more formalized and perhaps hereditary leadership structure than the earlier patriarchal models. This organizational development was typical for emerging nations in the region, as they transitioned from family units to established polities with defined territories and leadership. The mention of specific names like Korah, Gatam, and Amalek grounds the Edomite nation's origins in concrete historical figures, laying the groundwork for future interactions with Israel.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes within Genesis and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty in National Formation**, demonstrating God's meticulous oversight not only of the covenant line (Israel) but also of other nations, including those who would later become adversaries. Secondly, it highlights the **Distinction of Nations**, particularly between the descendants of Jacob and Esau, fulfilling the prophetic word given to Rebekah in [Genesis 25:23](/genesis/25-23 "Genesis 25:23 - The prophecy of two nations from Rebekah's womb") that "two nations are in your womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels." The detailed Edomite genealogy emphasizes their distinct identity and destiny. Lastly, the specific mention of Amalek serves as a crucial instance of **Foreshadowing**, providing the historical and familial context for the profound and lasting enmity between Israel and the Amalekites that would define much of their early history, as seen later in passages like [Exodus 17:8-16](/exodus/17-8-16 "Exodus 17:8-16 - The battle against Amalek at Rephidim").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Duke (Hebrew, _ʼallûwph'_):** From the root meaning "familiar," this term denotes a chieftain or tribal head. In Genesis 36, *alluph* is specifically used to describe the leaders of Edom, signifying a more formalized, hereditary leadership structure than the patriarchal model. It suggests the emergence of a structured nation with established authority figures, distinguishing Edom from the still-developing tribal identity of Israel at this early stage.
* **Amalek (Hebrew, _ʻĂmâlêq'_):** Likely of foreign origin, this name refers to a descendant of Esau, specifically through Eliphaz. The mention of Amalek here is profoundly significant because his posterity, the Amalekites, would become a persistent and formidable enemy of Israel throughout their history, from the wilderness wanderings to the time of the kings. This verse provides the foundational origin of this adversarial nation within the Edomite lineage.
* **Sons (Hebrew, _bên'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to build," *bên* refers to a son, in the widest sense, encompassing literal and figurative relationships, including grandsons. In this context, it emphasizes the direct lineage of Korah, Gatam, and Amalek as the offspring (grandsons) of Eliphaz and Adah, highlighting their direct connection to the founding figures of the Edomite nation and their role in "building" the family name and tribal structure.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Duke Korah, duke Gatam, and duke Amalek:"** This initial clause introduces three specific individuals who held the title of "duke" or chieftain within the Edomite tribal structure. The repetition of "duke" emphasizes their status and the organized nature of the Edomite society. Each name represents a distinct tribal subdivision or clan that emerged from Esau's lineage.
* **"these are the dukes that came of Eliphaz in the land of Edom;"** This segment clarifies the direct paternal lineage of the three named dukes. They are identified as emanating from Eliphaz, Esau's firstborn son. This detail underscores the hierarchical structure within the nascent Edomite nation, with leadership roles being passed down through the family of the patriarch's eldest son. Their presence "in the land of Edom" firmly roots them geographically within the territory associated with Esau's descendants.
* **"these were the sons of Adah."** This concluding phrase specifies the maternal lineage, identifying Adah as the mother of Eliphaz, and thus the grandmother of Korah, Gatam, and Amalek. While Eliphaz is the direct father, the verse highlights Adah's role as one of Esau's wives and a matriarch of this significant branch of the Edomite family, further solidifying the genealogical record.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 36:16 primarily employs **Genealogy** as its core literary device, meticulously tracing the lineage of Esau's descendants. This detailed record serves to establish the origins and structure of the Edomite nation, providing a comprehensive background for future biblical narratives. The verse also utilizes **Repetition** of the term "duke" (Hebrew: *alluph*), which emphasizes the leadership status of these individuals and the organized, albeit distinct, societal structure of the Edomites compared to the Israelites. Most significantly, the inclusion of "Duke Amalek" serves as a powerful instance of **Foreshadowing**. While seemingly a mere name in a list, this mention subtly hints at the future, long-standing conflict between the Amalekites and Israel, imbuing a simple genealogical entry with profound prophetic significance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 36:16, though a brief genealogical entry, offers profound theological insights into God's sovereign plan and the unfolding of human history. It reminds us that God's hand is at work not only in the covenant line of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob but also in the formation and development of all nations, even those outside the direct covenant. The meticulous recording of Esau's descendants, particularly the emergence of "dukes," illustrates the divine orchestration of societal structures and leadership, demonstrating that all authority ultimately derives from God. The specific mention of Amalek, a future enemy of Israel, highlights God's foreknowledge and His allowance for the development of nations that would test and shape His chosen people, all within His overarching redemptive narrative.

* [Deuteronomy 2:5](/deuteronomy/2-5 "Deuteronomy 2:5 - God's grant of Mount Seir to Esau's descendants")
* [Numbers 24:20](/numbers/24-20 "Numbers 24:20 - Balaam's prophecy concerning Amalek")
* [1 Samuel 15:2-3](/1_samuel/15-2-3 "1 Samuel 15:2-3 - Saul's command to destroy Amalek")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While a genealogical list might initially appear dry or irrelevant, Genesis 36:16 offers profound insights for the modern reader. It reminds us that God's meticulous attention extends to all of history, orchestrating the rise and fall of nations, even those outside the direct covenant, according to His grand design. For the ancient Israelite, this verse provided crucial historical context for understanding the persistent animosity with the Amalekites, making their hostility even more tragic given their shared ancestry through Esau. For us today, it underscores the importance of understanding historical roots—even those of our adversaries—to grasp the full scope of God's narrative and His purposes. It also highlights how individual and familial choices, even generations removed, can profoundly shape national character and destiny, urging us to consider the long-term impact of our own decisions and the legacies we leave behind. We are called to live intentionally, recognizing that our actions contribute to the unfolding story of humanity under God's sovereign hand.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous recording of Esau's lineage, including the "dukes," demonstrate His sovereignty over all nations, not just Israel?**
* **What can we learn from the foreshadowing of the Amalekites' future conflict with Israel, even in a seemingly minor genealogical detail?**
* **How might understanding the historical roots of conflict, even those from ancient genealogies, inform our approach to contemporary divisions or animosities?**
* **In what ways do our individual and familial choices today contribute to the "legacy" we leave for future generations, and how does this verse encourage us to live responsibly?**

### FAQ
**Why is the Hebrew word for "duke" (alluph) used for the Edomites?**

Answer: The term *alluph* (אַלּוּף) specifically denotes a tribal chief or chieftain, emphasizing a distinct form of leadership or societal structure among the Edomites. Its use highlights the establishment of a formal, hereditary leadership among Esau's descendants, signifying their development into a structured nation, unlike the more patriarchal, less formally organized structure of the Israelites at this early stage. This choice of terminology distinguishes Edom's early political organization from that of the nascent Israelite tribes.

**Why is the mention of Amalek in this verse so significant?**

Answer: The mention of "Duke Amalek" is highly significant because his descendants, the Amalekites, later become a persistent and bitter enemy of Israel throughout their history. This verse provides their foundational origin within the Edomite lineage, establishing a familial connection that would later be tragically marked by generations of animosity. This conflict began with the [Amalekites' unprovoked attack on Israel in the wilderness](/exodus/17-8 "Exodus 17:8 - Amalek attacks Israel at Rephidim") and continued through the period of the judges and kings, culminating in the [divine command to blot out their remembrance](/deuteronomy/25-17-19 "Deuteronomy 25:17-19 - Remember and blot out Amalek").

**Do these genealogies have any relevance for believers today?**

Answer: Yes, biblical genealogies, even those of non-covenant nations like Edom, demonstrate God's meticulous oversight of all human history. They show how God works through various peoples and events to bring about His ultimate purposes. For believers, they underscore the importance of lineage, heritage, and the unfolding of God's grand narrative, reminding us that every individual and family has a place in His sovereign plan. Ultimately, these genealogies, by tracing the paths of various nations, highlight the unique and divinely appointed lineage through which the Messiah would come, pointing to the fulfillment of God's promises in Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Genesis 36:16 details the lineage of Esau, a nation outside the direct covenant line of Israel, it nonetheless contributes to the broader biblical narrative that culminates in Christ. The meticulous recording of diverse lineages, even those destined for conflict with Israel, underscores God's sovereign control over all nations and history. This distinction between nations, particularly the separation of Esau's descendants from Jacob's, ultimately points to the unique lineage through which the Messiah would come, as prophesied in [Genesis 49:10](/genesis/49-10 "Genesis 49:10 - The scepter shall not depart from Judah"). Christ's fulfillment transcends these national divisions, offering salvation not just to a single nation but to all peoples, Jew and Gentile alike, thereby uniting all who believe into one new humanity in Him, as declared in [Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ breaks down the dividing wall"). The ancient animosities foreshadowed in these genealogies, such as that between Israel and Amalek, are ultimately reconciled through Christ's atoning work on the cross, making peace and bringing all who believe into a new, spiritual family, as described in [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - No Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female in Christ").

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

Exodus 15:15

Then the dukes of Edom shall be amazed; the mighty men of Moab, trembling shall take hold upon them; all the inhabitants of Canaan shall melt away.