Genesis 36:18

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And these are the sons {H1121} of Aholibamah {H173} Esau's {H6215} wife {H802}; duke {H441} Jeush {H3266}, duke {H441} Jaalam {H3281}, duke {H441} Korah {H7141}: these were the dukes {H441} that came of Aholibamah {H173} the daughter {H1323} of Anah {H6034}, Esau's {H6215} wife {H802}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The sons of Oholivamah 'Esav's wife were the chieftains of Ye'ush, Ya'lam and Korach. These were the chieftains descended from Oholivamah the daughter of 'Anah, 'Esav's wife.

Berean Standard Bible

These are the sons of Esau’s wife Oholibamah: Chiefs Jeush, Jalam, and Korah. They are the chiefs descended from Esau’s wife Oholibamah, the daughter of Anah.

American Standard Version

And these are the sons of Oholibamah, Esau’s wife: chief Jeush, chief Jalam, chief Korah: these are the chiefs that came of Oholibamah the daughter of Anah, Esau’s wife.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 36:18 is a specific entry within the comprehensive genealogical record of Esau, also known as Edom, detailing the lineage and early leadership of the Edomite nation. This verse precisely identifies Jeush, Jaalam, and Korah as the sons of Aholibamah, one of Esau's wives, who rose to prominence as "dukes" or tribal chieftains, thereby contributing to the foundational structure of Edom.

### CONTEXT
Chapter 36 of Genesis provides an exhaustive genealogical record of Esau, Jacob's twin brother, meticulously tracing the origins and development of the Edomite nation. This extensive chapter lists Esau's wives, his children, and the various chieftains, or "dukes," who emerged from his family lines, fulfilling God's prophecy to Rebekah that [two nations would come from her womb](/genesis/25-23 "The prophecy of two nations in Rebekah's womb"). While Jacob's descendants form the nation of Israel, Esau's progeny establish Edom, a distinct entity that would frequently serve as an antagonistic neighbor to Israel throughout biblical history. Specifically, [Genesis 36:18](/genesis/36-18 "The sons of Aholibamah, Esau's wife") highlights Jeush, Jaalam, and Korah as the sons of Aholibamah, identified elsewhere as [the daughter of Anah](/genesis/36-2 "Aholibamah, daughter of Anah"), who attained this significant ducal status, underscoring her importance within Esau's household and the nascent Edomite social structure.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
[Genesis 36:18](/genesis/36-18 "The sons of Aholibamah, Esau's wife") specifically names "duke Jeush, duke Jaalam, duke Korah" as the sons of Aholibamah, Esau's wife, who attained positions of leadership within the emerging Edomite society. The repeated use of the title "duke" emphasizes their significant status and authority within their respective clans.

The term "duke" is translated from the Hebrew word *'alluph* (אַלּוּף), which literally means "chief" or "leader." In the context of [Genesis 36](/chapter/bible_verses_kjv/genesis/36 "The generations of Esau"), it denotes tribal heads or chieftains, indicating a decentralized system of governance among the early Edomites, rather than a centralized monarchy. This tribal structure would later evolve, as the chapter itself notes the presence of [kings in Edom](/genesis/36-31 "Kings who reigned in Edom") even before Israel had its own monarchy.

This verse, alongside the broader genealogical record in [Genesis 36](/chapter/bible_verses_kjv/genesis/36 "The generations of Esau"), serves as the foundational account for the Edomite nation. It meticulously details their family lines, tribal divisions, and the establishment of their early leadership, providing essential background for understanding their subsequent interactions with Israel, such as their refusal to grant passage to the Israelites during the Exodus, as recorded in [Numbers 20:14-21](/numbers/20-14 "Edom's refusal to allow Israel to pass through their land").

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **Divine Sovereignty in History:** The meticulous recording of Esau's lineage, even for a nation outside the direct covenant line of Israel, demonstrates God's comprehensive oversight of all human history and the formation of nations, fulfilling His broader purposes.
* **Fulfillment of Prophecy:** This detailed genealogy underscores the fulfillment of God's word to Rebekah regarding [two nations from her womb](/genesis/25-23 "The prophecy of two nations from Rebekah"), establishing Edom as a distinct entity alongside Israel.
* **Historical Foundation of Edom:** [Genesis 36](/chapter/bible_verses_kjv/genesis/36 "The generations of Esau"), including [Genesis 36:18](/genesis/36-18 "The sons of Aholibamah, Esau's wife"), provides the essential historical and structural foundation for the Edomite nation, explaining their tribal organization and early leadership under "dukes" before the advent of kings.
* **Significance of Lineage:** In ancient Near Eastern cultures, genealogical records were crucial for establishing identity, rights, and responsibilities, illustrating how families branched out to form distinct national identities.
* **Context for Future Narratives:** Understanding the origins and early structure of Edom is vital for comprehending their later interactions, conflicts, and prophetic pronouncements concerning them throughout the biblical narrative, particularly their often-antagonistic relationship with Israel.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While a detailed genealogy like [Genesis 36:18](/genesis/36-18 "The sons of Aholibamah, Esau's wife") might initially seem remote, it offers profound lessons: it reminds us of God's meticulous sovereignty over all of history, orchestrating the rise and fall of nations, even those seemingly outside the direct covenant line of Israel. For the ancient reader, understanding lineage was paramount for identity and societal structure, underscoring how families expand into distinct peoples. For us, these records provide crucial background, enabling a richer comprehension of the unfolding biblical narrative and the complex interactions between nations, revealing God's consistent work through all human affairs.

### FAQ
**Why does the Bible include such detailed genealogies for nations like Edom?**

Answer: The inclusion of detailed genealogies, even for nations like Edom, serves multiple purposes. It underscores the historical veracity of the biblical narrative, demonstrating God's sovereign involvement in the formation and development of all peoples. For the ancient reader, these lists established tribal identities, land claims, and the fulfillment of divine promises, such as the prophecy to Rebekah that [two nations would descend from her](/genesis/25-23 "The prophecy of two nations from Rebekah").

**What is the difference between a "duke" and a "king" in this context?**

Answer: In [Genesis 36](/chapter/bible_verses_kjv/genesis/36 "The generations of Esau"), the term "duke" (Hebrew: *'alluph*) refers to a tribal chieftain or clan leader, indicating a decentralized, patriarchal form of governance. This contrasts with a "king," who presides over a centralized monarchy. The chapter explicitly notes that these "dukes" reigned in Edom *before* there were kings, suggesting an evolution in Edomite political structure from a tribal confederation to a more unified kingdom, mirroring a common pattern in ancient Near Eastern societies.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [Genesis 36:18](/genesis/36-18 "The sons of Aholibamah, Esau's wife") details the lineage of Esau, a line distinct from the messianic promise, its inclusion within the sacred text underscores God's meticulous sovereignty over all nations and His comprehensive plan for humanity. The very existence of separate nations, often in conflict, highlights the brokenness of the world and the ultimate need for a universal King. In Christ, the true "Duke" and and King, all nations find their ultimate fulfillment and reconciliation. His redemptive work transcends tribal and national divisions, bringing together people from every lineage, including those historically estranged, into one new humanity under His benevolent rule, thereby fulfilling God's original promise to Abraham that [all families of the earth would be blessed through his seed](/genesis/12-3 "God's promise to Abraham").

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.