What number verse is Genesis 36:22 in the Bible?

Genesis 36:22 is the 1,063rd verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — Genesis 36:22 sits at position 1,063.

Translation

King James Version

And the children of Lotan were Hori and Hemam; and Lotan's sister was Timna.

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KJV (with Strong's)

And the children ^H1121 of Lotan ^H3877 were Hori ^H2753 and Hemam ^H1967; and Lotan's ^H3877 sister ^H269 was Timna ^H8555.

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Complete Jewish Bible

The sons of Lotan were Hori and Hemam; Lotan's sister was Timnah.

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Berean Standard Bible

The sons of Lotan were Hori and Hemam. Timna was Lotan’s sister.

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American Standard Version

And the children of Lotan were Hori and Heman; and Lotan’s sister was Timna.

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World English Bible Messianic

The children of Lotan were Hori and Heman. Lotan’s sister was Timna.

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Geneva Bible (1599)

And the sonnes of Lotan were, Hori and Hemam, and Lotans sister was Timna.

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Young's Literal Translation

And the sons of Lotan are Hori and Heman; and a sister of Lotan is Timna.

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Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Genesis 36:22 serves as a concise genealogical entry within the comprehensive record of Esau's descendants, identifying Hori and Hemam as the sons of Lotan, a prominent Horite chief. Crucially, it introduces Timna as Lotan's sister, a seemingly minor detail that holds profound future significance as Timna later becomes the mother of Amalek, whose descendants, the Amalekites, would emerge as a persistent and formidable adversary of Israel throughout biblical history.

CONTEXT

Literary Context: This verse is situated within Genesis chapter 36, a meticulously detailed genealogical register that interrupts the narrative flow of Jacob's family history. Following the account of Jacob's return to Canaan and the reconciliation with Esau, this chapter shifts focus entirely to Esau's lineage, wives, and the chiefs of Edom, establishing the origins of the Edomite nation. Unlike the more narrative-driven sections of Genesis, chapter 36 functions as a comprehensive historical record, ensuring that the reader understands the full scope of Abraham's descendants, including those who would become a distinct nation parallel to Israel. Genesis 36:22 specifically falls within the list of Horite chiefs, the indigenous inhabitants of Mount Seir, whose land Esau's descendants would eventually occupy.
Historical & Cultural Context: The setting for Genesis 36 is Mount Seir, a rugged, mountainous region south of the Dead Sea, which became the territory of Edom. The "Horites" mentioned in this verse, and throughout Genesis 36:20-30, were the original inhabitants of this region. Their name, possibly derived from the Hebrew word for "cave" (ḥôr), suggests they were cave-dwellers, adapting to the mountainous terrain. Esau's descendants, the Edomites, either displaced or assimilated these Horites. The mention of "chiefs" (Hebrew: alluph) indicates a tribal, clan-based societal structure. The practice of intermarriage, as seen with Timna, was common, leading to complex familial and national relationships that would profoundly impact future interactions between peoples.
Key Themes: Genesis 36:22 contributes to several key themes within Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the meticulousness of God's record-keeping and the Bible's commitment to historical accuracy, even in seemingly minor genealogical details. Secondly, it highlights the divine sovereignty over all nations, demonstrating that God's plan encompasses not only His chosen people but also the rise and fall, and even the interrelationships, of surrounding nations. Thirdly, and most significantly for this verse, it lays the genealogical roots for future conflict. The seemingly incidental mention of Timna foreshadows the long and bitter enmity between Israel and the Amalekites, whose origins are traced back to her. This illustrates how seemingly minor details in Scripture can be foundational to understanding major historical and theological developments, reinforcing the theme that no detail in God's word is superfluous. This is evident in the later accounts of the Amalekites attacking Israel in the wilderness, as recorded in Exodus 17:8-16, and God's subsequent declaration of perpetual war against them.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Genesis 36:22 presents a concise but profoundly significant detail within the Edomite genealogies, naming Lotan's two sons, Hori and Hemam, and then introducing his sister, Timna.

Key Word Analysis

children (Hebrew, bên', H1121): This term broadly refers to a son or descendant, often implying a builder or inheritor of the family name. In this context, Hori and Hemam are presented as the direct male offspring of Lotan, continuing his lineage and contributing to the emerging tribal structure of the Horites. The word bên is foundational to understanding the genealogical purpose of this verse, establishing direct familial connections.
sister (Hebrew, ʼâchôwth', H269): This term denotes a female sibling, but like its masculine counterpart "brother," it can be used more broadly to signify a close female relative or even a member of the same tribe or community. In this verse, it explicitly identifies Timna as Lotan's direct sister, establishing her immediate family tie within the Horite lineage. Her specific identification is crucial for the subsequent narrative.
Timna (Hebrew, Timnâʻ', H8555): Derived from a root meaning "restraint," Timna is identified here as Lotan's sister. While her name's etymology might suggest a certain characteristic, its primary significance in this verse is her identity as a specific individual within the Horite lineage. Her inclusion is not merely for genealogical completeness but, as later verses reveal, to pinpoint the maternal origin of Amalek, a figure of immense future importance in Israel's history.

Verse Breakdown

"And the children of Lotan were Hori and Hemam": This clause provides the primary genealogical information regarding Lotan's direct male descendants. Lotan is identified earlier in Genesis 36:20 as one of the sons of Seir the Horite, making him a prominent figure among the indigenous inhabitants of the region. Hori and Hemam are thus presented as members of this established Horite clan, indicating the continuation of their lineage and their place within the emerging socio-political landscape of Mount Seir. The naming of these two sons is typical of biblical genealogies, establishing the family tree.
"and Lotan's sister [was] Timna": This second clause introduces a female figure, Timna, explicitly identifying her as Lotan's sister. While the primary focus of most genealogies is on male lines, the inclusion of a female, particularly with her specific relationship to a named male, often signals a significant role or connection. In Timna's case, her mention here is critically important because Genesis 36:12 reveals that she became a concubine to Eliphaz, Esau's firstborn son, and bore him Amalek. This seemingly incidental detail in Genesis 36:22 thus serves as a vital genealogical link, establishing the Horite origin of Amalek through his mother, a detail that explains the deep-seated and persistent enmity between the Amalekites and the Israelites throughout subsequent biblical history.

Literary Devices

The verse primarily employs Genealogy, a fundamental literary device in Genesis, serving to establish lineage, trace the development of nations, and demonstrate God's faithfulness in preserving lines of descent. The inclusion of Timna, however, introduces a potent element of Foreshadowing. While her significance is not immediately apparent in this verse, the subsequent mention of her as Amalek's mother in Genesis 36:12 transforms this seemingly minor detail into a crucial narrative link. This creates a subtle Irony of Significance, where a brief, almost overlooked, entry within a list of names holds the key to understanding centuries of future conflict and divine judgment. The meticulous naming of individuals, even those outside the direct line of promise, highlights the Bible's comprehensive scope and its assertion of God's sovereign oversight even of those who would become antagonists to His chosen people.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Genesis 36:22, though a simple genealogical record, powerfully illustrates the intricate tapestry of God's sovereign plan, even in the details of nations seemingly outside the direct covenant line. It demonstrates that God's meticulous record-keeping extends to all peoples, revealing how seemingly minor familial connections can lay the groundwork for major historical and theological developments. The mention of Timna, an otherwise obscure figure, becomes a profound example of how God weaves together the destinies of individuals and nations, preparing the stage for future interactions—both cooperative and adversarial—that will serve His ultimate redemptive purposes. This verse underscores the biblical principle that no detail in Scripture is superfluous; every name and connection is part of a larger, divinely orchestrated narrative.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Genesis 36:22, despite its brevity and seemingly dry genealogical nature, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It serves as a powerful reminder that God's grand narrative often unfolds through details that appear insignificant at first glance. Just as the mention of Timna foreshadowed centuries of conflict and divine intervention, so too do the seemingly small choices, relationships, and "insignificant" moments in our own lives contribute to larger, unforeseen outcomes within God's sovereign plan. This verse encourages us to cultivate a posture of careful attention to all of Scripture, recognizing that even the "boring" or less dramatic passages can contain vital keys to understanding God's character, His overarching purposes, and the intricate tapestry of human history under His divine hand. It prompts us to consider how seemingly minor elements in our own lives might be part of a larger, divine design, calling us to faithfulness in every detail, knowing that God works all things together for His glory.

Questions for Reflection

How does the seemingly minor detail of Timna's mention in this genealogy challenge my perception of what is "important" in Scripture or in my own life?
In what ways might God be working through seemingly insignificant connections or events in my life to fulfill a larger purpose?
How can I cultivate a greater appreciation for the "less exciting" parts of the Bible, recognizing that every word is divinely inspired and purposeful?

FAQ

Why is the mention of Timna so important in this seemingly minor verse?

Answer: The mention of Timna is crucial because she is identified in Genesis 36:12 as the concubine of Eliphaz, Esau's firstborn son, and the mother of Amalek. Amalek's descendants, the Amalekites, became one of Israel's most persistent and bitter enemies throughout the Old Testament, from their unprovoked attack on the Israelites in the wilderness shortly after the Exodus (Exodus 17:8) to their near-annihilation by King Saul (1 Samuel 15:2). This verse, therefore, provides the precise genealogical origin of a major antagonist in the biblical narrative, explaining the deep-seated enmity that would define centuries of interaction.

Does this verse suggest God ordains conflict?

Answer: This verse, by detailing the lineage leading to the Amalekites, primarily demonstrates God's meticulous record-keeping and His sovereign oversight of all history, including the rise of nations and their conflicts. While it doesn't explicitly state that God directly ordains conflict in a causative sense, it certainly shows that He is aware of, and incorporates, even human animosity and opposition into His broader redemptive plan. The conflict with Amalek, for instance, served as a test for Israel's obedience and reliance on God, and ultimately highlighted the need for God's divine intervention and ultimate victory over all adversaries, a theme that finds its ultimate expression in Christ.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

While Genesis 36:22 primarily details a lineage of those outside the direct line of promise, it subtly points to the broader narrative of God's sovereign control over all nations and peoples, even those who would oppose His chosen people. The ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan, culminating in Christ, required the meticulous preservation of the lineage through which the Messiah would come, even amidst the rise and fall of other nations and their conflicts. The very existence of enemies like the Amalekites, whose origins are traced here, highlights the spiritual warfare present throughout history, a conflict ultimately overcome by Christ's victory on the cross. Through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection, Jesus secured peace and triumph for His people over all their spiritual adversaries, fulfilling the promise of a descendant who would crush the head of the serpent (Genesis 3:15). The persistence of evil, genealogically rooted in verses like this, is ultimately subsumed by the triumph of the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world and establishes an eternal kingdom of peace and righteousness (John 1:29; Revelation 11:15).

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Commentary on Genesis 36 verses 20–30

20 ¶ These are the sons of Seir the Horite, who inhabited the land; Lotan, and Shobal, and Zibeon, and Anah,

21 And Dishon, and Ezer, and Dishan: these are the dukes of the Horites, the children of Seir in the land of Edom.

22 And the children of Lotan were Hori and Hemam; and Lotan's sister was Timna.

23 And the children of Shobal were these; Alvan, and Manahath, and Ebal, Shepho, and Onam.

24 And these are the children of Zibeon; both Ajah, and Anah: this was that Anah that found the mules in the wilderness, as he fed the asses of Zibeon his father.

25 And the children of Anah were these; Dishon, and Aholibamah the daughter of Anah.

26 And these are the children of Dishon; Hemdan, and Eshban, and Ithran, and Cheran.

27 The children of Ezer are these; Bilhan, and Zaavan, and Akan.

28 The children of Dishan are these; Uz, and Aran.

29 These are the dukes that came of the Horites; duke Lotan, duke Shobal, duke Zibeon, duke Anah,

30 Duke Dishon, duke Ezer, duke Dishan: these are the dukes that came of Hori, among their dukes in the land of Seir.

In the midst of this genealogy of the Edomites here is inserted the genealogy of the Horites, those Canaanites, or Hittites (compare Gen 26:34), that were the natives of Mount Seir. Mention is made of them, Gen 14:6, and of their interest in Mount Seir, before the Edomites took possession of it, Deu 2:12, Deu 2:22. This comes in here, not only to give light to the story, but to be a standing reflection upon the Edomites for intermarrying with them, by which, it is probable, they learned their way, and corrupted themselves. Esau having sold his birthright, and lost his blessing, and entered into alliance with the Hittites, his posterity and the sons of Seir are here reckoned together. Note, Those that treacherously desert God's church are justly numbered with those that were never in it; apostate Edomites stand on the same ground with accursed Horites. Particular notice is taken of one Anah who fed the asses of Zibeon his father (Gen 36:24), and yet is called duke Anah, Gen 36:29. Note, Those that expect to rise high should begin low. An honourable descent should not keep men from an honest employment, nor a mean employment hinder any man's preferment. This Anah was not only industrious in his business, but ingenious too, and successful; for he found mules, or (as some read it) waters, hot-baths, in the wilderness. Those that are diligent in their business sometimes find more advantages than they expected.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 20–30. Public domain.

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JeromeAD 420

Hebrew Questions on Genesis

(Verse 22.) And the sons of Lotan were Hori and Homam, and Lotan's sister was Timna. This is Timna, of whom it was said above. And Timna was the concubine of Eliphaz, the firstborn son of Esau, and from her was born Amalek. Now it is worth noting that the Horites, because the firstborn sons of Esau took their concubines as wives. And as for the names that are mentioned, Teman and Kenaz and Amalek, and so on: we will learn later the regions of the Edomites from which these names were derived.

Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.

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