Genesis 36:25

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And the children {H1121} of Anah {H6034} were these; Dishon {H1787}, and Aholibamah {H173} the daughter {H1323} of Anah {H6034}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The children of 'Anah were Dishon and Oholivamah the daughter of 'Anah.

Berean Standard Bible

These are the children of Anah: Dishon and Oholibamah daughter of Anah.

American Standard Version

And these are the children of Anah: Dishon and Oholibamah the daughter of Anah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 36:25 meticulously records two of Anah's children, Dishon and Aholibamah, within the comprehensive genealogies of Esau's descendants, the Edomites. This seemingly brief verse carries significant weight by highlighting the strategic intermarriage between the incoming Edomites and the indigenous Horite people through Aholibamah, who became one of Esau's wives. This union was pivotal in establishing a crucial link that contributed to the ethnic and social formation of the Edomite nation, showcasing the intricate tapestry of early biblical history and the divine orchestration of nations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 36 serves as a detailed genealogical account of Esau, also known as Edom, and his descendants, the Edomites. Positioned after the narratives of Jacob's family and before the full account of Joseph in Egypt, this chapter provides a parallel lineage to that of Israel, demonstrating God's faithfulness in multiplying both lines of Abraham's descendants. The chapter meticulously lists Esau's wives, sons, and the chiefs of Edom, including those from the indigenous Horite population. Verse 25 specifically details Anah's children, building upon the preceding verses that introduce Anah as a Horite chief and mention his unique discovery in [Genesis 36:24](/genesis/36-24 "Genesis 36:24 - Anah's Discovery"). This verse is crucial for understanding the integration of the Horites into the emerging Edomite nation, particularly through the marriage of Aholibamah to Esau, which is mentioned earlier in [Genesis 36:2](/genesis/36-2 "Genesis 36:2 - Esau's Wives").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Edomites were descendants of Esau, who settled in the mountainous region of Seir, east of the Arabah valley. This area was originally inhabited by the Horites, a people mentioned in earlier biblical texts as early inhabitants of the region (e.g., [Deuteronomy 2:12](/deuteronomy/2-12 "Deuteronomy 2:12 - Horites Displaced")). The genealogies in Genesis 36, including the mention of Anah and his children, illustrate the process of intermarriage and assimilation between the Edomites and the Horites. Such unions were common in ancient Near Eastern societies, serving to consolidate power, secure alliances, and integrate populations. Anah, identified as a Horite chief, held significant standing, further emphasized by the intriguing detail of his discovery of "hot springs" or "water sources" (often translated as "mules" in KJV, but *yemim* is debated) in [Genesis 36:24](/genesis/36-24 "Genesis 36:24 - Anah's Discovery"), suggesting his importance in a semi-arid region.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, embedded within the Edomite genealogies, contributes to several overarching themes in Genesis. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **divine sovereignty and nation-building**, even for peoples outside the direct covenant line of Israel, showing God's meticulous hand in orchestrating human history and the formation of diverse nations. Secondly, it highlights the **purpose of biblical genealogies**, which are not mere lists but serve to establish identity, inheritance, and demonstrate the progression of God's plan through generations, underscoring His attention to detail in human affairs. The integration of Horites and Edomites through marriage, as exemplified by Aholibamah, also speaks to the theme of **intermarriage and cultural blending**, a recurring pattern in the ancient world and throughout the biblical narrative, showcasing the complex formation of national identities.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **children (Hebrew, _bên_ H1121):** Derived from the root meaning "to build," this word signifies a son, but in a much broader sense, encompassing descendants, offspring, and even those who build up a family name or lineage. In this context, it refers to the direct offspring of Anah, emphasizing their role in continuing his line and contributing to the broader genealogical structure of the Horites and, by extension, the Edomites.
* **Aholibamah (Hebrew, _ʼOhŏlîybâmâh_ H173):** This proper noun, meaning "tent of (the) height," identifies a specific individual of significant importance. As one of Anah's children and later a wife of Esau, her name encapsulates a connection to high places, possibly indicating her family's status or a geographical association. Her inclusion here is not merely for genealogical record but signifies a crucial point of intermarriage and the blending of Horite and Edomite lineages.
* **daughter (Hebrew, _bath_ H1323):** As the feminine form of _bên_, this word specifically denotes a female offspring. Its explicit use here for Aholibamah ("Aholibamah the daughter of Anah") highlights her gender, which is vital given her role in marrying Esau and bearing children who would become Edomite chiefs, thereby linking the Horite and Edomite lines through a female descendant.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the children of Anah [were] these;":** This introductory clause sets the stage for the enumeration of Anah's direct descendants. It signals the continuation of the genealogical list, focusing on the lineage of Anah, a prominent Horite chief mentioned in the preceding verse. The phrase "were these" indicates that the following names constitute the complete list of his children relevant to this specific genealogical record.
* **"Dishon,":** The first child listed is Dishon, a son of Anah. His inclusion here is consistent with other lists of Horite chiefs (e.g., [Genesis 36:21](/genesis/36-21 "Genesis 36:21 - Horite Chiefs")), reinforcing his status and importance within the Horite tribal structure. His presence contributes to the detailed mapping of the Horite lineage before their integration with the Edomites.
* **"and Aholibamah the daughter of Anah.":** This second listing introduces Aholibamah, explicitly identifying her as Anah's daughter. Her mention is particularly significant because, as previously noted in [Genesis 36:2](/genesis/36-2 "Genesis 36:2 - Esau's Wives"), she became one of Esau's wives. This clarifies the familial relationship that facilitated the intermarriage between the Horite and Edomite peoples, underscoring the strategic and social implications of these genealogical records.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in [Genesis 36:25](/genesis/36-25 "Genesis 36:25 - Anah's Children") is **Genealogy**, which is a pervasive feature of the book of Genesis. Genealogies serve not merely as historical records but as theological tools, establishing lineage, demonstrating the fulfillment of divine promises of multiplication, and tracing the progression of God's plan through generations. In this specific verse, the genealogical listing of Anah's children, particularly Aholibamah, also employs **Foreshadowing** and **Integration**. The explicit mention of Aholibamah as "the daughter of Anah" foreshadows her pivotal role in the intermarriage with Esau's line, a detail already revealed earlier in the chapter. This intermarriage illustrates the theme of **Integration** and assimilation of different peoples, showing how the Horites and Edomites merged to form the nation of Edom. The careful naming and identification of individuals within these lists emphasize the divine attention to detail in the unfolding of human history.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 36:25, while a seemingly minor detail in a long genealogical list, profoundly illustrates God's meticulous involvement in the formation and development of all nations, not just Israel. It reveals that even the lineages of those outside the direct covenant line are part of His grand design, demonstrating His universal sovereignty and His faithfulness to His promise of multiplying Abraham's descendants into many nations. The intermarriage between the Edomites and Horites, facilitated by figures like Aholibamah, showcases the complex, often messy, ways in which human history unfolds under divine providence, reminding us that God works through diverse human interactions and choices to bring about His purposes.

* [Genesis 10:32](/genesis/10-32 "Genesis 10:32 - Nations Divided by Language and Land")
* [Deuteronomy 2:12](/deuteronomy/2-12 "Deuteronomy 2:12 - Horites Displaced by Esau's Descendants")
* [Acts 17:26](/acts/17-26 "Acts 17:26 - God Determines the Times and Boundaries of Nations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly dry list of names in Genesis 36:25 offers a profound invitation to reflect on the intricate tapestry of human history and God's sovereign involvement in every detail. It reminds us that every individual, every family, and every lineage, no matter how seemingly insignificant, plays a part in God's overarching narrative. We are encouraged to consider our own family histories, recognizing the unique blend of influences and relationships that have shaped us. This verse underscores that God cares about the specifics of history and the lives of all people, not just those in the spotlight of the direct covenant line. It challenges us to see divine purpose even in the mundane or seemingly peripheral details of life, trusting that God is meticulously weaving together all things for His ultimate glory and the fulfillment of His grand redemptive plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the detailed nature of biblical genealogies, like the one in Genesis 36:25, challenge our modern tendency to focus only on "important" figures or events?**
* **In what ways can understanding the historical and cultural context of intermarriage and assimilation in ancient societies help us appreciate the complexities of identity formation today?**
* **How does the knowledge of God's sovereign hand in the formation of all nations, even those outside the direct covenant, impact our view of global history and current events?**

### FAQ
**Why are genealogies so important in the Bible, especially in books like Genesis?**

Answer: Genealogies in the Bible are far more than mere historical records; they serve several crucial theological and narrative purposes. They establish the historical accuracy and continuity of God's unfolding plan, meticulously tracing the lineage of key figures and nations, demonstrating that biblical history is rooted in real people and events. They confirm the faithful fulfillment of divine promises, such as God's pledge to multiply Abraham's descendants into many nations, as seen throughout [Genesis](/genesis "The Book of Genesis"). Genealogies also establish legal claims to inheritance, land, and covenant blessings, which were vital in ancient societies for identity and societal structure. Furthermore, and most significantly, they highlight the specific, divinely preserved lineage through which the Messiah would eventually come, demonstrating God's meticulous care and long-term planning in preparing for the ultimate fulfillment of His redemptive plan for humanity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous recording of genealogies, even for nations like Edom who were outside the direct covenant line leading to Israel, ultimately points to God's sovereign control over all of human history, culminating in the advent of Christ. Just as God orchestrated the formation of nations through diverse unions and lineages, He meticulously prepared the way for the Messiah through a specific, divinely preserved lineage. Christ's own genealogy in the Gospels, such as that found in [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-17 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") or [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23-38 "Luke 3:23-38 - The Genealogy of Jesus through Mary"), demonstrates God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises, showing how all historical threads, including those seemingly peripheral like the Edomite lineage, are woven into His grand tapestry of redemption. These genealogies confirm that Jesus was the promised Seed, the Son of David, and the Son of Abraham, fulfilling the ancient prophecies. Ultimately, all of history, every nation and every family, finds its true purpose and meaning in Christ, the universal King who reigns over all creation, as affirmed in passages like [Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16-17 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ, Creator and Sustainer of All Things"), where all things were created through Him and for Him, and in Him all things hold together.

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;

1 Chronicles 1:41

The sons of Anah; Dishon. And the sons of Dishon; Amram, and Eshban, and Ithran, and Cheran.

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.

Genesis 36:14

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.

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.