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](/genesis/36-25 "Read Genesis 36:25 KJV") meticulously lists two of Anah's children, Dishon and Aholibamah, within the extensive genealogies of Esau's descendants, the Edomites. This verse, though brief, highlights the integration of the indigenous Horite people with the incoming Edomites through Aholibamah, who became one of Esau's wives, thereby establishing a crucial link in the formation of the Edomite nation.

### CONTEXT
This verse is situated within [Genesis chapter 36](/chapter/bible_verses_kjv/genesis/36 "Explore Genesis Chapter 36 KJV"), a detailed record of Esau's lineage and the chiefs of Edom, serving to establish the identity of a nation that would become a significant neighbor and occasional adversary to Israel. These genealogies are not mere lists but demonstrate the fulfillment of God's promise of multiplication and the formation of nations, even extending to those outside the direct Abrahamic covenant line through Isaac and Jacob. Anah, identified here as a Horite chief, is a descendant of Seir, the original inhabitants of the land of Edom, and his unique discovery mentioned in [Genesis 36:24](/genesis/36-24 "Learn about Anah's discovery in Genesis 36:24") further contextualizes his prominence.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
[Genesis 36:25](/genesis/36-25 "Examine Genesis 36:25 KJV") states, "And the children of Anah [were] these; Dishon, and Aholibamah the daughter of Anah." This verse precisely identifies two key figures within the Horite lineage, connecting them to the broader Edomite genealogy. Anah, a grandson of Seir the Horite, is a significant figure in this chapter, known not only for his descendants but also for a notable event in [Genesis 36:24](/genesis/36-24 "Discover Anah's unique finding in Genesis 36:24"). The Hebrew word *yemim* (יֵמִים) in that verse, translated as "mules" in the KJV, is unique and debated, with some scholars suggesting it refers to "hot springs" or "water sources," implying Anah's discovery of a vital resource in the wilderness. This ambiguity adds a layer of intrigue to Anah's character and his role among the Horites.

The children listed here are:
* **Dishon:** Identified as Anah's son, he is also listed as a Horite chief in [Genesis 36:21](/genesis/36-21 "See Dishon listed among Horite chiefs in Genesis 36:21"), further solidifying his importance within the indigenous population. His inclusion here reinforces the detailed nature of these genealogical records.
* **Aholibamah:** Explicitly designated as "the daughter of Anah," her mention is particularly significant. She is one of [Esau's wives](/genesis/36-2 "Read about Esau's wives, including Aholibamah, in Genesis 36:2"), and through her, the Horite lineage intermarried with and integrated into the Edomite nation. This union highlights the blending of different peoples and cultures that contributed to the complex ethnic makeup of the Edomites, demonstrating a pattern of intermarriage seen throughout biblical history.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **Divine Sovereignty in Nation Building:** Even in the genealogies of nations outside the direct covenant line of Israel, such as Edom, God's meticulous hand in orchestrating human history and fulfilling His promise to Abraham (to be the father of many nations, [Genesis 17:4](/genesis/17-4 "Explore God's promise to Abraham in Genesis 17:4")) is evident.
* **The Purpose of Genealogies:** Biblical genealogies serve a crucial theological purpose, establishing identity, inheritance, and demonstrating the progression of God's plan through generations, underscoring His attention to detail in human affairs.
* **Integration and Identity:** The intermarriage between Esau's descendants and the Horites through figures like Aholibamah illustrates the complex formation of national identities and the blending of peoples, a recurring theme throughout biblical history.
* **God's Care for All Peoples:** The detailed record of Edom's lineage, a nation not directly in the covenant line, subtly underscores God's universal sovereignty and His concern for all humanity, not just His chosen people.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While a list of names might seem distant from modern life, [Genesis 36:25](/genesis/36-25 "Reflect on Genesis 36:25 KJV") reminds us that every individual and family plays a part in God's grand narrative. It encourages us to appreciate our own family histories and the intricate ways God weaves lives together across generations, demonstrating that even seemingly minor details in history are significant to His overarching plan. This verse underscores the truth that God cares about the specifics of history and the lives of all people, not just those in the spotlight.

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

Answer: Genealogies in the Bible serve several crucial purposes. They establish the historical accuracy and continuity of God's plan, tracing the lineage of key figures and nations. They confirm the fulfillment of divine promises, such as the multiplication of Abraham's descendants. They also establish legal claims to inheritance, land, and covenant blessings. Furthermore, they highlight the specific line through which the Messiah would eventually come, demonstrating God's meticulous care in preparing for the ultimate fulfillment of His redemptive plan.

### 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 (e.g., [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-17 "See the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1:1-17 KJV")) demonstrates God's 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, ultimately finding their purpose and fulfillment in the universal reign of the King of Kings.

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.