Genesis 36:3

KJV

And Bashemath Ishmael's daughter, sister of Nebajoth.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Bashemath {H1315} Ishmael's {H3458} daughter {H1323}, sister {H269} of Nebajoth {H5032}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and Basmat Yishma'el's daughter, sister of N'vayot.

Berean Standard Bible

and Basemath daughter of Ishmael and sister of Nebaioth.

American Standard Version

and Basemath Ishmael’s daughter, sister of Nebaioth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
[Genesis 36:3](/genesis/36-3 "Commentary on Genesis 36:3") precisely identifies [Bashemath](/genesis/36-3 "Bashemath, Esau's wife"), one of [Esau's wives](/genesis/36-2 "Esau's wives"), as the daughter of [Ishmael](/genesis/25-12 "Ishmael, son of Abraham") and sister of [Nebajoth](/genesis/25-13 "Nebajoth, Ishmael's firstborn son"). This verse is a crucial part of the detailed genealogical record of Esau's descendants, who would later become the nation of [Edom](/genesis/36-1 "The descendants of Esau, also known as Edom").

### CONTEXT
[Chapter 36 of Genesis](/chapter/bible_verses_kjv/genesis/36 "The generations of Esau") is entirely devoted to chronicling the family line of [Esau](/genesis/25-25 "Esau, Jacob's twin brother"), also known as [Edom](/genesis/36-1 "Esau's other name"), the elder twin brother of [Jacob](/genesis/25-26 "Jacob, son of Isaac"). This genealogical record meticulously lists his wives, sons, and the subsequent chiefs who emerged from his lineage. [Genesis 36:3](/genesis/36-3 "Bashemath's lineage") serves to specify [Bashemath's](/genesis/36-3 "Bashemath, daughter of Ishmael") identity, clearly distinguishing her from another woman named [Bashemath](/genesis/26-34 "Another Bashemath, a Hittite") mentioned earlier in [Genesis 26:34](/genesis/26-34 "Esau's Hittite wife"), who was of Hittite origin. By identifying this [Bashemath](/genesis/36-3 "Esau's wife Bashemath") as a direct descendant of [Abraham](/genesis/11-27 "Abraham, father of Ishmael and Isaac") through his son [Ishmael](/genesis/25-12 "Ishmael, son of Abraham"), the verse highlights the significant intermarriage and familial ties that existed between the lines of [Isaac](/genesis/21-3 "Isaac, son of Abraham") (through [Esau](/genesis/36-1 "Esau, progenitor of Edom")) and [Ishmael](/genesis/25-12 "Ishmael, progenitor of the Ishmaelites").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
[Genesis 36:3](/genesis/36-3 "Analysis of Genesis 36:3") states, "And [Bashemath Ishmael's daughter](/genesis/36-3 "Bashemath's identity"), sister of [Nebajoth](/genesis/36-3 "Nebajoth, Ishmael's son")." This verse provides a precise genealogical marker for one of [Esau's wives](/genesis/36-2 "Esau's wives"), ensuring clarity within the extensive family records of [Genesis 36](/chapter/bible_verses_kjv/genesis/36 "The generations of Esau"). The name *Bashemath* (Hebrew: בָּשְׂמַת, *Basemath*) means "fragrance" or "spice," a common and pleasant name. Her father, *Ishmael* (Hebrew: יִשְׁמָעֵאל, *Yishmael*), means "God hears," a name given in recognition of God's attentiveness to [Hagar's](/genesis/16-11 "Hagar, Ishmael's mother") distress, as recorded in [Genesis 16:11](/genesis/16-11 "The angel names Ishmael"). [Nebajoth](/genesis/25-13 "Nebajoth, Ishmael's firstborn"), identified here as [Bashemath's brother](/genesis/36-3 "Bashemath's brother"), was [Ishmael's firstborn son](/genesis/25-13 "Ishmael's sons listed") and a significant tribal ancestor among the [Ishmaelites](/genesis/25-16 "The twelve princes of Ishmael").

The detailed identification of [Bashemath](/genesis/36-3 "Bashemath, Ishmael's daughter") as the "daughter of [Ishmael](/genesis/25-12 "Ishmael, son of Abraham"), sister of [Nebajoth](/genesis/25-13 "Nebajoth, Ishmael's firstborn")" is crucial. It distinguishes her from another of [Esau's wives](/genesis/26-34 "Esau's Hittite wife") also named [Bashemath](/genesis/26-34 "Bashemath, daughter of Elon the Hittite"), who was a Hittite, as noted in [Genesis 26:34](/genesis/26-34 "Esau's marriage to a Hittite"). This distinction highlights the intermarriage between the descendants of [Abraham's](/genesis/11-27 "Abraham, father of nations") two sons, [Isaac](/genesis/21-3 "Isaac, father of Jacob and Esau") and [Ishmael](/genesis/25-12 "Ishmael, father of Bashemath"), thereby reinforcing the broader fulfillment of God's promise to [Abraham](/genesis/17-5 "God's covenant with Abraham") that he would be the father of many nations. [Esau's](/genesis/36-1 "Esau, progenitor of Edom") marriage to [Ishmael's daughter](/genesis/36-3 "Bashemath, Esau's wife") demonstrates the intertwined destinies of these early patriarchal families and sets the stage for future interactions between the [Edomites](/genesis/36-9 "The generations of Esau, father of the Edomites") (descendants of [Esau](/genesis/36-1 "Esau, father of Edom")) and the [Ishmaelites](/genesis/25-16 "The tribes of Ishmael").

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **Genealogy and Lineage:** The meticulous recording of [Bashemath's](/genesis/36-3 "Bashemath's lineage") lineage underscores the Bible's emphasis on precise genealogical records. These records were vital for establishing identity, inheritance rights, and tracing the fulfillment of God's promises, particularly regarding the multiplication of [Abraham's](/genesis/12-2 "God's promise to Abraham") descendants and the origins of various nations.
* **Intermarriage and Alliance:** [Esau's marriage](/genesis/36-3 "Esau marries Ishmael's daughter") to [Ishmael's daughter](/genesis/36-3 "Bashemath, daughter

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.