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 precisely identifies Bashemath, one of Esau's wives, as the daughter of Ishmael and sister of Nebajoth. This verse is a crucial component of the detailed genealogical record of Esau's descendants, who would later become the nation of Edom, meticulously chronicling the familial ties and origins of this significant people group in the ancient Near East.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 36 serves as a comprehensive genealogical interlude, specifically dedicated to the lineage of Esau, also known as Edom. This chapter meticulously lists his wives, sons, and the subsequent tribal chiefs who emerged from his extensive family line. Positioned after the narratives focusing on Jacob's family and before the detailed account of Joseph, it provides a crucial counterpoint, fulfilling God's promise of multiplication to Abraham through both Isaac and Ishmael. Genesis 36:3, in particular, functions as a precise identifier within this complex genealogy, distinguishing Bashemath from another wife of Esau who bore the same name but had a different lineage, as mentioned in [Genesis 26:34](/genesis/26-34 "Esau's marriage to Judith and Bashemath"). This careful distinction underscores the meticulous nature of biblical genealogies.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ancient Near East placed immense importance on genealogical records, which served not only to establish identity and inheritance rights but also to define tribal and national boundaries. Marriages, especially those between prominent families or tribes, were often strategic, solidifying alliances or extending influence. Esau's marriage to Bashemath, an Ishmaelite, reflects the close, albeit sometimes complex, relationships between the descendants of Abraham's two sons, Isaac and Ishmael. The Ishmaelites were a significant nomadic people group, and their intermarriage with Esau's line (who would become the Edomites) illustrates the fluidity of tribal interactions and the formation of broader ethnic identities in the region before the establishment of distinct nations like Israel and Edom.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes within Genesis and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it reinforces the theme of **God's Covenant Faithfulness**, demonstrating how God's promise to Abraham to make him the father of many nations ([Genesis 17:4-6](/genesis/17-4-6 "God's covenant with Abraham to make him father of many nations")) is fulfilled not only through Isaac but also through Ishmael, whose descendants are now intermarrying with Isaac's line through Esau. Secondly, the detailed genealogy highlights the theme of **Distinction and Separation**, as the narrative meticulously traces the divergent paths of Jacob's (Israel's) and Esau's (Edom's) descendants, even while acknowledging their shared patriarchal roots. Finally, it subtly introduces the theme of **Interconnectedness of Peoples**, showing how early patriarchal families were intertwined, setting the stage for future interactions—both cooperative and conflictual—between the emerging nations of Israel, Edom, and the Ishmaelites, as seen in later biblical history (e.g., [Numbers 20:14-21](/numbers/20-14-21 "Edom refuses passage to Israel")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bashemath (Hebrew, _Bosmath'_):** This name, derived from a root meaning "fragrance" or "spice," is significant as it is shared by two of Esau's wives in Genesis (the other being a Hittite, mentioned in [Genesis 26:34](/genesis/26-34 "Esau's Hittite wife Bashemath")). The meticulous identification in Genesis 36:3 ("Ishmael's daughter, sister of Nebajoth") is crucial for distinguishing her lineage and ensuring clarity in the genealogical record.
* **daughter (Hebrew, _bath'_):** This term broadly denotes a female offspring and is used here in its most direct sense to establish Bashemath's direct paternal lineage. In biblical genealogies, the precise identification of parentage, especially of the mother's side if she is from a different lineage, is vital for tracing tribal connections and understanding inter-family relationships.
* **Ishmael (Hebrew, _Yishmâʻêʼl'_):** Meaning "God will hear," this name was given to Abraham's first son, born to Hagar, in recognition of God's attentiveness to Hagar's distress ([Genesis 16:11](/genesis/16-11 "The angel names Ishmael")). His inclusion here as Bashemath's father underscores the continued importance of Ishmael's descendants in the broader Abrahamic narrative, fulfilling God's promise to bless him and make him a great nation ([Genesis 17:20](/genesis/17-20 "God's blessing on Ishmael")).
* **Nebajoth (Hebrew, _Nᵉbâyôwth'_):** Meaning "fruitfulnesses," Nebajoth was Ishmael's firstborn son ([Genesis 25:13](/genesis/25-13 "Ishmael's sons")). Identifying Bashemath as his sister further solidifies her position within the Ishmaelite tribal structure, highlighting her noble lineage as the daughter of the patriarch Ishmael and the sister of his eldest son, who would become a significant tribal ancestor.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Bashemath Ishmael's daughter":** This clause precisely identifies one of Esau's wives by her paternal lineage. The name "Bashemath" itself means "fragrance," but its significance here lies in the accompanying genealogical marker. By stating she is "Ishmael's daughter," the text immediately places her within the broader Abrahamic family tree, specifically linking Esau's line to that of his uncle Ishmael, Abraham's firstborn son. This connection highlights the intermarriage between branches of Abraham's descendants and sets the stage for understanding the relationships between future nations.
* **"sister of Nebajoth":** This additional identifier further clarifies Bashemath's identity and status. Nebajoth was Ishmael's firstborn son, making him a prominent figure among the Ishmaelites and a future tribal head. By explicitly stating Bashemath's relationship to Nebajoth, the text emphasizes her high standing within the Ishmaelite family and reinforces the legitimacy and significance of her marriage to Esau. This detail also serves to distinguish her definitively from another of Esau's wives, also named Bashemath, who was a Hittite ([Genesis 26:34](/genesis/26-34 "Esau's Hittite wife Bashemath, daughter of Elon")).

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Genesis 36:3, and indeed throughout the entire chapter, is **Genealogy**. This meticulous listing of names and relationships serves not merely as a record but as a foundational element of biblical narrative, establishing identity, lineage, and the fulfillment of divine promises. The precise identification of Bashemath through both her father and brother (her father, Ishmael, and her brother, Nebajoth) is a form of **Redundancy** or **Emphasis**, ensuring there is no confusion with other individuals, particularly the other Bashemath mentioned earlier. This detailed specification underscores the importance of accurate lineage in the ancient world and within the biblical narrative, where the tracing of family lines is crucial for understanding the unfolding of God's covenant plan. The verse also employs **Nominalism**, where names themselves carry meaning (e.g., Ishmael meaning "God hears"), subtly enriching the narrative with theological undertones.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 36:3, though a brief genealogical note, carries significant theological weight by underscoring God's meticulous attention to the unfolding of human history and the fulfillment of His promises through diverse lineages. The intermarriage between Esau's descendants and Ishmael's line demonstrates the expansive nature of God's blessing upon Abraham, extending beyond the direct line of Isaac to encompass Ishmael's numerous progeny as well. This verse reminds us that even seemingly minor details in biblical genealogies contribute to the grand tapestry of God's sovereign plan, revealing how He orchestrates relationships and the rise of nations to achieve His redemptive purposes. It highlights the divine hand in shaping the destinies of peoples, even those not chosen for the direct covenant line of Israel.

* [Genesis 17:20](/genesis/17-20 "God's Promise to Bless Ishmael")
* [Genesis 25:12-16](/genesis/25-12-16 "The Generations of Ishmael")
* [Numbers 1:18](/numbers/1-18 "Importance of Genealogies in Israel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This seemingly dry genealogical detail in Genesis 36:3 offers profound insights for contemporary reflection. It reminds us that every individual, regardless of their prominence in the grand narrative, plays a part in God's unfolding story. Bashemath, a woman whose primary identity is defined by her relationships to prominent men, nevertheless contributes to the lineage of a nation. This teaches us that our identity is often shaped by our connections—to family, community, and ultimately, to God. It encourages us to appreciate the intricate tapestry of human relationships and how God uses them, even unexpected ones like the intermarriage between Esau and Ishmael's lines, to advance His purposes. For us, this means recognizing that our own lives, seemingly small or insignificant, are woven into God's larger design, and our relationships, whether chosen or inherited, have a divine purpose. We are called to live faithfully within our given contexts, knowing that our lives contribute to a story far greater than ourselves.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Bible's emphasis on detailed genealogies, like that of Bashemath, challenge our modern tendency to focus solely on individual achievement rather than generational legacy?**
* **In what ways do our family relationships, both chosen and inherited, shape our identity and influence our path, much like Bashemath's lineage defined her role in the biblical narrative?**
* **How does the intermarriage between Esau's and Ishmael's lines encourage us to consider God's broader work among all peoples, not just those within our immediate spiritual or ethnic community?**

### FAQ
**Why is it important for the Bible to specify Bashemath's lineage so precisely?**

Answer: The precise identification of Bashemath as "Ishmael's daughter, sister of Nebajoth" in Genesis 36:3 is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it distinguishes her from another of Esau's wives, also named Bashemath, who was a Hittite ([Genesis 26:34](/genesis/26-34 "Esau's Hittite wife")). This avoids confusion in the genealogical record. Secondly, it highlights the significant intermarriage between the descendants of Abraham's two sons, Isaac (through Esau) and Ishmael. This demonstrates the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that he would be the father of many nations ([Genesis 17:4-6](/genesis/17-4-6 "God's covenant with Abraham")). Such detailed genealogies were vital in ancient cultures for establishing identity, inheritance rights, and tribal alliances, providing a clear historical foundation for the emerging nations of Edom and the Ishmaelites.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Genesis 36:3 appears to be a simple genealogical entry for one of Esau's wives, its significance deepens when viewed through the lens of Christ-centered fulfillment. The meticulous tracing of lineages throughout Genesis, including those outside the direct line of promise, ultimately serves to highlight God's sovereign control over history and His faithfulness to His redemptive plan, which culminates in Jesus Christ. Bashemath's connection to Ishmael, a son of Abraham, reminds us that God's blessing was not limited to Isaac's line alone, but extended to bring forth "twelve princes" from Ishmael ([Genesis 17:20](/genesis/17-20 "God's blessing on Ishmael and his descendants")). More profoundly, the very existence of these detailed genealogies underscores the providential care God exercised to preserve the specific lineage through which the Messiah would eventually come. From Abraham to David, and ultimately to Jesus, the New Testament explicitly traces this line, emphasizing that Christ's arrival was not accidental but the fulfillment of ancient promises and a carefully orchestrated divine plan ([Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1-17 "The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23-38 "The Genealogy of Jesus")). Thus, even a seemingly minor detail like Bashemath's identity contributes to the grand narrative of salvation history, pointing to the God who faithfully works through all generations to bring about the ultimate redemption found in the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God").

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 28:9

Then went Esau unto Ishmael, and took unto the wives which he had Mahalath the daughter of Ishmael Abraham's son, the sister of Nebajoth, to be his wife.

Genesis 25:13

And these [are] the names of the sons of Ishmael, by their names, according to their generations: the firstborn of Ishmael, Nebajoth; and Kedar, and Adbeel, and Mibsam,