What number verse is Genesis 36:39 in the Bible?

Genesis 36:39 is the 1,080th verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — Genesis 36:39 sits at position 1,080.

Translation

King James Version

And Baalhanan the son of Achbor died, and Hadar reigned in his stead: and the name of his city was Pau; and his wife's name was Mehetabel, the daughter of Matred, the daughter of Mezahab.

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KJV (with Strong's)

And Baalhanan ^H1177 the son ^H1121 of Achbor ^H5907 died ^H4191, and Hadar ^H1924 reigned ^H4427 in his stead: and the name ^H8034 of his city ^H5892 was Pau ^H6464; and his wife's ^H802 name ^H8034 was Mehetabel ^H4105, the daughter ^H1323 of Matred ^H4308, the daughter ^H1323 of Mezahab ^H4314.

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Complete Jewish Bible

When Ba'al-Chanan died, Hadar reigned in his place; the name of his city was Pa'u; and his wife's name was M'heitav'el the daughter of Matred the daughter of Mei-Zahav.

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Berean Standard Bible

When Baal-hanan son of Achbor died, Hadad reigned in his place. His city was named Pau, and his wife’s name was Mehetabel daughter of Matred, the daughter of Me-zahab.

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American Standard Version

And Baal-hanan the son of Achbor died, and Hadar reigned in his stead: and the name of his city was Pau; and his wife’s name was Mehetabel, the daughter of Matred, the daughter of Me-zahab.

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World English Bible Messianic

Baal Hanan the son of Achbor died, and Hadar reigned in his place. The name of his city was Pau. His wife’s name was Mehetabel, the daughter of Matred, the daughter of Mezahab.

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Geneva Bible (1599)

And after the death of Baal-hanan the sonne of Achbor, Hadad reigned in his stead, and the name of his citie was Pau: and his wiues name Mehetabel the daughter of Matred, the daughter of Mezahab.

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Young's Literal Translation

and Baal-hanan son of Achbor dieth, and reign in his stead doth Hadar, and the name of his city is Pau; and his wife's name is Mehetabel daughter of Matred, daughter of Me-zahab.

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Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Genesis 36:39 concludes a significant section detailing the lineage and kings of Esau, also known as Edom. This specific verse records the death of Baalhanan, the son of Achbor, and the subsequent ascension of Hadar to the throne, providing additional identifying information about Hadar's capital city, Pau, and the detailed ancestry of his wife, Mehetabel. As part of a comprehensive genealogical record, this verse underscores the historical precision of the biblical narrative and highlights God's faithfulness in establishing Esau's descendants as a distinct nation, fulfilling divine promises even outside the direct covenant line of Israel.

CONTEXT

Literary Context: Genesis chapter 36 is entirely dedicated to chronicling the extensive genealogy of Esau and his descendants, including his wives, sons, grandsons, and the chiefs and kings who reigned in the land of Edom. This chapter serves as a crucial interlude between the narratives of Jacob's (Israel's) family and the subsequent detailed account of Joseph's life, which begins in Genesis 37. Verse 39 marks the culmination of a specific list of eight successive Edomite kings who reigned "before there reigned any king over the children of Israel" (Genesis 36:31), emphasizing the established nature of the Edomite kingdom and its distinct historical trajectory within the broader biblical narrative of nations. The meticulous record here sets the stage for future interactions between Israel and Edom.
Historical & Cultural Context: The Edomites, descendants of Esau, settled in the mountainous region of Seir, located southeast of the Dead Sea. This chapter provides a unique glimpse into the early political organization of a neighboring nation, revealing that a monarchy was established in Edom much earlier than in Israel. In the ancient Near East, genealogical records were of paramount importance, serving to establish identity, validate claims to land and inheritance, and define relationships between peoples. The inclusion of specific details like the king's city and his wife's lineage was common practice in royal annals, underscoring the authenticity and historical grounding of these biblical accounts. The names themselves, such as Baalhanan, also reflect the cultural and religious landscape of the region, where theophoric names (names incorporating a divine element) were prevalent, sometimes indicating local deity worship.
Key Themes: This verse, within the broader context of Genesis 36, contributes to several significant themes. Firstly, it illustrates the Fulfillment of Divine Promise, as God had declared to Rebekah that "two nations are in your womb" (Genesis 25:23) and had promised Abraham that he would be the "father of many nations" (Genesis 17:6), a promise that extended to his descendants, including Esau. Secondly, it highlights God's Sovereignty Over All Nations, demonstrating that His providential hand extends beyond His covenant people, Israel, to orchestrate the rise and fall of all kingdoms according to His divine purpose. Thirdly, the chapter emphasizes the Distinction of Lineages, clearly separating the descendants of Esau from those of Jacob, which would become crucial for understanding the unique identity and covenant relationship of Israel. Finally, the establishment of Edom as a nation here provides the Foundation for Future Interactions, setting the stage for the often complex and adversarial relationship between Israel and Edom in later biblical history, such as during the Exodus (Numbers 20:14-21) and in prophetic literature.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Genesis 36:39 states: "And Baalhanan the son of Achbor died, and Hadar reigned in his stead: and the name of his city [was] Pau; and his wife's name [was] Mehetabel, the daughter of Matred, the daughter of Mezahab." This verse meticulously records the transfer of power within the Edomite monarchy, highlighting both the transient nature of earthly rule and the continuity of the Edomite nation.

Key Word Analysis

Baalhanan (Hebrew, Baʻal_ _Chânân', H1177): Derived from "Baal" (a prominent Canaanite deity) and "hanan" (grace), this name means "possessor of grace" or "Baal has been gracious." Its presence as an Edomite king's name indicates the pervasive influence of pagan worship, specifically of Baal, in the region. This stands in stark contrast to the emerging monotheistic worship of Yahweh that would characterize the descendants of Jacob.
died (Hebrew, mûwth', H4191): This primitive root signifies "to die" literally or figuratively, or causatively "to kill." In the context of this verse, it marks the end of Baalhanan's reign and life, emphasizing the mortality of even powerful rulers. The recurring mention of kings dying and being succeeded throughout Genesis 36 underscores the transient nature of human authority and the cyclical pattern of dynastic succession.
Mehetabel (Hebrew, Mᵉhêyṭabʼêl', H4105): This name is formed from an augmented form of "yatab" (to be good, bettered) and "El" (God), meaning "God benefits" or "God makes good." The inclusion of "El" is significant, as it is a general Semitic term for God, but also the name used for the God of Abraham. Its presence in an Edomite name could suggest a lingering awareness of the broader Abrahamic tradition or simply a common linguistic convention incorporating divine elements, without necessarily implying exclusive worship of Yahweh.

Verse Breakdown

"And Baalhanan the son of Achbor died": This clause marks the end of the seventh Edomite king's reign. The inclusion of his father's name, Achbor, provides specific genealogical identification, a common practice in ancient records to distinguish individuals, especially those bearing common names. The direct statement of his death emphasizes the finite nature of human life and rule.
"and Hadar reigned in his stead": This signifies the immediate succession of power, with Hadar becoming the eighth and final king listed in this specific sequence of Edomite monarchs. The phrase "in his stead" highlights the continuity of the Edomite kingdom and its established system of governance, even as individual rulers change.
"and the name of his city [was] Pau": This provides a crucial geographical detail, identifying Hadar's capital or primary residence. The mention of a specific city underscores the settled and organized nature of the Edomite kingdom, indicating a fixed center of power. While the exact location of Pau is debated by scholars, it was certainly within the Edomite territory.
"and his wife's name [was] Mehetabel, the daughter of Matred, the daughter of Mezahab": This final clause offers a remarkably detailed lineage for Hadar's wife. Providing the wife's name and her paternal and maternal grandpaternal lineage (through her mother's father) adds a layer of historical precision. Such detail was important for establishing alliances, validating social standing, and tracing familial connections in ancient societies, even for those outside the direct covenant line of Israel.

Literary Devices

Genesis 36:39, typical of the chapter, primarily employs Genealogy as its overarching literary device. This meticulous listing of names, relationships, and successions serves to establish the historical context and demonstrate the fulfillment of divine promises regarding the multiplication of Esau's descendants. Within this genealogical framework, the verse utilizes a Succession Motif, repeating the pattern of a king dying and another reigning in his stead. This reiteration emphasizes the cyclical nature of earthly power and the continuity of the Edomite monarchy. Furthermore, the verse exhibits Precision and Detailing, providing specific names for individuals, their fathers, and even the full lineage of a queen, along with the name of a city. This commitment to granular detail underscores the biblical text's claim to historical accuracy and its careful documentation of various lineages, even those seemingly peripheral to the main narrative of Israel.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

While seemingly a simple historical record, Genesis 36:39 holds significant theological weight. It serves as a testament to God's unwavering faithfulness, demonstrating how His promises, even those made to Esau regarding the formation of a great nation, were meticulously fulfilled. The detailed account of the Edomite monarchy, even before Israel had its own kings, subtly highlights God's comprehensive sovereignty, revealing that His divine providence extends over all nations and their rulers, not just His chosen people. This meticulous documentation also provides a crucial historical backdrop, setting the stage for future interactions between Israel and Edom, and affirming the Bible's commitment to presenting a full and accurate account of redemptive history within its broader global context.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Genesis 36:39, though a verse steeped in ancient genealogy, offers profound insights for contemporary reflection. It reminds us that God's intricate plan encompasses all of history and all nations, even those seemingly distant from the direct covenant line. The rise and fall of kings, the establishment of cities, and the meticulous recording of lineages, even for a nation like Edom, occur under His sovereign hand. This truth should instill in us a deep and abiding trust in God's overarching providence, knowing that He is meticulously working out His purposes even in the seemingly mundane details of history. His promises, once given, are always fulfilled, and His control extends to every corner of creation and every human endeavor. This understanding encourages us to view current world events not as chaotic or random, but as unfolding within the framework of His eternal, sovereign plan.

Questions for Reflection

How does the meticulous detail of Genesis 36:39, even concerning a seemingly minor historical figure, deepen your appreciation for the Bible's historical accuracy and God's attention to detail?
What does the fulfillment of God's promise to Esau (to become a nation) teach you about the certainty of God's promises in your own life?
Considering God's sovereignty over the Edomite kings, how does this verse encourage you to trust God's control over current global leaders and events?

FAQ

Why are detailed genealogies like Genesis 36 important in the Bible?

Answer: Detailed genealogies are crucial for several reasons: they establish historical accuracy and continuity, demonstrating the precise lineage of individuals and nations; they illustrate the fulfillment of divine promises, such as the multiplication of descendants as seen in Genesis 17:6; they serve to distinguish between different lineages, particularly between the covenant line of Israel and other nations; and they provide a vital historical framework for understanding the relationships between peoples and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan throughout history.

What is the significance of "Baalhanan" as an Edomite king's name?

Answer: The name "Baalhanan," meaning "Baal is gracious," is highly significant as it indicates the pervasive presence and influence of pagan worship, specifically of the Canaanite deity Baal, among the Edomites. This highlights the religious landscape of the ancient Near East and stands in stark contrast to the monotheistic worship of Yahweh that God intended for His covenant people, Israel. It underscores the spiritual challenges and distinctions present in the broader regional context.

Does Genesis 36:39 suggest that God's focus was not solely on Israel?

Answer: While God's primary redemptive focus and covenant relationship were indeed with the lineage of Abraham through Jacob (Israel), Genesis 36:39 and the entire chapter demonstrate God's sovereign oversight of all nations. It shows that God was active in the affairs of other peoples, fulfilling His promises even to Esau, and establishing the historical context for Israel's future interactions with its neighbors. This illustrates God's universal dominion and His meticulous orchestration of history, even for those outside the direct covenant line, proving that His plan encompasses all of humanity and all kingdoms.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Even the seemingly peripheral genealogies of nations like Edom, as meticulously recorded in Genesis 36:39, contribute significantly to the overarching narrative that culminates in Christ. By documenting the rise and fall of earthly kingdoms and the precise fulfillment of God's promises to all descendants, the Bible establishes the comprehensive scope of God's sovereignty over history. This divine control over all nations and their rulers ultimately serves to prepare the way for the eternal, unshakeable kingdom of the Messiah. The transient nature of Edomite kingship, where one ruler "died" and another "reigned in his stead," stands in stark contrast to the ultimate and everlasting reign of Jesus Christ. He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, to whom "all authority in heaven and on earth has been given" (Matthew 28:18). Unlike the temporary monarchs of Edom, Christ's kingdom "shall never be destroyed" (Daniel 2:44), fulfilling all divine purposes and promises, and establishing a reign that will have no end (Revelation 11:15).

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Commentary on Genesis 36 verses 31–43

31 ¶ And these are the kings that reigned in the land of Edom, before there reigned any king over the children of Israel.

32 And Bela the son of Beor reigned in Edom: and the name of his city was Dinhabah.

33 And Bela died, and Jobab the son of Zerah of Bozrah reigned in his stead.

34 And Jobab died, and Husham of the land of Temani reigned in his stead.

35 And Husham died, and Hadad the son of Bedad, who smote Midian in the field of Moab, reigned in his stead: and the name of his city was Avith.

36 And Hadad died, and Samlah of Masrekah reigned in his stead.

37 And Samlah died, and Saul of Rehoboth by the river reigned in his stead.

38 And Saul died, and Baalhanan the son of Achbor reigned in his stead.

39 And Baalhanan the son of Achbor died, and Hadar reigned in his stead: and the name of his city was Pau; and his wife's name was Mehetabel, the daughter of Matred, the daughter of Mezahab.

40 And these are the names of the dukes that came of Esau, according to their families, after their places, by their names; duke Timnah, duke Alvah, duke Jetheth,

41 Duke Aholibamah, duke Elah, duke Pinon,

42 Duke Kenaz, duke Teman, duke Mibzar,

43 Duke Magdiel, duke Iram: these be the dukes of Edom, according to their habitations in the land of their possession: he is Esau the father of the Edomites.

By degrees, it seems, the Edomites wormed out the Horites, obtained full possession of the country, and had a government of their own. 1. They were ruled by kings, who governed the whole country, and seem to have come to the throne by election, and not by lineal descent; so bishop Patrick observes. These kings reigned in Edom before there reigned any king over the children of Israel, that is, before Moses's time, for he was king in Jeshurun, Gen 36:3. God had lately promised Jacob that kings should come out of his loins (Gen 35:11), yet Esau's blood becomes royal long before any of Jacob's did. Note, In external prosperity and honour, the children of the covenant are often cast behind, and those that are out of covenant get the start. The triumphing of the wicked may be quick, but it is short; soon ripe, and as soon rotten: but the products of the promise, though they are slow, are sure and lasting; at the end it shall speak, and not lie. We may suppose it was a great trial to the faith of God's Israel to hear of the pomp and power of the kings of Edom, while they were bond-slaves in Egypt; but those that look for great things from God must be content to wait for them; God's time is the best time. 2. They were afterwards governed by dukes, again here named, who, I suppose, ruled all at the same time in several places in the country. Either they set up this form of government in conformity to the Horites, who had used it (Gen 36:29), or God's providence reduced them to it, as some conjecture, to correct them for their unkindness to Israel, in refusing them a passage though their country, Num 20:18. Note, When power is abused, it is just with God to weaken it, by turning it into divers channels. For the transgression of a land, many are the princes thereof. Sin brought Edom from kings to dukes, from crowns to coronets. We read of the dukes of Edom (Exo 15:15), yet, long afterwards, of their kings again. 3. Mount Seir is called the land of their possession, Gen 36:43. While the Israelites dwelt in the house of bondage, and their Canaan was only the land of promise, the Edomites dwelt in their own habitations, and Seir was in their possession. Note, The children of this world have their all in hand, and nothing in hope (Luk 16:25); while the children of God have their all in hope, and next to nothing in hand. But, all things considered, it is better to have Canaan in promise than mount Seir in possession.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 31–43. Public domain.

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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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