The Hebrew word ʼOhŏlîybâmâh, represented by H173, means "tent of (the) height." It appears 8 times across 7 unique verses in the Bible. This name is exclusively used to identify Aholibamah, a wife of Esau H6215, and the subsequent ducal clan named after her.
In the biblical narrative, Aholibamah H173 is introduced as one of the wives H802 whom Esau took H3947 from the daughters H1323 of Canaan H3667 Genesis 36:2. Her lineage is precisely documented as the daughter H1323 of Anah H6034, who is the daughter H1323 of Zibeon H6649 the Hivite H2340. Through her marriage to Esau, she bare H3205 three sons H1121: Jeush H3274, Jaalam H3281, and Korah H7141 (Genesis 36:5, Genesis 36:14). These sons would go on to become prominent leaders in the land of Edom, each listed as a duke H441 Genesis 36:18.
Several related words provide context for the lineage of Aholibamah H173:
- H6215 ʻÊsâv (Esau): As her husband, he is the patriarch whose posterity includes the dukes born to Aholibamah Genesis 36:2.
- H6034 ʻĂnâh (Anah): Identified as her father, this name connects her to a specific Edomite family line Genesis 36:25.
- H802 ʼishshâh (wife): This term defines her primary role in the genealogies, through which the lineage of Esau is continued Genesis 36:14.
- H441 ʼallûwph (duke): This title of "chieftain" is bestowed upon her three sons and, later, is associated with her own name, signifying the founding of a ruling clan (Genesis 36:18, Genesis 36:41).
The genealogical significance of H173 is tied to the establishment of the nation of Edom.
- Mother of Edomite Dukes: Aholibamah's primary importance is her role as the mother of three of Esau's sons H1121 who became foundational dukes H441, or chieftains, of Edom Genesis 36:18.
- Canaanite Alliance: Her origin as a Hivite H2340 documents Esau's practice of taking wives H802 from the inhabitants of Canaan H3667, a fact meticulously recorded in his genealogy Genesis 36:2.
- Legacy as a Chieftaincy: The name is immortalized not only as a person but as a ducal house. The list of chieftains includes "Duke Aholibamah" H173, suggesting her name became the title for a clan or territory she founded (Genesis 36:41; 1 Chronicles 1:52).
In summary, H173 ʼOhŏlîybâmâh is more than just a name; it represents a key matriarch in the formation of the Edomite nation. As a wife H802 of Esau H6215, she gave birth to sons who became powerful dukes H441. Her story solidifies a critical link in the genealogies of Genesis, and her legacy endured as the name of an entire clan, cementing her importance among the descendants of Esau.
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