### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]]).
### Theological Significance
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]]).
### Summary
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.
TRV