This is the account of the descendants of Esau (also known as Edom).
Parallel translations
- WEB Now this is the history of the generations of Esau (that is, Edom).
- KJV Now these are the generations of Esau, who is Edom.
- BSB This is the account of Esau (that is, Edom).
- NKJV Now this is the genealogy of Esau, who is Edom.
- NASB Now these are the records of the generations of Esau (that is, Edom).
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
The chapter introduces the genealogy of Esau, also called Edom.
Overview
This heading begins the account of Esau's descendants, the Edomites, fulfilling God's word that nations would come from Isaac's sons. Though not the covenant line, Esau's line is recorded to show God's faithfulness even to those outside the chosen seed. The chapter sets Esau's history apart before the narrative returns to Jacob and the line of promise.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 9
- Gen 22:17that I will bless you greatly, and I will multiply your offspring greatly like the stars of the heavens, and like the sand which is on the seashore. Your offspring will possess the gate of his enemies.
- 1 Chr 1:35The sons of Esau: Eliphaz, Reuel, Jeush, Jalam, and Korah.
- Num 20:14–21Moses sent messengers from Kadesh to the king of Edom, saying: “Thus says your brother Israel: You know all the travail that has happened to us;
- Isa 63:1Who is this who comes from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? Who this who is glorious in his clothing, marching in the greatness of his strength? “It is I who speak in righteousness, mighty to save.”
- Gen 25:24–34When her days to be delivered were fulfilled, behold, there were twins in her womb.
- Deut 23:7You shall not abhor an Edomite; for he is your brother. You shall not abhor an Egyptian, because you lived as a foreigner in his land.
- Gen 32:3–7Jacob sent messengers in front of him to Esau, his brother, to the land of Seir, the field of Edom.
- Gen 27:35–41He said, “Your brother came with deceit, and has taken away your blessing.”
- Ezek 25:12Thus says the Lord Yahweh: Because Edom has dealt against the house of Judah by taking vengeance, and has greatly offended, and revenged himself on them;
Themes, concepts, people & topics
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Christ at the center
From the first promise that the seed of the woman would crush the serpent (3:15), through Abraham's blessing to all nations and Judah's coming ruler, Genesis sows every seed that flowers in Christ — the true offspring, the better Adam, the ram caught for Isaac.
How Genesis 36:1 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
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