Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version These were the chiefs among Esau’s descendants: The sons of Eliphaz the firstborn of Esau: Chiefs Teman, Omar, Zepho, Kenaz, New Living Translation These are the descendants of Esau who became the leaders of various clans: The descendants of Esau’s oldest son, Eliphaz, became the leaders of the clans of Teman, Omar, Zepho, Kenaz, English Standard Version These are the chiefs of the sons of Esau. The sons of Eliphaz the firstborn of Esau: the chiefs Teman, Omar, Zepho, Kenaz, Berean Standard Bible These are the chiefs among the sons of Esau. The sons of Eliphaz the firstborn of Esau: Chiefs Teman, Omar, Zepho, Kenaz, King James Bible These were dukes of the sons of Esau: the sons of Eliphaz the firstborn son of Esau; duke Teman, duke Omar, duke Zepho, duke Kenaz, New King James Version These were the chiefs of the sons of Esau. The sons of Eliphaz, the firstborn son of Esau, were Chief Teman, Chief Omar, Chief Zepho, Chief Kenaz, New American Standard Bible These are the chiefs of the sons of Esau. The sons of Eliphaz, the firstborn of Esau, are chief Teman, chief Omar, chief Zepho, chief Kenaz, NASB 1995 These are the chiefs of the sons of Esau. The sons of Eliphaz, the firstborn of Esau, are chief Teman, chief Omar, chief Zepho, chief Kenaz, NASB 1977 These are the chiefs of the sons of Esau. The sons of Eliphaz, the first-born of Esau, are chief Teman, chief Omar, chief Zepho, chief Kenaz, Legacy Standard Bible These are the chiefs of the sons of Esau. The sons of Eliphaz, the firstborn of Esau, are chief Teman, chief Omar, chief Zepho, chief Kenaz, Amplified Bible These are the tribal chiefs of the sons of Esau: The sons of Eliphaz, the firstborn of Esau: Chiefs Teman, Omar, Zepho, Kenaz, Christian Standard Bible These are the chiefs among Esau’s sons: the sons of Eliphaz, Esau’s firstborn: chief Teman, chief Omar, chief Zepho, chief Kenaz, Holman Christian Standard Bible These are the chiefs of Esau’s sons: the sons of Eliphaz, Esau’s firstborn: Chiefs Teman, Omar, Zepho, Kenaz, American Standard Version These are the chiefs of the sons of Esau: the sons of Eliphaz the first-born of Esau: chief Teman, chief Omar, chief Zepho, chief Kenaz, Contemporary English Version Esau and Adah's oldest son was Eliphaz, and the clans that descended from him were Teman, Omar, Zepho, Kenaz, English Revised Version These are the dukes of the sons of Esau: the sons of Eliphaz the firstborn of Esau; duke Teman, duke Omar, duke Zepho, duke Kenaz, GOD'S WORD® Translation These were the tribal leaders among Esau's descendants: The sons of Eliphaz, Esau's firstborn, were Teman, Omar, Zepho, Kenaz, Good News Translation These are the tribes descended from Esau. Esau's first son Eliphaz was the ancestor of the following tribes: Teman, Omar, Zepho, Kenaz, International Standard Version These were the tribal leaders of Esau's descendants; that is, the children of Eliphaz, who was Esau's firstborn: tribal leaders Teman, Omar, Zepho, Kenaz, NET Bible These were the chiefs among the descendants of Esau, the sons of Eliphaz, Esau's firstborn: chief Teman, chief Omar, chief Zepho, chief Kenaz, New Heart English Bible These are the chiefs of the sons of Esau: the sons of Eliphaz the firstborn of Esau: chief Teman, chief Omar, chief Zepho, chief Kenaz, Webster's Bible Translation These were dukes of the sons of Esau: the sons of Eliphaz the first-born son of Esau; duke Teman, duke Omar, duke Zepho, duke Kenaz, Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThese are the chiefs among the sons of Esau. The sons of Eliphaz the firstborn of Esau: Chiefs Teman, Omar, Zepho, Kenaz, World English Bible These are the chiefs of the sons of Esau: the sons of Eliphaz the firstborn of Esau: chief Teman, chief Omar, chief Zepho, chief Kenaz, Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionThese [are] chiefs of the sons of Esau: sons of Eliphaz, firstborn of Esau: Chief Teman, Chief Omar, Chief Zepho, Chief Kenaz, Young's Literal Translation These are chiefs of the sons of Esau: sons of Eliphaz, first-born of Esau: chief Teman, chief Omar, chief Zepho, chief Kenaz, Smith's Literal Translation These the chiefs the sons of Esau, the sons of Eliphaz the first-born of Esau: chief Teman, chief Omar, chief Zepho, chief Kenaz. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThese were dukes of the sons of Esau: the sons of Eliphaz the firstborn of Esau: duke Theman, duke Omar, duke Sepho, duke Cenez, Catholic Public Domain Version These were leaders of the sons of Esau, the sons of Eliphaz, the firstborn of Esau: leader Teman, leader Omar, leader Zepho, leader Kenez, New American Bible These are the clans of the sons of Esau. The sons of Eliphaz, Esau’s firstborn: the clans of Teman, Omar, Zepho, Kenaz, New Revised Standard Version These are the clans of the sons of Esau. The sons of Eliphaz the firstborn of Esau: the clans Teman, Omar, Zepho, Kenaz, Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThese are the chiefs of the sons of Esau, the sons of Eliphaz the first-born of Esau: chief Teman, chief Omar, chief Zepho, chief Kenaz, Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And these are the Princes of the sons of Esau, the sons of Eliphaz, the firstborn of Esau: Prince Tayman, Prince Umar, Prince Tsephu, Prince Qanaz. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917These are the chiefs of the sons of Esau: the sons of Eliphaz the first-born of Esau: the chief of Teman, the chief of Omar, the chief of Zepho, the chief of Kenaz, Brenton Septuagint Translation These are the chiefs of the son of Esau, even the sons of Eliphas, the first-born of Esau; chief Thaeman, chief Omar, chief Sophar, chief Kenez, Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Chiefs of Edom15These are the chiefs among the sons of Esau. The sons of Eliphaz the firstborn of Esau: Chiefs Teman, Omar, Zepho, Kenaz, 16Korah, Gatam, and Amalek. They are the chiefs of Eliphaz in the land of Edom, and they are the grandsons of Adah.… Cross References 1 Chronicles 1:35-37 The sons of Esau: Eliphaz, Reuel, Jeush, Jalam, and Korah. / The sons of Eliphaz: Teman, Omar, Zepho, Gatam, and Kenaz; and by Timna, Amalek. / The sons of Reuel: Nahath, Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah. 1 Chronicles 1:51-54 Then Hadad died. Now the chiefs of Edom were Timna, Alvah, Jetheth, / Oholibamah, Elah, Pinon, / Kenaz, Teman, Mibzar, ... Deuteronomy 2:12 The Horites used to live in Seir, but the descendants of Esau drove them out. They destroyed the Horites from before them and settled in their place, just as Israel did in the land that the LORD gave them as their possession.) Deuteronomy 2:22 just as He had done for the descendants of Esau who lived in Seir, when He destroyed the Horites from before them. They drove them out and have lived in their place to this day. Obadiah 1:6-9 But how Esau will be pillaged, his hidden treasures sought out! / All the men allied with you will drive you to the border; the men at peace with you will deceive and overpower you. Those who eat your bread will set a trap for you without your awareness of it. / In that day, declares the LORD, will I not destroy the wise men of Edom and the men of understanding in the mountains of Esau? ... Jeremiah 49:7-10 Concerning Edom, this is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Is there no longer wisdom in Teman? Has counsel perished from the prudent? Has their wisdom decayed? / Turn and run! Lie low, O dwellers of Dedan, for I will bring disaster on Esau at the time I punish him. / If grape gatherers came to you, would they not leave some gleanings? Were thieves to come in the night, would they not steal only what they wanted? ... Ezekiel 25:12-14 This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Because Edom acted vengefully against the house of Judah, and in so doing incurred grievous guilt, / therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: I will stretch out My hand against Edom and cut off from it both man and beast. I will make it a wasteland, and from Teman to Dedan they will fall by the sword. / I will take My vengeance on Edom by the hand of My people Israel, and they will deal with Edom according to My anger and wrath. Then they will know My vengeance, declares the Lord GOD.’ Amos 1:11-12 This is what the LORD says: “For three transgressions of Edom, even four, I will not revoke My judgment, because he pursued his brother with the sword and stifled all compassion; his anger raged continually, and his fury flamed incessantly. / So I will send fire upon Teman to consume the citadels of Bozrah.” Malachi 1:2-4 “I have loved you,” says the LORD. But you ask, “How have You loved us?” “Was not Esau Jacob’s brother?” declares the LORD. “Yet Jacob I have loved, / but Esau I have hated, and I have made his mountains a wasteland and left his inheritance to the desert jackals.” / Though Edom may say, “We have been devastated, but we will rebuild the ruins,” this is what the LORD of Hosts says: “They may build, but I will demolish. They will be called the Land of Wickedness, and a people with whom the LORD is indignant forever. Numbers 20:14-21 From Kadesh, Moses sent messengers to tell the king of Edom, “This is what your brother Israel says: You know all the hardship that has befallen us, / how our fathers went down to Egypt, where we lived many years. The Egyptians mistreated us and our fathers, / and when we cried out to the LORD, He heard our voice, sent an angel, and brought us out of Egypt. Now look, we are in Kadesh, a city on the edge of your territory. ... Numbers 24:18-19 Edom will become a possession, as will Seir, his enemy; but Israel will perform with valor. / A ruler will come from Jacob and destroy the survivors of the city.” Joshua 24:4 and to Isaac I gave Jacob and Esau. I gave Esau Mount Seir to possess, but Jacob and his sons went down to Egypt. 2 Samuel 8:14 He placed garrisons throughout Edom, and all the Edomites were subject to David. So the LORD made David victorious wherever he went. Isaiah 34:5-6 When My sword has drunk its fill in the heavens, then it will come down upon Edom, upon the people I have devoted to destruction. / The sword of the LORD is bathed in blood. It drips with fat—with the blood of lambs and goats, with the fat of the kidneys of rams. For the LORD has a sacrifice in Bozrah, a great slaughter in the land of Edom. Isaiah 63:1-6 Who is this coming from Edom, from Bozrah with crimson-stained garments? Who is this robed in splendor, marching in the greatness of His strength? “It is I, proclaiming vindication, mighty to save.” / Why are Your clothes red, and Your garments like one who treads the winepress? / “I have trodden the winepress alone, and no one from the nations was with Me. I trampled them in My anger and trod them down in My fury; their blood spattered My garments, and all My clothes were stained. ... Treasury of Scripture These were dukes of the sons of Esau: the sons of Eliphaz the firstborn son of Esau; duke Teman, duke Omar, duke Zepho, duke Kenaz, First aristocracy of dukes, from A. dukes. Genesis 36:18 And these are the sons of Aholibamah Esau's wife; duke Jeush, duke Jaalam, duke Korah: these were the dukes that came of Aholibamah the daughter of Anah, Esau's wife. 1 Chronicles 1:35 The sons of Esau; Eliphaz, Reuel, and Jeush, and Jaalam, and Korah. Eliphaz. Job 21:8 Their seed is established in their sight with them, and their offspring before their eyes. Psalm 37:35 I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree. duke Teman. Genesis 36:4,11,12 And Adah bare to Esau Eliphaz; and Bashemath bare Reuel; … 1 Chronicles 1:36,45,51-54 The sons of Eliphaz; Teman, and Omar, Zephi, and Gatam, Kenaz, and Timna, and Amalek… Job 2:11 Now when Job's three friends heard of all this evil that was come upon him, they came every one from his own place; Eliphaz the Temanite, and Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite: for they had made an appointment together to come to mourn with him and to comfort him. Jump to Previous Chief Chiefs Descendants Duke Dukes Eliphaz El'iphaz Esau Esau's First Firstborn First-Born Kenaz Omar Teman ZephoJump to Next Chief Chiefs Descendants Duke Dukes Eliphaz El'iphaz Esau Esau's First Firstborn First-Born Kenaz Omar Teman ZephoGenesis 36 1. Esau's three wives.6. His removal to mount Seir. 9. His sons. 15. The dukes which descended of his sons. 20. The sons and dukes of Seir the Horite. 24. Anah finds mules. 31. The kings of Edom. 40. The dukes that descended of Esau. These are the chiefs among the sons of Esau. This phrase introduces the tribal leaders or chieftains descended from Esau, also known as Edom. In the ancient Near Eastern context, a "chief" or "duke" was a leader of a clan or tribe, indicating a position of authority and influence. Esau's descendants, the Edomites, were significant in the biblical narrative, often interacting with the Israelites. The mention of chiefs highlights the organized social structure and the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that he would be the father of many nations (Genesis 17:4-6). The sons of Eliphaz the firstborn of Esau: Chiefs Teman, Omar, Zepho, Kenaz, Teman: Omar: Zepho: Kenaz: Persons / Places / Events 1. EsauThe elder son of Isaac and Rebekah, twin brother of Jacob. Esau is the father of the Edomites, and his lineage is detailed in Genesis 36. 2. Eliphaz The firstborn son of Esau and Adah. He is a significant figure in the genealogy of Esau, representing the continuation of Esau's line. 3. Chiefs The term "chiefs" (Hebrew: - 'alluph') refers to leaders or chieftains of clans or tribes. In this context, it denotes the leaders among the descendants of Esau. 4. Teman, Omar, Zepho, Kenaz These are the sons of Eliphaz, who became chiefs among the Edomites. Each name represents a clan or a group within the Edomite nation. Teaching Points Understanding Lineage and LegacyThe genealogies in the Bible, such as that of Esau, remind us of the importance of our spiritual and familial legacies. Consider how your actions and faith can impact future generations. Leadership and Influence The chiefs of Esau's descendants were leaders among their people. Reflect on the influence you have in your community and how you can lead with integrity and faithfulness. God's Sovereignty in History The unfolding of Esau's lineage demonstrates God's sovereign plan throughout history. Trust in God's overarching plan for your life, even when the path seems unclear. The Consequences of Choices Esau's choice to sell his birthright had long-lasting effects on his descendants. Consider the long-term impact of your decisions and seek wisdom in making choices that honor God. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Genesis 36:15?2. How does Genesis 36:15 highlight the importance of leadership in family lineage? 3. What can we learn about God's sovereignty from the chiefs listed in Genesis 36:15? 4. How does Genesis 36:15 connect to God's promises to Abraham's descendants? 5. How can we apply the concept of leadership from Genesis 36:15 in our lives? 6. What role does heritage play in fulfilling God's plan, as seen in Genesis 36:15? 7. What is the significance of the chiefs of Edom in Genesis 36:15? 8. How does Genesis 36:15 relate to the fulfillment of God's promises to Esau? 9. Why are the descendants of Esau listed in Genesis 36:15 important to biblical history? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 36? 11. Why is there minimal archaeological evidence for the “chiefs of Edom” referenced in Genesis 36:15–19? 12. What is the identity of the Kenizzites? 13. Who was Eliphaz the Temanite in the Bible? 14. Who were the ancient people known as Edomites? What Does Genesis 36:15 Mean These are the chiefs among the sons of Esau“ These are the chiefs among the sons of Esau ” (Genesis 36:15). • Scripture pauses the family register to stress that Esau’s descendants are already organized into recognized leaders—“chiefs” or clan heads. • This fulfills God’s word to Rebekah: “Two nations are in your womb” (Genesis 25:23). Esau’s line becomes a structured nation long before Israel leaves Egypt (see Genesis 36:31). • By calling them chiefs, the text underscores real political authority, not just a family tree (compare Numbers 20:14–17, where Edom refuses Israel passage). The sons of Eliphaz the firstborn of Esau “ The sons of Eliphaz, the firstborn of Esau ” (Genesis 36:15). • Eliphaz, as firstborn, naturally produces the leading clan. Firstborn status still matters even outside the covenant line (cf. Deuteronomy 21:17). • Genesis 36:11 has already named Eliphaz’s sons; verse 15 now identifies them as chiefs, showing that Eliphaz’s branch gains prominence. • 1 Chronicles 1:35–37 repeats these names, confirming their historical importance in Israel’s records. Chiefs Teman “ Chiefs Teman ” (Genesis 36:15). • Teman becomes so prominent that later prophets use his name for Edom as a whole (Jeremiah 49:7; Obadiah 1:9). • Job’s friend Eliphaz is called “the Temanite” (Job 2:11), indicating a tradition of wisdom associated with this clan. • Geographically, Teman likely controlled Edom’s southern highlands, giving the family strategic power. Chiefs Omar “ … Omar ” (Genesis 36:15). • Omar’s lineage is less detailed elsewhere, but 1 Chronicles 1:36 lists him among the early leaders of Edom. • His inclusion underscores God’s promise to make Esau a nation (Genesis 27:39–40). Every son matters to the unfolding plan—even those about whom Scripture says little. Chiefs Zepho “ … Zepho ” (Genesis 36:15). • Zepho (also spelled Zephi, 1 Chronicles 1:36) later appears in Jewish tradition as a military hero; Scripture keeps the focus on his role as a clan head. • The text traces how one household multiplies into tribes, fulfilling Genesis 17:6 that Isaac’s descendants (including Esau) would yield “nations and kings.” Chiefs Kenaz “ … Kenaz ” (Genesis 36:15). • Kenaz’s name surfaces again generations later: Caleb’s younger brother is “Kenaz” (Joshua 15:17; Judges 1:13). That link hints at intermingling between Edom and later Judah while keeping distinct national identities (Deuteronomy 23:7). • 1 Chronicles 1:53 lists “Chief Kenaz” at a later period, showing the endurance of this clan. summary Genesis 36:15 shows Esau’s family already functioning as a confederation of clan leaders. By singling out Eliphaz’s sons—Teman, Omar, Zepho, and Kenaz—Scripture highlights God’s faithfulness to bless Abraham’s wider line, even outside the covenant branch. These names resurface throughout the Old Testament, proving that the chapter is more than genealogy; it is a snapshot of God’s promise turning into organized, influential nations. (15) Dukes.--Duke is the Latin word dux, a leader; but the Hebrew word alluph signifies a tribal prince, It is derived from eleph, a thousand, used in much the same way as the word hundred with us for a division of the country. Probably it was one large enough to have in it a thousand grown men, whereas a hundred in Saxon times was a district in which there were a hundred homesteads. For this use of it, see Micah 5:2. Each alluph, therefore, would be the prince of one of these districts, assigned to him as the possession of himself and his seed.Verses 15, 16. - These were dukes of the sons of Esau. The אַלּוּפים, derived probably from אָלַפ, to be familiar, whence to join together, or associate, were Edomite and Horite phylarchs or tribe-leaders, ἡγεμόνες, (LXX.), chieftains of a thousand men (Gerlach). At a later period the term came to be applied to the Jewish chiefs or governors of the Restoration (Zechariah 9:7; Zechariah 12:5). The sons of Eliphaz the firstborn son of Esau; duke Teman, duke Omar, duke Zepho, duke Kemaz (vide on ver. 11), duke Korah, - inserted here probably by clerical error from ver. 18 (Kennicott, Tuch, Knobel, Delitzsch, Keil, Murphy, Quarry), and accordingly omitted in the Samaritan Pentateuch and Version, though still retained by Onkelos and the LXX., and on the hypothesis of its genuineness explained by some as the name of a nephew of Eliphaz (Junius); of a son by another mother (Ainsworth); of a son of Korah (ver. 18) by the widow of Timua (1 Chronicles 1:36), who, having died without issue, left his wife to his brother (Michaelis); of some descendant of Eliphaz by intermarriage who subsequently rose to be the head of a clan (Kalisch), - duke Gatam (vide ver. 11), and duke Amalek (vide ver. 12): these are the dukes that came of Eliphaz in the land of Edom; these were the sons of Adah.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Theseאֵ֖לֶּה (’êl·leh) Pronoun - common plural Strong's 428: These, those are the chiefs אַלּוּפֵ֣י (’al·lū·p̄ê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 441: Familiar, a friend, gentle, a bullock, a chieftain among the sons בְנֵֽי־ (ḇə·nê-) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 1121: A son of Esau: עֵשָׂ֑ו (‘ê·śāw) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 6215: Esau -- oldest son of Isaac the sons בְּנֵ֤י (bə·nê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 1121: A son of Eliphaz, אֱלִיפַז֙ (’ĕ·lî·p̄az) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 464: Eliphaz -- 'God is fine gold', a son of Esau, also a friend of Job the firstborn בְּכ֣וֹר (bə·ḵō·wr) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1060: Firstborn, chief of Esau [are] עֵשָׂ֔ו (‘ê·śāw) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 6215: Esau -- oldest son of Isaac Chiefs אַלּ֤וּף (’al·lūp̄) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 441: Familiar, a friend, gentle, a bullock, a chieftain Teman, תֵּימָן֙ (tê·mān) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 8487: Teman -- a northern district of Edom, also an Edomite chief Omar, אוֹמָ֔ר (’ō·w·mār) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 201: Omar -- a grandson of Esau Zepho, צְפ֖וֹ (ṣə·p̄ōw) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 6825: Zepho -- perhaps 'gazing', an Edomite Kenaz, קְנַֽז׃ (qə·naz) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 7073: Kenaz -- an Edomite, also two Israelites Links Genesis 36:15 NIVGenesis 36:15 NLT Genesis 36:15 ESV Genesis 36:15 NASB Genesis 36:15 KJV Genesis 36:15 BibleApps.com Genesis 36:15 Biblia Paralela Genesis 36:15 Chinese Bible Genesis 36:15 French Bible Genesis 36:15 Catholic Bible OT Law: Genesis 36:15 These are the chiefs of the sons (Gen. 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