Genesis 36:41
New International Version
Oholibamah, Elah, Pinon,

New Living Translation
Oholibamah, Elah, Pinon,

English Standard Version
Oholibamah, Elah, Pinon,

Berean Standard Bible
Oholibamah, Elah, Pinon,

King James Bible
Duke Aholibamah, duke Elah, duke Pinon,

New King James Version
Chief Aholibamah, Chief Elah, Chief Pinon,

New American Standard Bible
chief Oholibamah, chief Elah, chief Pinon,

NASB 1995
chief Oholibamah, chief Elah, chief Pinon,

NASB 1977
chief Oholibamah, chief Elah, chief Pinon,

Legacy Standard Bible
chief Oholibamah, chief Elah, chief Pinon,

Amplified Bible
Oholibamah, Elah, Pinon,

Christian Standard Bible
chief Oholibamah, chief Elah, chief Pinon,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Oholibamah, Elah, Pinon,

American Standard Version
chief Oholibamah, chief Elah, chief Pinon,

Contemporary English Version
Oholibamah, Elah, Pinon,

English Revised Version
duke Oholibamah, duke Elah, duke Pinon;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Oholibamah, Elah, Pinon,

International Standard Version
Oholibamah, Elah, Pinon,

NET Bible
chief Oholibamah, chief Elah, chief Pinon,

New Heart English Bible
chief Oholibamah, chief Elah, chief Pinon,

Webster's Bible Translation
Duke Aholibamah, duke Elah, duke Pinon,
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
Oholibamah, Elah, Pinon,

World English Bible
chief Oholibamah, chief Elah, chief Pinon,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Chief Aholibamah, Chief Elah, Chief Pinon,

Young's Literal Translation
chief Aholibamah, chief Elah, chief Pinon,

Smith's Literal Translation
Chief Aholibamah, chief Elah, chief Pinon,
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Duke Oolibama, duke Ela, duke Phinon,

Catholic Public Domain Version
leader Oholibamah, leader Elah, leader Pinon,

New American Bible
Oholibamah, Elah, Pinon,

New Revised Standard Version
Oholibamah, Elah, Pinon,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Chief Aholibamah, chief Elah, chief Pinon,

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Prince Ahlibama, Prince Eela, Prince Pinun,
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
the chief of Oholibamah, the chief of Elah, the chief of Pinon;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
chief Olibema, chief Helas, chief Phinon,

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Kings of Edom
40These are the names of Esau’s chiefs, according to their families and regions, by their names: Chiefs Timna, Alvah, Jetheth, 41 Oholibamah, Elah, Pinon, 42Kenaz, Teman, Mibzar,…

Cross References
1 Chronicles 1:51
Then Hadad died. Now the chiefs of Edom were Timna, Alvah, Jetheth,

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 1:43-54
These are the kings who reigned in the land of Edom before any king reigned over the Israelites: Bela son of Beor. His city was named Dinhabah. / When Bela died, Jobab son of Zerah from Bozrah reigned in his place. / When Jobab died, Husham from the land of the Temanites reigned in his place. ...

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.

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
Edom will become a possession, as will Seir, his enemy; but Israel will perform with valor.

Obadiah 1:6
But how Esau will be pillaged, his hidden treasures sought out!

Obadiah 1:8-9
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? / Then your mighty men, O Teman, will be terrified, so that everyone in the mountains of Esau will be cut down in the slaughter.

Jeremiah 49:7-22
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.

Romans 9:10-13
Not only that, but Rebecca’s children were conceived by one man, our father Isaac. / Yet before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad, in order that God’s plan of election might stand, / not by works but by Him who calls, she was told, “The older will serve the younger.” ...

Hebrews 12:16-17
See to it that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his birthright. / For you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected. He could find no ground for repentance, though he sought the blessing with tears.


Treasury of Scripture

Duke Aholibamah, duke Elah, duke Pinon,

Aholibamah.

Genesis 36:2,5,14,18,25
Esau took his wives of the daughters of Canaan; Adah the daughter of Elon the Hittite, and Aholibamah the daughter of Anah the daughter of Zibeon the Hivite; …

1 Chronicles 1:52
Duke Aholibamah, duke Elah, duke Pinon,

(1) A Hittite woman of Mount Hor.

Genesis 26:34
And Esau was forty years old when he took to wife Judith the daughter of Beeri the Hittite, and Bashemath the daughter of Elon the Hittite:

Genesis 36:2
Esau took his wives of the daughters of Canaan; Adah the daughter of Elon the Hittite, and Aholibamah the daughter of Anah the daughter of Zibeon the Hivite;

Genesis 36:5
And Aholibamah bare Jeush, and Jaalam, and Korah: these are the sons of Esau, which were born unto him in the land of Canaan.

(2) A chief that sprang from Esau,

1 Chronicles 1:52
Duke Aholibamah, duke Elah, duke Pinon,

Elah.

1 Chronicles 1:52
Duke Aholibamah, duke Elah, duke Pinon,

1 Samuel 17:2,19
And Saul and the men of Israel were gathered together, and pitched by the valley of Elah, and set the battle in array against the Philistines…

1 Samuel 21:10
And David arose, and fled that day for fear of Saul, and went to Achish the king of Gath.

(1) A duke (or chief) of Edom,

Genesis 36:41
Duke Aholibamah, duke Elah, duke Pinon,

1 Chronicles 1:52
Duke Aholibamah, duke Elah, duke Pinon,

1 Samuel 17:2
And Saul and the men of Israel were gathered together, and pitched by the valley of Elah, and set the battle in array against the Philistines.

1 Samuel 21:9
And the priest said, The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom thou slewest in the valley of Elah, behold, it is here wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod: if thou wilt take that, take it: for there is no other save that here. And David said, There is none like that; give it me.

1 Kings 4:18
Shimei the son of Elah, in Benjamin:

(4) Son of Baasha, king of Israel,

Jump to Previous
Aholibamah Chief Duke Elah Oholibamah Oholiba'mah Pinon
Jump to Next
Aholibamah Chief Duke Elah Oholibamah Oholiba'mah Pinon
Genesis 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.














Oholibamah
Oholibamah is one of the chiefs of Edom, a descendant of Esau. The name Oholibamah means "tent of the high place," which may suggest a connection to religious or cultic practices. In the context of Genesis 36, Oholibamah is also the name of one of Esau's wives, indicating the integration of familial and tribal leadership. This reflects the patriarchal and tribal society of the time, where family ties were crucial for political and social structure. The mention of Oholibamah highlights the importance of lineage and heritage in the biblical narrative, as Esau's descendants become the Edomites, a significant group in the Old Testament.

Elah
Elah is another chief of Edom, and the name means "oak" or "terebinth," which are trees often associated with strength and endurance. The use of such names may reflect the characteristics or aspirations of the individuals or their tribes. Elah's inclusion in the list of chiefs underscores the structured leadership within the Edomite society. The Edomites, living in the region south of the Dead Sea, were known for their interactions and conflicts with the Israelites, as seen in other parts of the Old Testament, such as in the books of Kings and Chronicles.

Pinon
Pinon is listed as a chief of Edom, and while there is limited information about this individual, the name itself may be linked to a location or a characteristic of the person or tribe. The mention of Pinon, along with other chiefs, illustrates the organized tribal system of Edom, which was a common societal structure in the ancient Near East. The Edomites, as descendants of Esau, had a complex relationship with the Israelites, often marked by both kinship and conflict. This dynamic is explored throughout the biblical narrative, providing insight into the broader historical and cultural interactions of the time.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Oholibamah
- One of Esau's wives, a Hittite woman, and the mother of Jeush, Jalam, and Korah. Her name is mentioned in the genealogies of Esau's descendants.

2. Alvah
- A chief of Edom, listed among the chiefs descended from Esau. The name Alvah is significant in the genealogical record of Esau's lineage.

3. Jeush, Jalam, and Korah
- Sons of Esau and Oholibamah, who became chiefs in Edom. Their mention highlights the expansion and establishment of Esau's family line.

4. Edom
- The region settled by Esau and his descendants. It is located southeast of Israel and is often associated with conflict and rivalry with Israel.

5. Esau
- The brother of Jacob, also known as Edom. His descendants formed the nation of Edom, which played a significant role in the history of Israel.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Genealogies
Genealogies in the Bible serve to trace the fulfillment of God's promises and the unfolding of His plan through specific family lines. They remind us of God's faithfulness across generations.

Understanding Our Spiritual Heritage
Just as the genealogies of Esau and Jacob highlight their distinct paths, believers are encouraged to understand their spiritual heritage and identity in Christ, which shapes their purpose and calling.

The Consequences of Choices
Esau's choice to marry outside of his family's faith tradition had lasting implications for his descendants. This serves as a reminder of the importance of making choices aligned with God's will.

God's Sovereignty in History
The establishment of nations and leaders, as seen in the genealogies, underscores God's sovereignty over history. Believers can trust that God is in control of the unfolding events in their lives.

Reconciliation and Peace
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Edom serves as a backdrop for the biblical call to seek reconciliation and peace, reflecting the heart of God for unity among His people.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Genesis 36:41?

2. How does Genesis 36:41 reflect God's promise to Esau's descendants?

3. What can we learn about leadership from the chiefs listed in Genesis 36:41?

4. How does Genesis 36:41 connect to God's covenant with Abraham in Genesis 17?

5. In what ways can we honor God's faithfulness as seen in Genesis 36:41?

6. How does understanding Genesis 36:41 enhance our view of biblical genealogies?

7. Who was Oholibamah in Genesis 36:41, and what is her significance in Edomite history?

8. How does Genesis 36:41 contribute to understanding the genealogy of Esau's descendants?

9. What role did the chiefs of Edom play in biblical history according to Genesis 36:41?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 36?

11. Who was Adah in the Bible?

12. How does Numbers 36:6-9 align with earlier accounts of inter-tribal marriages that appear unregulated or unrestricted?

13. In Genesis 36:2-3, Esau's wives differ from those mentioned in Genesis 26:34 and 28:9--why the discrepancy?

14. (Jeremiah 17:5) Why does it say one is cursed for trusting in humanity, given the social and scientific advancements reliant on human collaboration?
What Does Genesis 36:41 Mean
Oholibamah

“Chiefs Oholibamah, Elah, Pinon” (Genesis 36:41) continues the listing of tribal leaders descended from Esau. Oholibamah was first introduced as one of Esau’s wives (Genesis 36:2, 14). Now, generations later, her name identifies a settled clan within Edom.

• The appearance of a woman’s name among the chiefs shows how family lines, even through a matriarch, could grow into a recognized tribe, echoing the promise that Esau would become “a nation and a community of nations” (Genesis 17:20; 25:23).

Genesis 36:31 notes that Edom had kings and chiefs before Israel did, underscoring how quickly Esau’s descendants organized.

Deuteronomy 2:4–5 reminds Israel that Edom was their brother; this list, with Oholibamah included, roots that brotherhood in verifiable history.


Elah

Like the other names in this verse, Elah designates a clan leader. The same name later appears among Israel’s kings (1 Kings 16:8), showing the common cultural pool shared in the region, though the individuals are distinct.

• The presence of Elah here, coupled with “chief Kenaz” in verse 42, confirms the broad spread of Edomite settlements (Genesis 36:40–43).

• God had said to Isaac that Esau would dwell “away from the riches of the earth” yet live by the sword (Genesis 27:39–40). Elah’s clan helps demonstrate that prophecy’s fulfillment: communities hardy enough to thrive in the Seir highlands.

• Later, Edom’s strength becomes the backdrop for prophecies like Obadiah 1:1–4, where their pride is addressed; Elah’s mention reminds us that those prophecies speak to real, historically rooted peoples.


Pinon

Pinon is recorded again in 1 Chronicles 1:52, confirming the reliability of the genealogical record. Although Scripture gives no narrative about this chief, his inclusion matters.

• Repetition between Genesis 36 and 1 Chronicles 1 shows a consistent witness across centuries, affirming Scripture’s accuracy.

• Every name testifies that “Esau is the father of the Edomites” (Genesis 36:43), a truth important when later conflicts arise between Edom and Israel (Numbers 20:14–21).

• The simple listing of Pinon closes the roster begun in verse 40, illustrating how God fulfills His word in quiet, generational ways as well as in dramatic events.


summary

Genesis 36:41 does more than recite three unfamiliar names. By spotlighting Oholibamah, Elah, and Pinon, the verse confirms God’s promise that Esau’s line would become a structured, influential people. Each clan—rooted in a real ancestor, occupying real territory—stands as evidence that the Lord’s word is exact and dependable, setting the stage for every later interaction between Edom and Israel recorded in Scripture.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Oholibamah,
אָהֳלִיבָמָ֛ה (’ā·ho·lî·ḇā·māh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 173: Oholibamah -- 'tent of the high place', wife of Esau, also an Edomite leader

Elah,
אֵלָ֖ה (’ê·lāh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 425: Elah -- 'terebinth', an Israelite name, also an Edomite name

Pinon,
פִּינֹֽן׃ (pî·nōn)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6373: Pinon -- an Edomite


Links
Genesis 36:41 NIV
Genesis 36:41 NLT
Genesis 36:41 ESV
Genesis 36:41 NASB
Genesis 36:41 KJV

Genesis 36:41 BibleApps.com
Genesis 36:41 Biblia Paralela
Genesis 36:41 Chinese Bible
Genesis 36:41 French Bible
Genesis 36:41 Catholic Bible

OT Law: Genesis 36:41 Chief Oholibamah chief Elah chief Pinon (Gen. Ge Gn)
Genesis 36:40
Top of Page
Top of Page