Genesis 36:8
New International Version
So Esau (that is, Edom) settled in the hill country of Seir.

New Living Translation
So Esau (also known as Edom) settled in the hill country of Seir.

English Standard Version
So Esau settled in the hill country of Seir. (Esau is Edom.)

Berean Standard Bible
So Esau (that is, Edom) settled in the area of Mount Seir.

King James Bible
Thus dwelt Esau in mount Seir: Esau is Edom.

New King James Version
So Esau dwelt in Mount Seir. Esau is Edom.

New American Standard Bible
So Esau lived in the hill country of Seir; Esau is Edom.

NASB 1995
So Esau lived in the hill country of Seir; Esau is Edom.

NASB 1977
So Esau lived in the hill country of Seir; Esau is Edom.

Legacy Standard Bible
So Esau lived in the hill country of Seir; Esau is Edom.

Amplified Bible
So Esau lived in the hill country of Seir; Esau is Edom.

Christian Standard Bible
So Esau (that is, Edom) lived in the mountains of Seir.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
So Esau (that is, Edom) lived in the mountains of Seir.

American Standard Version
And Esau dwelt in mount Seir: Esau is Edom.

Contemporary English Version
That's why Esau made his home in the hill country of Seir.

English Revised Version
And Esau dwelt in mount Seir: Esau is Edom.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
So Esau, who was also known as Edom, lived in the mountains of Seir.

Good News Translation
So Esau lived in the hill country of Edom.

International Standard Version
So Esau lived in Mount Seir. (Esau was also known as Edom.)

NET Bible
So Esau (also known as Edom) lived in the hill country of Seir.

New Heart English Bible
And Esau (also known as Edom) settled in the hill country of Seir.

Webster's Bible Translation
Thus dwelt Esau in mount Seir: Esau is Edom.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
So Esau (that is, Edom) settled in the area of Mount Seir.

World English Bible
Esau lived in the hill country of Seir. Esau is Edom.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and Esau dwells in Mount Seir: Esau is Edom.

Young's Literal Translation
and Esau dwelleth in mount Seir: Esau is Edom.

Smith's Literal Translation
And Esau will dwell in mount Seir. Esau, this is Adam.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Esau dwelt in mount Seir: he is Edom.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And Esau lived at mount Seir: he is Edom.

New American Bible
So Esau settled in the highlands of Seir. (Esau is Edom.)

New Revised Standard Version
So Esau settled in the hill country of Seir; Esau is Edom.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Thus Esau dwelt in mount Seir; Esau is Edom.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Esau dwelt in the mountains of Seir; Esau is Adum.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And Esau dwelt in the mountain-land of Seir--Esau is Edom.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Esau dwelt in mount Seir; Esau, he is Edom.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Esau's Descendants
7For their possessions were too great for them to dwell together; the land where they stayed could not support them because of their livestock. 8So Esau (that is, Edom) settled in the area of Mount Seir. 9This is the account of Esau, the father of the Edomites, in the area of Mount Seir.…

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

Deuteronomy 2:4-5
and command the people: ‘You will pass through the territory of your brothers, the descendants of Esau, who live in Seir. They will be afraid of you, so you must be very careful. / Do not provoke them, for I will not give you any of their land, not even a footprint, because I have given Mount Seir to Esau as his possession.

Jeremiah 49:8
Turn and run! Lie low, O dwellers of Dedan, for I will bring disaster on Esau at the time I punish him.

Malachi 1:2-3
“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.”

Romans 9:13
So it is written: “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.”

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.”

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.

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. ...

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.

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.

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.

Isaiah 63:1
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.”

Lamentations 4:21-22
So rejoice and be glad, O Daughter of Edom, you who dwell in the land of Uz. Yet the cup will pass to you as well; you will get drunk and expose yourself. / O Daughter of Zion, your punishment is complete; He will not prolong your exile. But He will punish your iniquity, O Daughter of Edom; He will expose your sins.

Genesis 25:30
He said to Jacob, “Let me eat some of that red stew, for I am famished.” (That is why he was also called Edom.)


Treasury of Scripture

Thus dwelled Esau in mount Seir: Esau is Edom.

mount Seir.

Genesis 36:20
These are the sons of Seir the Horite, who inhabited the land; Lotan, and Shobal, and Zibeon, and Anah,

Genesis 14:6
And the Horites in their mount Seir, unto Elparan, which is by the wilderness.

Genesis 32:3
And Jacob sent messengers before him to Esau his brother unto the land of Seir, the country of Edom.

Esau.

Genesis 36:1
Now these are the generations of Esau, who is Edom.

Jump to Previous
Country Dwelleth Dwelt Edom Esau Hill Hill-Country Living-Place Mount Mountain-Land Seir Se'ir Settled
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Country Dwelleth Dwelt Edom Esau Hill Hill-Country Living-Place Mount Mountain-Land Seir Se'ir Settled
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.














So Esau (that is, Edom)
Esau, the elder twin brother of Jacob, is a significant figure in biblical history. His name is synonymous with Edom, which means "red," likely referring to the red stew for which he sold his birthright (Genesis 25:30). This connection between Esau and Edom is crucial, as it establishes the lineage of the Edomites, a group often in conflict with Israel. The Edomites are descendants of Esau, and their relationship with the Israelites is marked by tension and hostility, as seen in passages like Numbers 20:14-21 and Obadiah 1:10-14. The mention of Esau as Edom also highlights the fulfillment of God's prophecy to Rebekah that "two nations are in your womb" (Genesis 25:23).

settled in the area of Mount Seir
Mount Seir is a mountainous region located southeast of the Dead Sea, in present-day Jordan. It became the homeland of the Edomites, as Esau moved his family and possessions there. This move is significant as it marks the separation of Esau's descendants from the Israelites, fulfilling the prophecy of two distinct nations. The region of Seir is mentioned in various biblical texts, including Deuteronomy 2:4-5, where God instructs the Israelites not to contend with the Edomites for their land, as it was given to Esau. Archaeological evidence suggests that the Edomites were a well-established society with fortified cities, as indicated by sites like Bozrah and Petra. Theologically, Esau's settlement in Seir can be seen as a divergence from the covenantal promises given to Jacob, emphasizing the theme of God's sovereign choice in the lineage of His people.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Esau
The elder son of Isaac and Rebekah, and the twin brother of Jacob. Known for selling his birthright to Jacob for a meal and later being deceived out of his father's blessing. Esau is also referred to as Edom, which means "red," a reference to the red stew for which he traded his birthright.

2. Edom
The nation descended from Esau. The name Edom is often used interchangeably with Esau in the Bible. The Edomites were often in conflict with the Israelites, descendants of Jacob.

3. Seir
A mountainous region located southeast of the Dead Sea. It became the homeland of the Edomites. The name Seir is associated with the rugged terrain of the area.
Teaching Points
The Consequences of Choices
Esau's decision to settle in Seir and become the father of the Edomites reflects the long-term impact of his earlier choices, such as selling his birthright. Our decisions can have lasting effects on our lives and the lives of others.

Identity and Legacy
Esau's identity as Edom and his settlement in Seir highlight the importance of understanding our identity in Christ and the legacy we leave behind. Are we building a legacy that honors God?

God's Sovereignty in History
The movement of Esau to Seir and the establishment of Edom demonstrate God's sovereignty in the unfolding of history. Despite human actions, God's purposes prevail.

Reconciliation and Peace
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Edom serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking reconciliation and peace in our relationships, as unresolved conflicts can lead to generational strife.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Genesis 36:8?

2. How does Esau's dwelling in Seir fulfill God's promises to Abraham's descendants?

3. What lessons can we learn from Esau's separation from Jacob in Genesis 36:8?

4. How does Esau's move to Seir relate to God's plan for Israel?

5. In what ways can we trust God's provision as Esau did in Seir?

6. How does Esau's choice to settle in Seir reflect on family dynamics today?

7. Why did Esau choose to live in the hill country of Seir according to Genesis 36:8?

8. How does Esau's settlement in Seir affect the understanding of his descendants' role in biblical history?

9. What is the significance of Esau being called Edom in Genesis 36:8?

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

11. Who were the ancient people known as Edomites?

12. In Ezekiel 35:3–4, can archaeological evidence confirm the eternal desolation of Mount Seir as prophesied?

13. In Ezekiel 25:12–14, is there verifiable evidence that Edom suffered the precise judgment described, or might this be an unfulfilled prophecy?

14. Numbers 20:14–21 – Is there any historical or archaeological evidence supporting Edom’s refusal to allow Israel passage?
What Does Genesis 36:8 Mean
So

• The little word “So” links this verse to the flow of Genesis 36:6-7, where Esau gathers his family, flocks, and possessions and moves away from Jacob because “their possessions were too many for them to dwell together” (Genesis 36:7).

• Scripture repeatedly shows God’s providential guidance in family separations that advance His purposes—think of Abram and Lot (Genesis 13:6-11) or Paul and Barnabas (Acts 15:36-41). Here, the conjunction signals a divinely ordered relocation, not a random move.


Esau

• Esau is the elder twin of Jacob, the one who earlier despised his birthright (Genesis 25:29-34) and lost his father’s main blessing (Genesis 27:30-40).

• Yet God still grants him a place and a legacy, fulfilling Isaac’s words: “You will live by your sword, and you will serve your brother; but when you grow restless, you will throw his yoke from your neck” (Genesis 27:40).

• Esau’s story reminds us that God remains just and faithful even toward those who have made poor choices (Romans 9:10-13; Hebrews 12:16-17).


(that is, Edom)

• Genesis repeatedly equates Esau with Edom (Genesis 25:30; 36:1). “Edom” means “red,” echoing the red stew for which he traded his birthright and the reddish appearance at birth.

• The phrase underscores that an individual’s decisions can ripple out into the destiny of an entire nation. Centuries later, prophets address Edom as a people opposing Israel (Obadiah 1-21; Ezekiel 35:1-15), yet their origin traces back to one man’s choices.

• Malachi contrasts Jacob and Esau to illustrate God’s elective love (Malachi 1:2-4), a sober reminder that God’s sovereign purposes stand over human history.


settled

• “Settled” signals more than pitching tents; it marks a permanent possession. Esau’s roaming days end as he roots his family line in new territory.

Deuteronomy 2:5 notes that God Himself gave Mount Seir “as a possession to Esau,” confirming divine involvement in where nations live (Acts 17:26).

• The verb also fulfills Isaac’s foretelling that Esau would “live away from the riches of the earth” (Genesis 27:39); the rocky region of Seir contrasts with Canaan’s fertility.


in the area

• The phrase highlights that Esau did not merely claim a single peak but the surrounding district—room enough for sons, chiefs, and future kings (Genesis 36:15-19, 31-39).

• God had earlier told Jacob, “Return to the land of your fathers” (Genesis 31:3); by moving “in the area” of Seir, Esau leaves Canaan clear for Jacob’s line, illustrating peaceful boundary setting (Proverbs 17:1).

• This spacious grant anticipates Israel’s later command: “Do not provoke them, for I will not give you any of their land” (Deuteronomy 2:4-6).


of Mount Seir

• Mount Seir lies south of the Dead Sea, a rugged, elevated region. Genesis 14:6 first mentions it as territory of the Horites; God now transfers that land to Esau’s descendants (Deuteronomy 2:12).

Joshua 24:4 affirms, “I gave Esau the hill country of Seir”, underlining the literal, historical grant.

• The site later becomes synonymous with Edom; prophets speak of “the arrogance of your heart, you who live in the clefts of the rock, whose dwelling is high” (Obadiah 3-4), showing both the security and pride that geography can breed.


summary

Genesis 36:8 records a decisive, God-directed relocation: Esau, now identified as Edom, permanently takes possession of Mount Seir. The verse caps a family solution—separating from Jacob to ease overcrowding—while launching a nation that prophets will confront for generations. Every word, from the linking “So” to the precise geography, testifies that God faithfully orchestrates individual choices, family dynamics, and even international borders to accomplish His unchanging purposes.

(8) Mount Seir.--The land of Idumea extends from the southern extremity of the Dead Sea to the Gulf of Elath, and consists of a chain of mountains running parallel to the Akaba, or continuation of the deep depression through which the Jordan flows till it loses itself in the Dead Sea. The hills are of limestone, with masses here and there of basalt; and though large portions are so covered with stones as to be barren, the rest is moderately fertile, not indeed in corn, but in figs, pomegranates, and other fruits. The climate is pleasant, the heat in summer being moderated by cool winds, but the winters are cold. The border of it was distant only some fifty or sixty miles from Hebron, so that Esau's transference of himself thither was an easy matter. (Comp. Note on Genesis 27:39.)

Verse 8. - Thus dwelt Esau in mount Seir (Genesis 32:3; Deuteronomy 2:5; Joshua 24:4): Esau is Edom (vide Genesis 25:30). The obvious continuation of this verse m to be found in Genesis 37:1, so that vers. 9-40 are parenthetical in their character; but whether originally written by Moses, or inserted by a late redactor, as some maintain, may legitimately be regarded as an open question.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
So Esau
עֵשָׂו֙ (‘ê·śāw)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6215: Esau -- oldest son of Isaac

(that is,
ה֥וּא (hū)
Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

Edom)
אֱדֽוֹם׃ (’ĕ·ḏō·wm)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 123: The name of a condiment

settled
וַיֵּ֤שֶׁב (way·yê·šeḇ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry

in the hill country
בְּהַ֣ר (bə·har)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 2022: Mountain, hill, hill country

of Seir.
שֵׂעִ֔יר (śê·‘îr)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 8165: Seir -- a mountain range in Edom, also its inhabitants, also a mountain in Judah


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OT Law: Genesis 36:8 Esau lived in the hill country (Gen. Ge Gn)
Genesis 36:7
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