Keraia
Genesis 36

Genesis 36:8

The Descendants of Esau · Genesis 36:1–19
Read Genesis 36

Translations

Modern
So Esau (that is, Edom) settled in the area of Mount Seir.
Traditional
Thus dwelt Esau in mount Seir: Esau is Edom.
Literal
And Esau dwelt in the hill country of Seir (Esau is Edom).
Latin
Habitavitque Esau in monte Seir, ipse est Edom.

Original

Hebrew
English
So Esau (that is, Edom) settled in the area of Mount Seir.

Notes

Genesis 36:7–8

Esau, like Lot, left for the eastern land (compare 13:5–6).

Genesis 36:1–8

The story of Esau emphasizes two main points:

  1. The sons of Esau … were born to him in the land of Canaan (36:5) before he moved to Seir (36:8). In contrast, most of Jacob’s children were born outside Canaan but later moved there. God gave the land to Jacob and his descendants, making space for them by settling Esau elsewhere.

  2. Esau was also known as Edom. Israel often had conflicts with the Edomites (see 1 Samuel 21:7; 22:9–22; Obadiah 1).

Genesis 36:1–43

Genesis now turns to the story of Isaac’s sons. It first finishes the account of Esau’s line (chapter 36), who was not chosen. Then it continues with the line of Jacob (chapter 37), whom God chose.

Theme notes and profiles

Esau Symbolic Numbers

Parallels

1 Chronicles 1:35–37

People

Esau: Isaac's firstborn son; sold birthright to Jacob; became Edom

Places

Seir: Region inhabited by Edomites, descendants of Esau

Glossary

Adah Anah Basemath Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Edom, Edomites Eliphaz Genealogy Genesis, Book of Hivites Jaalam Jalam Jeush Korah Mahalath (Person) Oholibamah Patriarchs, Period of the Reuel Zibeon

Topics

Edom: A Name of Esau, Possibly on Account of his Being Covered with Red Hair Esau: Called Edom Mountains: Often Inhabited Mountains: Seir Seir: Later Inhabited by the Descendants of Esau After They Destroyed the Horim People