Korah, Gatam, and Amalek; these are the chiefs of Eliphaz in the land of Edom; these are the sons of Adah.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse, while appearing straightforward in listing names, might contain an accidental repetition. The name "Korah" appears here as a son of Eliphaz, but other passages link Korah to Esau's wife Aholibamah, suggesting this mention might be an unintentional inclusion from another lineage. This highlights how carefully we need to read, even in simple genealogies, to catch potential textual complexities.
Korah, Gatam, and Amalek; these are the chiefs of Eliphaz in the land of Edom; these are the sons of Adah.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage is part of a lengthy genealogical list tracing the descendants of Esau, who is also known as Edom. After Esau leaves Canaan to avoid conflict with his brother Jacob, this chapter details the chiefs and kings that arose from his lineage in Mount Seir. The verse in focus is part of the enumeration of the sons and chieftains of Eliphaz, Esau's firstborn son, highlighting those descended from Adah, one of Esau's wives.
Why does the Bible spend so much time listing names and genealogies? Is it just ancient trivia, or is there something deeper at play?
The book of Genesis, and especially this chapter, is filled with genealogies. This isn't just a dry record-keeping exercise; it's a vital part of the biblical narrative.
Divine Providence at Work
Genealogies demonstrate God's faithfulness to his promises, even when they involve people who might seem distant from the main redemptive story. In Genesis 36, we see the descendants of Esau, Jacob's brother. While Esau tragically rejected his spiritual birthright, God still ensured his lineage would prosper and be established, as promised to Abraham. This shows that God's plans unfold through human history, tracing specific family lines.
Establishing Identity and Place
These lists help establish the identity and geographical location of peoples. Naming the 'dukes' or chiefs of Edom, like Korah, Gatam, and Amalek, shows how these families formed distinct clans and territories within the larger Edomite nation. It sets the stage for future interactions and conflicts between Israel and Edom, grounding them in specific historical and familial relationships.
Sometimes Bible verses seem to have conflicting information. How do we approach these moments without losing trust in God's Word?
Genesis 36:16 presents a unique challenge: the name 'Korah' appears here as a son of Eliphaz, but other passages list him differently. This is where careful study and faith work together.
Ask a follow-up
Understanding Textual Variations
Scholarly analysis points out that the name 'Korah' in verse 16 is likely an unintentional addition or error in transmission. For instance, Genesis 36:14 and 36:18 mention a Korah as a son of Esau through his wife Aholibamah, not Eliphaz. The Samaritan Pentateuch, a significant ancient manuscript, omits this name here, further suggesting it might not belong in this specific list of Eliphaz's sons.
Focusing on the Core Message
While acknowledging these textual complexities is important, it doesn't undermine the overarching message. The primary purpose of this chapter is to list Esau's descendants and their leaders. Even with a name that appears out of place, the chapter still effectively charts the rise of the Edomite nation, fulfilling God's word to Abraham regarding Esau's descendants. Our faith isn't shaken by such details, but deepened as we see the faithfulness of God in preserving His Word, despite human imperfections in its copying.
Understand the original words
alluph · Hebrew Noun
In the context of the clans of Edom, this refers to a tribal leader or clan chieftain, often denoting military or administrative authority over a specific group or territory. In a wider biblical context, it signifies one who leads or governs a people.
Edom · Hebrew Proper Noun
Refers to the geographic territory occupied by the descendants of Esau. In the Bible, it often carries symbolic significance as the historic adversary of Israel, representing a nation outside the covenant promise of Abraham and Isaac.
This genealogical record of Esau's descendants, the Edomites, highlights their early establishment as a distinct people with their own leaders and kings before Israel. It serves as a powerful reminder that outward prosperity and established nations do not equate to God's ultimate favor or covenant promises, which were set to unfold through Jacob.
~1800 BC— this verse
Esau Migrates to Mount Seir
Esau, also known as Edom, leaves the land of Canaan due to his and Jacob's increasing wealth, settling in the hill country of Seir. This establishes the Edomite nation distinct from the Israelites.
~1700 BC - ~1400 BC
Rise of Edomite Dukes
Generations after Esau's settlement, his descendants organize into tribal structures led by 'dukes,' or chieftains. This period sees the formation of the leadership lines detailed in Genesis 36.
~1400 BC
Edomite Kings Reign
Before the Israelites establish their monarchy, kings begin to rule over the land of Edom. This historical reality is noted in Genesis 36 to highlight Edom's established sovereignty.
This passage directly addresses the prophecy concerning Esau and Jacob, stating that 'two nations shall come from your body, and the older shall serve the younger,' which provides the foundational context for Esau's lineage and its eventual relationship with Israel.
Genesis 27:41-42This highlights Esau's deep resentment and his vow to kill Jacob after Jacob received the blessing. Understanding Esau's animosity is key to grasping the significance of his descendants (Edom) and their historical interactions with Israel.
Genesis 32:3Here, Esau is identified with Edom, showing the direct link between the man and the nation. This verse emphasizes that Esau sent messengers to Jacob, indicating the early interaction between these two prominent lineages.
Numbers 20:14-21This account describes the Edomites' refusal to allow the Israelites passage through their land during the Exodus. It shows the tangible, often hostile, relationship between the descendants of Esau and the people of Israel.
Malachi 1:2-3This prophetic passage declares God's love for Jacob (Israel) and His hatred for Esau (Edom), demonstrating the long-standing theological significance of the conflict and distinction between these two nations.
calvinGenesis 36:1-43: "Now these are the generations of Esau, who is Edom."
And Esau took his wives, and his sons, and his daughters, and all the persons of his house, and his cattle, and all his beasts, and all his substance, which he had got in the land of Canaan; and went into the country from the face of his brother Jacob.
Et accepit Esau uxores suas, et filios suos, et filias suas, et omnes animas domus suae, et pecudes suas, et omnia jumenta sua, et omnem acquisitionem suam, quam acquis…
pooleGenesis 36:16: "Duke Korah, duke Gatam, and duke Amalek: these are the dukes that came of Eliphaz in the land of Edom; these were the sons of Adah."
Korah is not mentioned among the sons of Eliphaz, and therefore is thought to be his grandson. There is another Korah, Genesis 36:14,18 .
This verse, while appearing straightforward in listing names, might contain an accidental repetition. The name "Korah" appears here as a son of Eliphaz, but other passages link Korah to Esau's wife Aholibamah, suggesting this mention might be an unintentional inclusion from another lineage. This highlights how carefully we need to read, even in simple genealogies, to catch potential textual complexities.
This passage is part of a lengthy genealogical list tracing the descendants of Esau, who is also known as Edom. After Esau leaves Canaan to avoid conflict with his brother Jacob, this chapter details the chiefs and kings that arose from his lineage in Mount Seir. The verse in focus is part of the enumeration of the sons and chieftains of Eliphaz, Esau's firstborn son, highlighting those descended from Adah, one of Esau's wives.
This passage is part of a lengthy genealogical list tracing the descendants of Esau, who is also known as Edom. After Esau leaves Canaan to avoid conflict with his brother Jacob, this chapter details the chiefs and kings that arose from his lineage in Mount Seir. The verse in focus is part of the enumeration of the sons and chieftains of Eliphaz, Esau's firstborn son, highlighting those descended from Adah, one of Esau's wives.
"Korah, Gatam, and Amalek; these are the chiefs of Eliphaz in the land of Edom; these are the sons of Adah." — This verse, while appearing straightforward in listing names, might contain an accidental repetition. The name "Korah" appears here as a son of Eliphaz, but other passages link Korah to Esau's wife A…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026