Genesis 36:43

Authorized King James Version

Duke Magdiel, duke Iram: these be the dukes of Edom, according to their habitations in the land of their possession: he is Esau the father of the Edomites.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אַלּוּפֵ֣י
Duke
familiar; a friend, also gentle; and so, a chieftain (as notable, like neat cattle)
#2
מַגְדִּיאֵ֖ל
Magdiel
magdiel, an idumaean
#3
אַלּוּפֵ֣י
Duke
familiar; a friend, also gentle; and so, a chieftain (as notable, like neat cattle)
#4
עִירָ֑ם
Iram
iram, an idumaean
#5
אֵ֣לֶּה׀
these or those
#6
אַלּוּפֵ֣י
Duke
familiar; a friend, also gentle; and so, a chieftain (as notable, like neat cattle)
#7
אֱדֽוֹם׃
of Edom
edom, the elder twin-brother of jacob; hence the region (idumaea) occupied by him
#8
לְמֹֽשְׁבֹתָם֙
according to their habitations
a seat; figuratively, a site; abstractly, a session; by extension an abode (the place or the time); by implication, population
#9
בְּאֶ֣רֶץ
in the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#10
אֲחֻזָּתָ֔ם
of their possession
something seized, i.e., a possession (especially of land)
#11
ה֥וּא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#12
עֵשָׂ֖ו
he is Esau
esav, a son of isaac, including his posterity
#13
אֲבִ֥י
H1
the father
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#14
אֱדֽוֹם׃
of Edom
edom, the elder twin-brother of jacob; hence the region (idumaea) occupied by him

Analysis

This verse develops the creation and providence theme central to Genesis. The concept of divine revelation reflects God's absolute sovereignty over all existence. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to foundational narrative establishing God's relationship with creation and humanity, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern narrative literature addressing origins and identity shapes this text's meaning. The development from creation to divine election established God's sovereign care over history Understanding a worldview where divine beings actively governed natural and historical processes helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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