Genesis 36:5

Authorized King James Version

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

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְאָהֳלִֽיבָמָה֙

H173

And Aholibamah

oholibamah, a wife of esau

יֻלְּדוּ

H3205

bare

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

יְע֥וּשׁ

H3266

jeush, the name of an edomite and of four israelites

וְאֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

יַעְלָ֖ם

H3281

and Jaalam

jalam, an edomite

וְאֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

קֹ֑רַח

H7141

and Korah

korach, the name of two edomites and three israelites

אֵ֚לֶּה

H428

these or those

#10

בְּנֵ֣י

H1121

these are the sons

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#11

עֵשָׂ֔ו

H6215

of Esau

esav, a son of isaac, including his posterity

#12

אֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#13

יֻלְּדוּ

H3205

bare

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

#14

ל֖וֹ

#15

בְּאֶ֥רֶץ

H776

unto him in the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#16

כְּנָֽעַן׃

H3667

of Canaan

kenaan, a son a ham; also the country inhabited 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 historical context of the patriarchal period (c. 2000-1500 BCE) and primeval history provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The ancient Near Eastern world with its creation myths, flood narratives, and patriarchal social structures provided the cultural backdrop against which God's revelation stands in stark contrast. The ancient Near Eastern cosmology and patriarchal society would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Ancient Near Eastern creation texts like Enuma Elish provide comparative context for understanding Genesis's unique theological perspective.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about creation and providence?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
What practical applications emerge from understanding creation and providence as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?

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