Genesis 36:12 - Timna was concubine to Eliphaz, Esau’s son; and she bore to Eliphaz Amalek. These are the sons of Adah, Esau’s wife.
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What does "Genesis 36:12" mean?
This verse is a genealogical note within the larger genealogy of Esau (also known as Edom) in Genesis 36. Let's break down what it means:
"Timna was concubine to Eliphaz, Esau’s son;": This tells us that Timna was a concubine of Eliphaz. A concubine was a secondary wife or consort, with a lower social status than a primary wife. Eliphaz was one of the sons of Esau. This indicates a relationship outside of formal marriage between Timna and Eliphaz.
"and she bore to Eliphaz Amalek.": This states that Timna gave birth to a son named Amalek, and Eliphaz was the father. Amalek is a very important figure in later biblical history. The Amalekites become a bitter enemy of the Israelites, and are repeatedly condemned and fought against throughout the Old Testament.
"These are the sons of Adah, Esau’s wife.": This concluding phrase seems out of place, as Amalek is the son of Timna, not of Adah. It's often understood to be a heading or concluding statement referring to the previous section, which listed the descendants of Esau through his wife Adah (Genesis 36:4). Placing the information about Timna and Amalek here is a way of integrating the lineage of Amalek into the broader Edomite genealogy.
Significance and Interpretation:
Integration of Amalek's Lineage: The verse is significant because it establishes the lineage of Amalek, a people who would become enemies of Israel. Placing him within the Edomite genealogy suggests a connection between the two groups.
Status and Power Dynamics: The fact that Timna was a concubine reveals social hierarchies within the family and society. It highlights that lineage and descendants could be established even outside of formal marriage, although the offspring might have a different social standing.
Possible Origins of Animosity: Some scholars suggest that the unusual way Amalek's birth is recorded (being connected to a concubine) could be a subtle way of explaining, or justifying, the future animosity between the Israelites and the Amalekites. The less prestigious origin might be seen as contributing to their later negative portrayal.
In summary, Genesis 36:12 is a brief but important genealogical note that establishes Amalek's descent from Esau through his son Eliphaz and a concubine named Timna. This connection is significant due to the historical role the Amalekites would later play as enemies of Israel.
Genesis 36:12 - Timna was concubine to Eliphaz, Esau’s son; and she bore to Eliphaz Amalek. These are the sons of Adah, Esau’s wife.
What does "Genesis 36:12" mean?
This verse is a genealogical note within the larger genealogy of Esau (also known as Edom) in Genesis 36. Let's break down what it means:
"Timna was concubine to Eliphaz, Esau’s son;": This tells us that Timna was a concubine of Eliphaz. A concubine was a secondary wife or consort, with a lower social status than a primary wife. Eliphaz was one of the sons of Esau. This indicates a relationship outside of formal marriage between Timna and Eliphaz.
"and she bore to Eliphaz Amalek.": This states that Timna gave birth to a son named Amalek, and Eliphaz was the father. Amalek is a very important figure in later biblical history. The Amalekites become a bitter enemy of the Israelites, and are repeatedly condemned and fought against throughout the Old Testament.
"These are the sons of Adah, Esau’s wife.": This concluding phrase seems out of place, as Amalek is the son of Timna, not of Adah. It's often understood to be a heading or concluding statement referring to the previous section, which listed the descendants of Esau through his wife Adah (Genesis 36:4). Placing the information about Timna and Amalek here is a way of integrating the lineage of Amalek into the broader Edomite genealogy.
Significance and Interpretation:
Integration of Amalek's Lineage: The verse is significant because it establishes the lineage of Amalek, a people who would become enemies of Israel. Placing him within the Edomite genealogy suggests a connection between the two groups.
Status and Power Dynamics: The fact that Timna was a concubine reveals social hierarchies within the family and society. It highlights that lineage and descendants could be established even outside of formal marriage, although the offspring might have a different social standing.
Possible Origins of Animosity: Some scholars suggest that the unusual way Amalek's birth is recorded (being connected to a concubine) could be a subtle way of explaining, or justifying, the future animosity between the Israelites and the Amalekites. The less prestigious origin might be seen as contributing to their later negative portrayal.
In summary, Genesis 36:12 is a brief but important genealogical note that establishes Amalek's descent from Esau through his son Eliphaz and a concubine named Timna. This connection is significant due to the historical role the Amalekites would later play as enemies of Israel.