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Genesis 36:4 - Esav's son's lineage begins

Genesis 36:4 - בראשית 36:4

Hebrew Text

וַתֵּלֶד עָדָה לְעֵשָׂו אֶת־אֱלִיפָז וּבָשְׂמַת יָלְדָה אֶת־רְעוּאֵל׃

English Translation

And ῾Ada bore to ῾Esav Elifaz

Transliteration

Va'teled Ada le'Esav et Elifaz u'Vasmat yaldah et Re'uel.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַתֵּ֧לֶד עָדָ֛ה לְעֵשָׂ֖ו אֶת־אֱלִיפָ֑ז וּבָ֣שְׂמַ֔ת יָלְדָ֖ה אֶת־רְעוּאֵֽל׃
וַתֵּ֧לֶד עָדָ֛ה לְעֵשָׂ֖ו אֶת־אֱלִיפָ֑ז וּבָ֣שְׂמַ֔ת יָלְדָ֖ה אֶת־רְעוּאֵֽל׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Verse Analysis: וַתֵּלֶד עָדָה לְעֵשָׂו אֶת־אֱלִיפָז

The verse (Bereshit 36:4) describes the lineage of Esav (Esau) through his wife Ada, who bore him Elifaz. This passage is part of the broader genealogical record of Esav's descendants, which the Torah details extensively in Bereshit 36.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi (Bereshit 36:4) notes that the name Elifaz is significant. He explains that Elifaz was a righteous individual who later became one of Iyov's (Job's) companions, as mentioned in Sefer Iyov (Job 2:11). Rashi also points out that Elifaz was trained in Torah by his grandfather Yitzchak (Isaac), demonstrating that despite Esav's flaws, his son had a connection to kedushah (holiness).

Midrashic Insights

  • The Midrash Tanchuma (Toldot 11) teaches that Esav's wives, including Ada, were originally from Canaanite families, but some later repented and aligned themselves with the ways of Avraham's household.
  • The Yalkut Shimoni (Iyov 904) connects Elifaz to the wisdom tradition, suggesting that his righteousness was a counterbalance to Esav's negative traits.

Rambam's Perspective

While Rambam (Maimonides) does not comment directly on this verse, his principles in Hilchos De'os (Laws of Ethical Conduct) emphasize that lineage does not determine a person's spiritual standing—rather, their actions do. Thus, Elifaz's righteousness, despite being Esav's son, serves as an example of individual merit.

Significance in Jewish Thought

This verse highlights the complexity of family dynamics in the Torah. Even within Esav's lineage, there were individuals like Elifaz who rose above their surroundings. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 99b) teaches that every person has the potential for teshuvah (repentance) and spiritual greatness, regardless of ancestry.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who were Elifaz and Reuel in Genesis 36:4?
A: Elifaz and Reuel were sons of Esav (Esau). Elifaz was born to Esav's wife Ada, and Reuel was born to his wife Basmat. According to Rashi, Elifaz later became the father of Amalek, a nation that would become an enemy of Israel.
Q: Why does the Torah list Esav's descendants in Genesis 36?
A: The Torah lists Esav's descendants to show how he became the father of the Edomite nation (Edom). Ramban explains that even though Esav was not chosen to continue the covenant like Yaakov (Jacob), his family line was still important in biblical history, especially in relation to Israel.
Q: What can we learn from the names of Esav's sons in Genesis 36:4?
A: Names in the Torah often carry meaning. 'Elifaz' may come from 'El' (God) and 'paz' (refined gold), suggesting strength. 'Reuel' means 'friend of God.' Midrash suggests these names reflect Esav's own complex relationship with spirituality—sometimes connected, sometimes distant.
Q: How does Genesis 36:4 connect to later Jewish history?
A: This verse introduces Elifaz, whose descendant Amalek (Exodus 17:8) would attack Israel. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 99b) teaches that remembering Amalek reminds us to oppose cruelty and evil in every generation.