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Genesis 36:41 - Edom's powerful tribal leaders rise

Genesis 36:41 - בראשית 36:41

Hebrew Text

אַלּוּף אָהֳלִיבָמָה אַלּוּף אֵלָה אַלּוּף פִּינֹן׃

English Translation

the chief Oholivama, the chief Ela, the chief Pinon,

Transliteration

Alluf Oholivama Alluf Ela Alluf Pinon

Hebrew Leining Text

אַלּ֧וּף אׇהֳלִיבָמָ֛ה אַלּ֥וּף אֵלָ֖ה אַלּ֥וּף פִּינֹֽן׃
אַלּ֧וּף אׇהֳלִיבָמָ֛ה אַלּ֥וּף אֵלָ֖ה אַלּ֥וּף פִּינֹֽן׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Explanation of the Verse

The verse "אַלּוּף אָהֳלִיבָמָה אַלּוּף אֵלָה אַלּוּף פִּינֹן" (the chief Oholivama, the chief Ela, the chief Pinon) appears in Genesis 36:41 as part of the genealogy of Esau (Edom). These names represent tribal chiefs descended from Esau, as detailed in the broader context of the chapter.

Traditional Jewish Commentary

  • Rashi (Genesis 36:41): Rashi explains that the term "אַלּוּף" (alluf) here refers to a chieftain or leader of a clan. He notes that these names—Oholivama, Ela, and Pinon—are among the descendants of Esau who became rulers in the land of Edom. Rashi emphasizes that the Torah lists these names to fulfill the prophecy that Esau would produce kings and leaders (Genesis 25:23).
  • Ramban (Nachmanides, Genesis 36:41): The Ramban adds that these chiefs were not merely local leaders but held significant power, reflecting the strength and organization of Edomite society. He connects this to the broader theme of Esau's material success, as promised by Isaac's blessing (Genesis 27:39-40).
  • Midrash Tanchuma (Vayishlach 8): The Midrash teaches that the names of Esau's descendants are recorded to contrast their temporal power with the spiritual legacy of Jacob. While Esau's line produced earthly rulers, Jacob's descendants would bring forth the Torah and the Jewish people's eternal mission.

Significance of the Names

The names themselves may carry symbolic meanings:

  • Oholivama (אָהֳלִיבָמָה): Some commentators suggest it means "tent of the high place," possibly alluding to Edomite idolatrous practices (see Rashi on Genesis 36:2).
  • Ela (אֵלָה): Means "terebinth tree" or "oak," a symbol of strength in biblical imagery (see Isaiah 6:13).
  • Pinon (פִּינֹן): Possibly related to the word for "precious stone," hinting at Edom's wealth in minerals (see Obadiah 1:6).

Broader Context in Jewish Thought

The Torah's detailed account of Esau's lineage serves multiple purposes:

  • To document the fulfillment of divine prophecies regarding Esau's descendants.
  • To highlight the contrast between Esau's material success and Jacob's spiritual destiny.
  • To provide historical context for future interactions between Israel and Edom, as seen in later biblical books (e.g., Obadiah, Psalms 137:7).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who are the chiefs mentioned in Genesis 36:41?
A: The verse lists three chiefs (אַלּוּף) from the descendants of Esau: Oholivama, Ela, and Pinon. These were leaders of clans in Edom, as recorded in the Torah to document the lineage and leadership structure of Esau's descendants (Rashi on Genesis 36:40-43).
Q: Why does the Torah list the chiefs of Edom in Genesis 36?
A: The Torah lists the chiefs of Edom to fulfill the prophecy given to Rebecca that 'two nations are in your womb' (Genesis 25:23). By documenting Esau's descendants, the Torah shows how they became a significant nation, parallel to Jacob's descendants (Ramban on Genesis 36:1).
Q: What is the significance of the title 'Aluf' (chief) in Genesis 36:41?
A: The title 'Aluf' (אַלּוּף) signifies a tribal leader or duke in Edom. Unlike kings who ruled sequentially (as listed earlier in Genesis 36), these chiefs ruled simultaneously over different clans, showing the decentralized leadership structure of Edom (Ibn Ezra on Genesis 36:15).
Q: How does Genesis 36:41 connect to Jewish tradition?
A: While this verse focuses on Esau's descendants, Jewish tradition sees it as part of the Torah's broader narrative about the development of nations. The Sages teach that understanding other nations' histories helps us appreciate the uniqueness of Israel's mission (Midrash Tanchuma, Toldot 11).
Q: Are there any lessons we can learn from Genesis 36:41 today?
A: Yes, this verse teaches that every nation and family has its divinely ordained role in history. Just as the Torah carefully records Esau's lineage, we learn to recognize the importance of all people while remaining focused on our own Jewish identity and purpose (Malbim on Genesis 36:1).