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Genesis 36:42 - Clan chiefs of Esau's lineage

Genesis 36:42 - בראשית 36:42

Hebrew Text

אַלּוּף קְנַז אַלּוּף תֵּימָן אַלּוּף מִבְצָר׃

English Translation

the chief Qenaz, the chief Teman, the chief Mivżar,

Transliteration

Aluf K'naz Aluf Teiman Aluf Mivtzar.

Hebrew Leining Text

אַלּ֥וּף קְנַ֛ז אַלּ֥וּף תֵּימָ֖ן אַלּ֥וּף מִבְצָֽר׃
אַלּ֥וּף קְנַ֛ז אַלּ֥וּף תֵּימָ֖ן אַלּ֥וּף מִבְצָֽר׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse אַלּוּף קְנַז אַלּוּף תֵּימָן אַלּוּף מִבְצָר (the chief Qenaz, the chief Teman, the chief Mivżar) appears in Genesis 36:42 as part of the genealogy of Esau (Edom). It lists the tribal chiefs descended from Esau, emphasizing the political and social structure of the Edomite nation.

Interpretation of "Aluf"

The term אַלּוּף (aluf) is understood by Rashi (Genesis 36:15) to mean a "chief" or "leader," derived from the root אלף, which can imply mastery or prominence. Ramban (Nachmanides) elaborates that these chiefs were rulers of clans or regions within Edom, signifying their authority and independence.

Identification of the Chiefs

  • Qenaz (קְנַז): According to Ibn Ezra, Qenaz was a prominent Edomite clan leader. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 83:4) connects this name to the Kenizzites mentioned elsewhere in Tanach, though they are distinct groups.
  • Teman (תֵּימָן): Rashi notes that Teman refers to a region in Edom, known for its wisdom (as referenced in Jeremiah 49:7). The name may also signify "south," indicating geographical leadership.
  • Mivżar (מִבְצָר): This term means "fortress," suggesting either a leader associated with a stronghold or a symbolic name representing strength. Radak (Rabbi David Kimchi) explains that such names often reflect the character or domain of the chief.

Historical and Theological Significance

The Torah meticulously records the lineage of Esau to contrast it with the lineage of Yaakov (Jacob). As Rambam (Maimonides) discusses in Guide for the Perplexed (3:50), these genealogies highlight the fulfillment of Hashem's promise that Esau would become a nation with its own leaders, while the spiritual legacy continued through Yaakov.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash Tanchuma (Vayishlach 8) teaches that the enumeration of Esau's chiefs serves as a reminder that even nations opposed to Israel have divinely ordained roles in history. The detailed listing underscores the precision of divine providence in shaping nations.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who are Qenaz, Teman, and Mivzar mentioned in Genesis 36:42?
A: According to Rashi and other traditional commentaries, these were tribal chiefs (allufim) descended from Esav (Esau). The Torah lists them to show the fulfillment of Hashem's promise that Esav would become a great nation (Genesis 36:1). Qenaz, Teman, and Mivzar were leaders of Edomite clans.
Q: Why does the Torah list all these names of Esav's descendants?
A: The Ramban explains that listing Esav's descendants shows how Hashem blessed him with wealth and power, just as He blessed Yaakov (Jacob). This demonstrates that Hashem keeps His promises - He told Rivka (Rebecca) that both of her sons would father great nations (Genesis 25:23). The detailed genealogy also helps distinguish Esav's descendants from Yaakov's.
Q: What does 'alluf' mean in Genesis 36:42?
A: The term 'alluf' (אַלּוּף) means 'chief' or 'leader.' In this context, it refers to the tribal leaders of Edom (Esav's descendants). The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 10b) notes that this term later became a title for important officials. Rashi explains these were powerful clan leaders who ruled over their respective groups.