And these are the children of Zibeon; both Ajah, and Anah: this was that Anah that found the mules in the wilderness, as he fed the asses of Zibeon his father.

GENESIS 36:24KJV
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Genesis 36:24 (KJV)

What does Genesis 36:24 mean?

Genesis 36:24 lists the sons of Zibeon—Ajah and Anah—and points out that this Anah is the one who discovered "the mules" in the wilderness while caring for his father's donkeys. The verse identifies Anah by a notable event, distinguishing him from others with the same name.

This verse is part of a genealogy describing the descendants of Esau, specifically the family of Zibeon. The mention of Anah finding "the mules" (or possibly a different animal, depending on translation) in the wilderness serves as a unique detail to help readers remember which Anah is meant, since names often repeat in these records.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 36:24

  • "children" (בֵּן, ben, H1121): This word means "sons" or "descendants," clarifying that the verse is listing Zibeon's direct offspring.
  • "found" (מָצָא, matsa, H4672): This verb means "to find" or "discover," emphasizing that Anah made a notable discovery, not just a routine event.
  • "mules" (יַמִּים, yemim, H3222): The exact meaning is debated; some think it refers to mules, while others suggest a kind of animal or even hot springs. The word is rare, so the verse may be highlighting an unusual or remarkable discovery.
  • "wilderness" (מִדְבָּר, midbar, H4057): This term means an uninhabited or wild area, showing that Anah's discovery happened away from settled places.

Why Genesis 36:24 matters

  • The verse helps readers keep track of which Anah is being discussed in a long list of similar names, using a memorable event as a marker.
  • The detail about "finding the mules" (or other possible meanings) hints at a story or tradition that was well-known to early readers, even if the specifics are less clear today.
  • By including this detail, the genealogy shows that these family records were not just lists of names but also preserved notable family stories and events.

Where else these words appear

“Ajah” Hebrew H345 · used in 6 verses

  • 2 Samuel 3:7 And Saul had a concubine, whose name was Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah: and Ishbosheth said to Abner, Wherefore hast thou gone in unto my father's concubine?
  • 2 Samuel 21:8 But the king took the two sons of Rizpah the daughter of Aiah, whom she bare unto Saul, Armoni and Mephibosheth; and the five sons of Michal the daughter of Saul, whom she brought up for Adriel the son of Barzillai the Meholathite:
  • 2 Samuel 21:11 And it was told David what Rizpah the daughter of Aiah, the concubine of Saul, had done.

“Zibeon” Hebrew H6649 · used in 7 verses

  • Genesis 36:2 Esau took his wives of the daughters of Canaan; Adah the daughter of Elon the Hittite, and Aholibamah the daughter of Anah the daughter of Zibeon the Hivite;
  • Genesis 36:20 These are the sons of Seir the Horite, who inhabited the land; Lotan, and Shobal, and Zibeon, and Anah,
  • 1 Chronicles 1:38 And the sons of Seir; Lotan, and Shobal, and Zibeon, and Anah, and Dishon, and Ezer, and Dishan.

“Anah” Hebrew H6034 · used in 10 verses

  • Genesis 36:2 Esau took his wives of the daughters of Canaan; Adah the daughter of Elon the Hittite, and Aholibamah the daughter of Anah the daughter of Zibeon the Hivite;
  • Genesis 36:20 These are the sons of Seir the Horite, who inhabited the land; Lotan, and Shobal, and Zibeon, and Anah,
  • 1 Chronicles 1:38 And the sons of Seir; Lotan, and Shobal, and Zibeon, and Anah, and Dishon, and Ezer, and Dishan.

“asses” Hebrew H2543 · used in 93 verses

  • Genesis 12:16 And he entreated Abram well for her sake: and he had sheep, and oxen, and he asses, and menservants, and maidservants, and she asses, and camels.
  • Numbers 31:30 And of the children of Israel's half, thou shalt take one portion of fifty, of the persons, of the beeves, of the asses, and of the flocks, of all manner of beasts, and give them unto the Levites, which keep the charge of the tabernacle of the LORD.
  • 1 Samuel 25:42 And Abigail hasted, and arose, and rode upon an ass, with five damsels of hers that went after her; and she went after the messengers of David, and became his wife.