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 36:24KJVWhat 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.