And Bela died, and Jobab the son of Zerah of Bozrah reigned in his stead.

GENESIS 36:33KJV
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Genesis 36:33 (KJV)

What does Genesis 36:33 mean?

Genesis 36:33 records the death of Bela and the succession of Jobab, the son of Zerah from Bozrah, as the next ruler. This verse is part of a genealogy listing the kings who ruled in Edom before Israel had kings.

Genesis 36 is a historical record, and this verse is simply noting a change in leadership among the Edomite kings. The writer is not speaking directly to anyone but is documenting the line of rulers descended from Esau, Jacob’s brother. The mention of Bozrah, a significant Edomite city, helps identify Jobab’s background and connects him to the region’s leadership.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 36:33

  • בָּלָע (Bela, transliterated "Bela") is the name of the previous king, and its use here marks the end of his reign.
  • מֵת (mēt, transliterated "died") is the standard Hebrew word for death, simply indicating the passing of Bela.
  • יֹובָב (Yovav, transliterated "Jobab") is the name of the new king, and the text specifies his lineage and city, which was important for identifying rulers in ancient records.
  • בֶּן (ben, transliterated "son") shows direct descent, emphasizing the importance of family lines in leadership.
  • בֹּצְרָה (Botzrah, transliterated "Bozrah") is a city in Edom, and its mention ties Jobab to a specific place of authority.

Why Genesis 36:33 matters

  • This verse helps clarify the succession of Edomite kings, showing that leadership changed hands and was not always hereditary from father to son.
  • By naming Jobab’s father and city, the verse highlights the importance of family and regional connections in ancient leadership.
  • The record of Edomite kings before Israel had its own monarchy sets a historical context, showing that neighboring nations had established rulers before Israel did.

Where else these words appear

“Jobab” Hebrew H3103 · used in 9 verses

  • Genesis 10:29 And Ophir, and Havilah, and Jobab: all these were the sons of Joktan.
  • Joshua 11:1 And it came to pass, when Jabin king of Hazor had heard those things, that he sent to Jobab king of Madon, and to the king of Shimron, and to the king of Achshaph,
  • 1 Chronicles 1:45 And when Jobab was dead, Husham of the land of the Temanites reigned in his stead.

“Bozrah” Hebrew H1224 · used in 9 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 1:44 And when Bela was dead, Jobab the son of Zerah of Bozrah reigned in his stead.
  • Isaiah 63:1 Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save.
  • Jeremiah 49:22 Behold, he shall come up and fly as the eagle, and spread his wings over Bozrah: and at that day shall the heart of the mighty men of Edom be as the heart of a woman in her pangs.

“Bela” Hebrew H1106 · used in 14 verses

  • Genesis 14:2 That these made war with Bera king of Sodom, and with Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, and Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela, which is Zoar.
  • Numbers 26:38 The sons of Benjamin after their families: of Bela, the family of the Belaites: of Ashbel, the family of the Ashbelites: of Ahiram, the family of the Ahiramites:
  • 1 Chronicles 5:8 And Bela the son of Azaz, the son of Shema, the son of Joel, who dwelt in Aroer, even unto Nebo and Baalmeon:

“Zerah” Hebrew H2226 · used in 21 verses

  • Genesis 36:13 And these are the sons of Reuel; Nahath, and Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah: these were the sons of Bashemath Esau's wife.
  • Joshua 7:1 But the children of Israel committed a trespass in the accursed thing: for Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took of the accursed thing: and the anger of the LORD was kindled against the children of Israel.
  • 1 Chronicles 2:6 And the sons of Zerah; Zimri, and Ethan, and Heman, and Calcol, and Dara: five of them in all.