Thus dwelt Esau in mount Seir: Esau is Edom.

GENESIS 36:8KJV
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Genesis 36:8 (KJV)

What does Genesis 36:8 mean?

Genesis 36:8 states that Esau settled in the region called Mount Seir, and it identifies Esau as the same person known as Edom. This verse marks the place where Esau, Jacob’s brother, established his home and became the ancestor of the Edomite people.

Genesis 36:8 is part of a genealogy section describing the descendants of Esau. The verse is not spoken by a person but is a narrative note from the writer, clarifying that Esau’s territory was Mount Seir and connecting him directly to the nation of Edom. This helps the reader understand the origins of the Edomites and their land in relation to the broader story of Jacob and Esau.

Where else these words appear

“Seir” Hebrew H8165 · used in 38 verses

  • Genesis 14:6 And the Horites in their mount Seir, unto Elparan, which is by the wilderness.
  • Deuteronomy 2:4 And command thou the people, saying, Ye are to pass through the coast of your brethren the children of Esau, which dwell in Seir; and they shall be afraid of you: take ye good heed unto yourselves therefore:
  • 1 Chronicles 1:38 And the sons of Seir; Lotan, and Shobal, and Zibeon, and Anah, and Dishon, and Ezer, and Dishan.

“Esau” Hebrew H6215 · used in 82 verses

  • Genesis 25:25 And the first came out red, all over like an hairy garment; and they called his name Esau.
  • Genesis 28:6 When Esau saw that Isaac had blessed Jacob, and sent him away to Padanaram, to take him a wife from thence; and that as he blessed him he gave him a charge, saying, Thou shalt not take a wife of the daughters of Canaan;
  • 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.

“Edom” Hebrew H123 · used in 93 verses

  • Genesis 25:30 And Esau said to Jacob, Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red pottage; for I am faint: therefore was his name called Edom.
  • 1 Kings 11:15 For it came to pass, when David was in Edom, and Joab the captain of the host was gone up to bury the slain, after he had smitten every male in Edom;
  • Psalms 137:7 Remember, O LORD, the children of Edom in the day of Jerusalem; who said, Rase it, rase it, even to the foundation thereof.