King James Version

What Does Genesis 36:27 Mean?

Genesis 36:27 in the King James Version says “The children of Ezer are these; Bilhan, and Zaavan, and Akan. Akan: or, Jakan” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 36 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The children of Ezer are these; Bilhan, and Zaavan, and Akan. Akan: or, Jakan”

Genesis 36:27 · KJV

Context

25

And the children of Anah were these; Dishon, and Aholibamah the daughter of Anah.

26

And these are the children of Dishon; Hemdan, and Eshban, and Ithran, and Cheran. Hemdan: or, Amram

27

The children of Ezer are these; Bilhan, and Zaavan, and Akan. Akan: or, Jakan

28

The children of Dishan are these; Uz, and Aran.

29

These are the dukes that came of the Horites; duke Lotan, duke Shobal, duke Zibeon, duke Anah,

Read Genesis 36 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The children of Ezer are these; Bilhan, and Zaavan, and Akan.... This passage belongs to the Jacob narratives which demonstrate God's sovereign election overriding human merit and the transformation of a deceiver into Israel, the father of the twelve tribes. The Jacob cycle shows how divine purposes advance through flawed individuals whom God graciously transforms.

Key themes include God's sovereign choice ("the older shall serve the younger"), the consequences of deception and family dysfunction, exile and return patterns, wrestling with God leading to blessing, and covenant renewal across generations. Jacob's character development from manipulative deceiver to mature patriarch demonstrates sanctification's lifelong process.

Theologically significant aspects include: (1) divine election based on grace not merit (Romans 9:10-13); (2) God's faithfulness to covenant promises despite human unfaithfulness; (3) discipline as evidence of divine love and means of transformation; (4) generational patterns of sin requiring divine intervention to break; (5) prayer and wrestling with God as legitimate expressions of faith. Jacob's limp after wrestling God symbolizes how divine encounters leave permanent marks, transforming our approach to life and dependence on God rather than our own cunning.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The patriarchal narratives (Genesis 12-50) reflect the cultural, social, and legal customs of the ancient Near East during the Middle Bronze Age (2000-1500 BCE). Archaeological discoveries including the Mari tablets, Nuzi tablets, and Egyptian records confirm many details: nomadic pastoralism, covenant-making ceremonies, marriage customs, property laws, and international travel patterns described in Genesis.

The cultural practices reflected include: treaty/covenant forms (Genesis 15), bride-price customs (Genesis 24, 29), inheritance laws favoring firstborn sons (Genesis 25, 27), adoption practices (Genesis 15, 30), levirate-type arrangements (Genesis 38), and Egyptian administrative systems (Genesis 41, 47). These parallels confirm Genesis's historical reliability while showing how God worked within ancient cultural frameworks to accomplish His purposes.

For later Israelites, these narratives established their identity as Abraham's descendants, explained their claim to Canaan, justified their possession of Joseph's bones (Exodus 13:19), and provided models of faith despite imperfection. The patriarchs' failures and God's faithfulness encouraged Israel that covenant relationship depended on God's grace rather than human merit. The movement from Mesopotamia to Canaan to Egypt set the stage for the Exodus and conquest narratives.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding this verse shape our doctrine of humanity, sin, or salvation?
  2. How can we apply the principles from this passage to contemporary challenges in family, work, or church?
  3. How does this verse fit into the broader biblical story culminating in Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
אֵ֖לֶּה1 of 6
H428

these or those

בְּנֵי2 of 6

“The children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

אֵ֑צֶר3 of 6

“of Ezer”

H687

etser, an idumaean

בִּלְהָ֥ן4 of 6

“are these Bilhan”

H1092

bilhan, the name of an edomite and of an israelite

וְזַֽעֲוָ֖ן5 of 6

“and Zaavan”

H2190

zaavan, an idumaean

וַֽעֲקָֽן׃6 of 6

“and Akan”

H6130

akan, an idummaean

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Genesis. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Genesis 36:27 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Genesis 36:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 36:211 Chronicles 1:381 Chronicles 1:42

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