Who was Beor in the Bible?

Beor was the father of Bela, who is recorded as the first king of Edom before any king reigned over the Israelites (Genesis 36:31-32). He is mentioned in the genealogy of the Edomite chiefs and kings, establishing his lineage within the descendants of Esau.

Why is Beor significant in the Bible?

Beor's significance lies primarily in his son, Bela, becoming the first king of Edom. This establishes Beor's family line within the political history of Edom, a nation descended from Esau (Jacob's brother) and often in conflict with Israel.

What do we know about Beor's life?

The Bible provides no specific events from Beor's life. Our knowledge is limited to his familial role as the father of King Bela, as listed in the genealogical records of Genesis 36:31-32 and 1 Chronicles 1:43.

Beor

Old TestamentPatriarchsMaleKingFather

Beor was the father of Bela, an early Edomite king.

Beor

Biography

This Beor was the father of Bela, the first king listed among the ancient kings of Edom in the genealogical record of Genesis 36:31–32 and 1 Chronicles 1:43. The text identifies him in the context of kings who reigned in Edom "before any Israelite king reigned", a phrase that situates Edom's monarchy in the era of the patriarchs, predating Israel's own royal institution by centuries. Beyond his identification as Bela's father, no personal details about this Beor are preserved. He is distinct from Beor the father of Balaam, though they share the same name. His place in the Edomite king list marks him as part of the complex network of nations descending from Abraham's family.

Significance

Though only a name in a genealogical list, this Beor, father of Bela, holds a small but meaningful place in the biblical record of nations. The Edomite king list in Genesis 36 is significant because it demonstrates God's faithfulness to his promise to Abraham that kings would come from his lineage, fulfilled not only through Israel but through Esau's descendants as well (Genesis 17:6). The inclusion of Edomite rulers in Scripture's historical record reflects the biblical author's awareness that God's providential hand extended beyond Israel to surrounding nations, all of which fall within the scope of the biblical narrative of human history and divine sovereignty.

Verse Appearances (2)

Genesis

Genesis 36:32

1Chr

1Chr 1:43

References

Orr, J. (ed.) (1915) The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Chicago: Howard-Severance Company. [Public Domain]
Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Individualised Proper Names with all References (TIPNR). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
Wikidata contributors (n.d.) Wikidata. Available at: https://www.wikidata.org. [CC0]
Church of England (1769) The Holy Bible, Authorized (King James) Version. [Public Domain]

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