Who was Eliphaz in the Bible?

Eliphaz was the firstborn son of Esau and his wife Adah, making him a grandson of Isaac and a great-grandson of Abraham. He became the father of several Edomite clans, as recorded in the genealogies of Genesis 36:4, 10-12, 15-16 and 1 Chronicles 1:35-36.

Why is Eliphaz significant in the Bible?

Eliphaz is significant primarily for his genealogical role, establishing a major lineage of the Edomites, who were the descendants of Esau. His mention helps trace the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham of many descendants and shows the separation between the lines of Jacob (Israel) and Esau (Edom).

What key events involve Eliphaz in the Bible?

The Bible does not record specific narrative events in Eliphaz's life. His entire biblical significance comes from his listing in the genealogical records, which confirm his status as a clan chief and his role in populating the region of Edom.

Eliphaz

Old TestamentPatriarchsMaleSon

Eliphaz was the firstborn son of Esau and the father of several Edomite clans (Gen.36.4,10-12,15-16; 1Ch.1.35-36).

Eliphaz

Biography

Eliphaz was the firstborn son of Esau, born of Adah the daughter of Elon the Hittite (Gen 36:4, 10). He became a significant patriarchal figure among the Edomites, fathering several sons who became clan chiefs: Teman, Omar, Zepho, Gatam, and Kenaz (Gen 36:11–12; 1 Chr 1:35–36). Through a concubine named Timna, Eliphaz also fathered Amalek (Gen 36:12), whose descendants became the Amalekites, a people who would prove to be persistent adversaries of Israel throughout the Old Testament. The genealogical lists in Genesis 36 and 1 Chronicles 1 carefully preserve Eliphaz's name and lineage, underscoring his foundational role in Edomite clan structure. His life thus bridges Esau's family and the broader geopolitical landscape of the ancient Near East.

Significance

Eliphaz's significance lies in his role as the progenitor of major Edomite clans, including the notorious Amalekite line through Timna (Gen 36:12). The Amalekites became Israel's archetypal enemy, attacking them at Rephidim (Exod 17) and provoking God's perpetual judgment (1 Sam 15). Eliphaz thus stands at the genealogical origin of one of Israel's greatest recurring threats, illustrating the lasting consequences of Esau's choices and the broader biblical tension between the descendants of Jacob and Esau. His lineage also traces the fulfillment of God's oracle to Rebekah that two nations were in her womb (Gen 25:23), with Edom's territorial chiefs descending directly from Eliphaz.

Verse Appearances (8)

Genesis

Genesis 36:4 Genesis 36:10 Genesis 36:11 Genesis 36:12 Genesis 36:15 Genesis 36:16

1Chr

1Chr 1:35 1Chr 1:36

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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