Who was Omar in the Bible?

Omar was a grandson of the patriarch Esau and a son of Eliphaz, making him a chieftain in the Edomite lineage. He is listed in the genealogical records of Genesis and 1 Chronicles that trace the descendants of Esau (Genesis 36:11, 15; 1 Chronicles 1:36).

Why is Omar mentioned in the Bible?

Omar's mention is primarily for genealogical and historical record, establishing the clans and leadership of Edom, the nation descended from Esau. His inclusion shows the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that many nations would come from his line, including through Esau (Genesis 25:23).

Are there any stories about Omar in the Bible?

No, the Bible does not record any specific stories or events from Omar's life. His significance is solely through his genealogical listing as one of the tribal chiefs of Edom, highlighting the structure of this neighboring nation to Israel.

Omar

Old TestamentPatriarchsMaleSon

Omar was a son of Eliphaz and a grandson of Esau, mentioned in the genealogies of Edom.

Omar

Biography

Omar was the second son of Eliphaz, who was the firstborn of Esau, making Omar a grandson of Esau and great-grandson of Isaac (Genesis 36:11, 15; 1 Chronicles 1:36). He is listed among the chiefs (or 'dukes') of Edom, indicating that his descendants formed a significant clan within the Edomite tribal confederation. The Edomite territory in the region of Mount Seir, south of the Dead Sea, became the homeland of these clans. Omar's lineage through Eliphaz connected him to a line that included Teman, whose name became synonymous with Edomite wisdom tradition, Eliphaz the Temanite in the book of Job is associated with this same geographic and cultural heritage. Omar's clan contributed to the broader development of Edom as a neighboring nation to Israel.

Significance

Omar's place in the genealogies of Genesis 36 serves the broader biblical purpose of documenting the nations that descended from Abraham through Esau. While God's covenant promises passed through Jacob, the careful recording of Esau's descendants, including Omar, demonstrates divine providence over all peoples. The Edomite chiefs represent the fulfillment of God's promise that Esau too would become a great nation (Genesis 27:39-40). Omar's genealogical context illustrates the biblical theme that God's sovereign purposes encompass nations beyond the covenant line. The Edomites would maintain a complex relationship with Israel throughout biblical history, and tracing their origins through figures like Omar helps readers understand the deep familial roots of these inter-national dynamics.

Authority Records

Wikidata

FatherEliphazSiblingAmalekSiblingTemanSiblingZephonSiblingGatamSiblingKenaz

Verse Appearances (3)

Genesis

Genesis 36:11 Genesis 36:15

1Chr

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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