What does "chief" mean in the context of this passage about Esau’s sons?
Genesis 36:15
NKJV - 15 These were the chiefs of the sons of Esau. The sons of Eliphaz, the firstborn son of Esau, were Chief Teman, Chief Omar, Chief Zepho, Chief Kenaz.
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Asked April 11 2019
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Lawrie Yinka
For follow-up discussion and general commentary on the topic. Comments are sorted chronologically.
Shirley H
This word chief is interesting. 17 different Hebrew words are represented by "chief. For example, ro'sh = head, sar = Prince, re'shith = beginning.
The Hebrew word beth'abh = house of the father, a technical term denoting a subdivision of a tribe. In Numbers 31:26 & Ezra 1:5, for example = the heads of the fathers houses.
Hebrew Naghidi and nasi = Prince in 1 Chronicles 5:2 And Numbers 3:32.
In the New Testament, the Greek word, protos = first or chiefest. As in Matthew 20:27, Mark 10:44. In Acts 16:12, it is in reference to a "principal" city.
The Greek word archon = Prince or ruler. See Luke 11:15, and 14:1 it refers to the chief ( head, leading) Pharisee.
1Timothy 1:15, Paul calls himself the chief of sinners!