Genesis 36:42

Posted on February 5, 2006 by Eusebius Sophronius Hieronymus

Gn 36:42 dux Cenez, dux Theman, dux Mabsar,

duke Cenez, duke Theman, duke Mabsar,

# Latin Gloss Grammar Tag
1 dux duke / chief NOM.SG.M
2 Cenez Kenaz NOM.SG.M
3 dux duke / chief NOM.SG.M
4 Theman Teman NOM.SG.M
5 dux duke / chief NOM.SG.M
6 Mabsar Mibzar NOM.SG.M

Syntax

Appositional Series: dux Cenez, dux Theman, dux Mabsar —
This verse follows the genealogical formula of enumeration, each clause consisting of a title dux followed by a proper name in apposition. Each pair represents a distinct chief within the lineage of Esau, continuing the pattern of tribal and territorial designation established in Genesis 36.

Morphology

  1. dux — Lemma: dux; Part of Speech: noun (title); Form: nominative singular masculine; Function: titular appositive introducing the proper name; Translation: “chief”; Notes: The formal title given to Edomite tribal leaders; repeated for rhythmic and hierarchical structure.
  2. Cenez — Lemma: Cenez; Part of Speech: proper noun; Form: nominative singular masculine; Function: apposition to dux; Translation: “Cenez”; Notes: Denotes a chief or eponymous ancestor among the Edomites; possibly related to the Kenizzites mentioned later in genealogies.
  3. dux — Lemma: dux; Part of Speech: noun (title); Form: nominative singular masculine; Function: repeated titular noun introducing the next name; Translation: “chief”; Notes: Each dux marks a new individual in the genealogical record; structure mirrors the Hebrew repetition of “אַלּוּף” (*’alluph*).
  4. Theman — Lemma: Theman; Part of Speech: proper noun; Form: nominative singular masculine; Function: apposition to dux; Translation: “Theman”; Notes: Represents a well-known Edomite clan and region (later known as Teman); associated with wisdom traditions in Edomite culture.
  5. dux — Lemma: dux; Part of Speech: noun (title); Form: nominative singular masculine; Function: appositive title introducing the next name; Translation: “chief”; Notes: Maintains the same grammatical and semantic role as previous instances, structuring the list of rulers.
  6. Mabsar — Lemma: Mabsar; Part of Speech: proper noun; Form: nominative singular masculine; Function: apposition to dux; Translation: “Mabsar”; Notes: The final name in this triadic sequence; designates another tribal leader of Esau’s descendants, possibly eponymous for a location or family division.

 

About Eusebius Sophronius Hieronymus

Born around 346 A.D. in Stridon, St. Jerome was a scholar fluent in Latin, Greek, and Hebrew whose ascetic discipline and deep engagement with Scripture prepared him for a monumental task: translating the Bible into Latin. Commissioned by Pope Damasus I around 382 A.D., Jerome began by revising the flawed Old Latin Gospels, then expanded his work to the entire Bible. For the New Testament, he corrected Latin texts using Greek manuscripts; for the Old Testament, he translated most books directly from Hebrew—a controversial but principled choice. His final Psalter, however, followed the Greek Septuagint tradition for liturgical use. This composite translation, later known as the Vulgate (editio vulgata), became the authoritative biblical text of the Western Church, formally endorsed at the Council of Trent in 1546. The Vulgate’s influence extends beyond theology into textual criticism and Latin education. As one of the earliest translations grounded in original-language scholarship, it offers a vital witness to the state of biblical texts in late antiquity. Jerome’s lexical and syntactic decisions are studied to trace manuscript history and assess variant readings. Its elegant Latin, consistent in grammar and rich in vocabulary, became a model for medieval and Renaissance learning, bridging classical and ecclesiastical Latin. More than a translation, the Vulgate helped define Christian doctrine, preserved the Latin language, and laid essential groundwork for the critical study of Scripture—remaining indispensable to students of Latin, theology, and textual history.
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