What does Genesis 36:4 mean?
This and the following verse (Genesis 36:5) list the names of Esau's five sons. These are the children whose ancestors will populate the land of Seir (Genesis 36:8), becoming a nation called Edom. Just as Esau is known as Edom (Genesis 36:1), his twin brother Jacob is known as Israel (Genesis 35:10). The "brother nations" of their respective descendants will eventually become hated enemies.The name Eliphaz means something like "the god El conquers" or perhaps "my god is Paz." Reuel means "friend of El (God)," a name later used by Jacob's descendants.