Original Word: אוֹמָר
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Owmar
Pronunciation: oh-MAHR
Phonetic Spelling: (o-mawr')
KJV: Omar
NASB: Omar
Word Origin: [from H559 (אָמַר - said)]

1. talkative
2. Omar, a grandson of Esau

Omar

From 'amar; talkative; Omar, a grandson of Esau -- Omar.

see HEBREW 'amar

Word Origin
from amar
Definition
a grandson of Esau
NASB Translation
Omar (3).

אוֺמָר proper name, masculine grandson of Esau (eloquent?) Genesis 36:11,15; 1 Chronicles 1:36.

Identity and Occurrences

Omar is named three times in Scripture, each appearance within genealogical records: Genesis 36:11, Genesis 36:15, and 1 Chronicles 1:36. He is listed as a son of Eliphaz and a grandson of Esau, belonging to the early generations of the Edomite people.

Genealogical Context

Esau, also called Edom, fathered the nation that became Israel’s southeastern neighbor and frequent adversary. Eliphaz, Esau’s firstborn by Adah, produced several sons, among whom Omar is recorded (Genesis 36:11). The line is repeated in 1 Chronicles 1:36 as part of the Chronicler’s sweeping rehearsal of national origins from Adam onward. These genealogies establish Omar as an early clan head and help trace the descent of Edomite tribes that inhabited Seir.

Edomite Chieftaincy

Genesis 36:15 designates Omar a “chief” (Hebrew “aluph,” rendered “chief” in the Berean Standard Bible), indicating a position of clan leadership:

“‘These are the chiefs among the sons of Esau: The sons of Eliphaz the firstborn of Esau are Chiefs Teman, Omar, Zepho, Kenaz…’” (Genesis 36:15).

The inclusion of Omar among the chiefs highlights the organized tribal structure of Edom and reveals that the Edomites developed governing hierarchies parallel to, though apart from, the covenant family of Jacob.

Geographical Association

The Edomites settled in the rugged hill country of Seir south of the Dead Sea. As a chief, Omar’s clan would have controlled a portion of this territory, participating in trade routes that crossed Edom and in the political dynamics that eventually set Edom at odds with Israel (Numbers 20:14-21; Obadiah 10-14).

Historical Significance

Omar’s brief mention underscores Scripture’s attention to accurate historical record. Though not elaborated upon in narrative, his name authenticates the lineage through which the Edomites emerged. Later prophetic literature condemns Edom for hostility toward Judah (for example Obadiah 1-21), yet the early genealogies remind readers that Edom’s founders, including Omar, were blood relatives of Israel. This kinship magnifies the tragedy of later animosity and displays the far-reaching consequences of choices made by patriarchal families.

Theological and Ministry Reflections

1. Faithfulness to Record: The Spirit-inspired preservation of even lesser-known figures like Omar confirms that “all Scripture is God-breathed” and purposeful (2 Timothy 3:16). Teachers may therefore draw confidence that nothing in God’s Word is superfluous.
2. Shared Origins, Divergent Destinies: Omar’s place in Esau’s line illustrates how proximity to covenant blessing does not guarantee participation in it. Ministries can use this example to call listeners toward personal faith rather than reliance on heritage.
3. Leadership Influence: As an Edomite chief, Omar likely shaped the values of his descendants. The biblical acknowledgement of his role invites leaders today to weigh the generational impact of their decisions.

Key References

Genesis 36:11; Genesis 36:15; 1 Chronicles 1:36

אוֹמָ֔ר אומר וְאוֹמָר֙ ואומר ’ō·w·mār ’ōwmār oMar veoMar wə’ōwmār wə·’ō·w·mārInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts