Bible Dictionary
OHOLIBAMAH
Oholibamah was the name of one of Esau’s wives and also of an Edomite chief. The Biblical genealogical records appear to contain a difficulty concerning the woman’s identity and family connections.
Definition
Oholibamah is the name of one of Esau’s wives and also of an Edomite chief. The genealogical records contain an apparent difficulty concerning the woman’s naming and family connections.
Biblical Usage
Oholibamah is identified as Esau’s wife and as the daughter of Anah the Hivite. The same name is later applied to an Edomite chief.
Historical Background
The entry notes that Oholibamah is not named with Esau’s other wives in two related passages and concludes that there is probably some error in the text, though proposed explanations are unsatisfactory.
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>o-hol-i-ba'-ma, o-hol-i-ba'-ma ('oholibhamah, "tent of the high place"):</p><p>(1) One of Esau's wives, and a daughter of Anah the Hivite (Ge 36:2,5). It is strange that she is not named along with Esau's other wives in either Ge 28:9 or 26:30. Various explanations have been given, but none of them is satisfactory. There is probably some error in the text.</p><p>(2) An Edomite chief (Ge 36:41; 1Ch 1:52).</p>