Lexical Summary Magdiel: Magdiel Original Word: מַגְדִּיאֵל Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Magdiel From meged and 'el; preciousness of God; Magdiel, an Idumaean -- Magdiel. see HEBREW meged see HEBREW 'el NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom meged and el Definition "excellence of God," an Edomite chief NASB Translation Magdiel (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs מַגְדִּיאֵל proper name, masculine a chief of Edom, Genesis 36:43 = 1 Chronicles 1:54; ᵐ5B Μεδιηλ (Chronicles), ᵐ5A Μετοδιηλ (Genesis), Μαγεδιηλ (Chronicles, compare ᵐ5L) — (compare Sabean מגדעל DerenbÉtudes i. 65, Palmyrene מגדֹת (? מגרת) CookAramaic Glossary 70). מְגִדּוֺ, מְגִדּוֺן see גדד. מִגְדָּל, מִגְדּוֺל, מִגְדֹּל see גדל. מָגוֺג proper name see גוג. I, II. מָגוֺר, מְגוֺרָה, מְגוּרָה see I, III. גור. [מַגְזֵרָה] see גזר. מַגָּל see נגל. מְגִלָּה see גלל. [מְגַמָּה] see גמם. מָגֵן, מִגֵּן, מְגִנָּה see גנן. מִגְעֶ֫רֶת see גער. מַגֵּפָה see נגף. Topical Lexicon Occurrences and Immediate Context Magdiel appears twice in the Old Testament, both times within genealogical catalogues that list the territorial chiefs (or “dukes”) descended from Esau. In both passages Magdiel is presented as one of the last named tribal leaders of Edom, grouped with others who governed distinct regions in Seir after Esau’s lineage had become established. Historical Setting within Edom 1. Political Structure: The chiefs of Genesis 36 represent tribal leaders who exercised localized authority in a confederation of clans rather than a centralized monarchy. Magdiel therefore governed a district or fortified settlement that carried his name. The Significance of the Name Magdiel combines a root for “magnify” or “be great” with the divine title “El.” The construction hints at a boast of strength gained from (or directed toward) deity. In Edom’s milieu of highland citadels, the name likely celebrated a clan’s proud claim that God—or the gods—supported their might. Scripture records the name without comment, yet its very form underscores a paradox: a people often hostile to Israel still bore witness, however dimly, to the supremacy of God. Connections to Israel’s Story 1. Sibling Nations: Jacob and Esau were twins (Genesis 25:24-26); their descendants, Israel and Edom, remained intertwined in both kinship and conflict. The inclusion of Magdiel in Genesis underscores that God’s covenant record tracks every branch of Abraham’s family tree, not Israel only. Theological Observations • Divine Sovereignty: By naming even peripheral Edomite chiefs, Scripture demonstrates God’s exhaustive knowledge of nations (Psalm 147:4). Ministry Applications 1. Confidence in Scripture: Lists that modern readers may skim attest to the historical bedrock of biblical revelation. When God gives names, He anchors faith in verifiable reality. Summary Magdiel designates both a person—the Edomite chief—and the district he ruled during the formative generations after Esau. Though mentioned only twice, the name sits at the crossroads of biblical themes: God’s meticulous record-keeping, the intertwined destinies of Israel and Edom, and the abiding truth that no earthly stronghold rivals the protection found in the Lord. Forms and Transliterations מַגְדִּיאֵ֖ל מגדיאל maḡ·dî·’êl maḡdî’êl magdiElLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 36:43 HEB: אַלּ֥וּף מַגְדִּיאֵ֖ל אַלּ֣וּף עִירָ֑ם NAS: chief Magdiel, chief Iram. KJV: Duke Magdiel, duke Iram: INT: chief Magdiel chief Iram 1 Chronicles 1:54 2 Occurrences |