Genesis 36:15-19

The Tribal Chiefs of Esau

15. the dukes Better, as marg., chiefs. The word "duke" has been introduced into the English version from the Lat. duxwhich translates the LXX ἡγεμών. The Heb. allûphis connected with eleph= 1000, or "a clan"; and hence is used for "the chieftain of a clan," or "a chiliarch," especially in Edom: cf. Exodus 15:15; Zechariah 9:7; Zechariah 12:5-6.

"Duke," in Old English, was not limited to the highest rank of nobility. It meant "leader" or "chief." Cf. Wiclif, Matt.ii. 6, "And thou Bethleem … for of thee a duykshall go out"; Latimer, Serm., p. 31, "Gideon a dukewhich God raised up."

duke Teman A better idea would be conveyed to English readers, if the rendering were "the chieftain of Teman, of Omar, &c."