Basemath

A daughter of Elon the Hittite. She was a Canaanite woman whom Esau married, against the wishes of his parents (Genesis 26:34). She may be the same person as Adah, also identified as Elon’s daughter (36:2), or possibly her sister.

A daughter of Ishmael, who also married Esau (Genesis 36:3). She gave birth to Reuel (verses 4, 10). This Basemath is likely the same as Mahalath, another name given for Ishmael’s daughter (28:9). Because Ishmael was Abraham’s son, this marriage may have been more acceptable to Isaac and Rebekah (36:6–8).

See also Mahalath (Person) #1.

The identification of these women is uncertain. Many scholars suggest that Esau had two wives who were each called Basemath. One was Adah, the daughter of Elon the Hittite (Genesis 26:34; 36:2–4). The other was Mahalath, the daughter of Ishmael (28:9; 36:3–4). It is possible that Basemath, meaning “fragrant,” was used as an affectionate or alternative name for more than one wife.

A daughter of King Solomon, who married Ahimaaz, one of the king’s officials in the region of Naphtali (1 Kings 4:15).