Duke

Duke in the KJV translates the Hebrew ʾallûp (literally chief or clan-head), used specifically of the chiefs or tribal leaders of Edom—the heads of the Edomite clans descended from Esau's sons (Gen. 36:15–43; Exod. 15:15; 1 Chr. 1:51–54). The term designates the heads of the constituent clans into which Edomite society was organized, each named after a territorial designation or ancestor. The word bears no connection to the English feudal title "duke" beyond the KJV's translation convention.

Modern translations consistently use "chief," "clan-chief," or "chieftain" to avoid the feudal English connotation. The ISBE notes that the Edomite social organization implied by these lists—with multiple simultaneous chiefs rather than a single king—represents either an earlier non-monarchic period of Edomite history or a parallel tribal organization existing alongside the royal line. Exodus 15:15's reference to the chiefs of Edom trembling at the news of Israel's Exodus confirms the political significance of these leaders in the ancient Near Eastern world.