Magdiel was one of the tribal chieftains (alufim) descended from Esau, Jacob's twin brother. He is mentioned in the genealogies of Edom's chieftains in both Genesis and 1 Chronicles. His name possibly means 'God's precious gift' or 'God's noblest'.
Magdiel is mentioned as one of the tribal chiefs descended from Esau in the land of Edom. This list shows the political organization of Esau's descendants in Edom.
43Chief Magdiel, Chief Iram. These were the chiefs of Edom, according to their settlements in the land they possessed. This was Esau, the father of the Edomites.
Esau, Magdiel's ancestor, settled in the mountains of Seir and became the father of the Edomite people. His descendants were organized under tribal chiefs.
Before Israel had kings, Edom had already established a system of kings and tribal chiefs, with Magdiel being among the last chiefs mentioned in the list.
43Chief Magdiel, Chief Iram. These were the chiefs of Edom, according to their settlements in the land they possessed. This was Esau, the father of the Edomites.