Genealogies were not used in ANE in the same way we use ours today. This article outlines the theory and models of genealogies as used in the Hebrew bible, and explores their purpose: to record the blood relationships and lineage of the people of Israel among the peoples of the ANE; to emphasise their identity as people in covenant relationship to their God, Yahweh; to summarise covenant history; to identify relationships in order to authorise claims to lands and roles, such as priestly and royal ones, especially for those returning to the land after the exile.