The Hebrew proper name Bedad (בְּדָד) appears in the Old Testament as the father of Hadad, king of Edom (Genesis 36:35; 1 Chronicles 1:46). The name may derive from the root meaning "alone" or "separation." Hadad son of Bedad is listed among the early kings of Edom who reigned "before any Israelite king reigned" — the same phrase used in both the Genesis and Chronicles genealogies.
The Edomite king list in Genesis 36 and 1 Chronicles 1 provides important historical-theological context for understanding the relationship between Esau's descendants (Edom) and Jacob's descendants (Israel). The phrase "before any Israelite king reigned" (Genesis 36:31) likely anticipates the future monarchy in Israel. Hadad son of Bedad is noted for his military victory over Midian "in the country of Moab." These genealogies testify to God's sovereign ordering of all nations, not just Israel, within His redemptive purposes.