Genesis 28:1

Authorized King James Version

And Isaac called Jacob, and blessed him, and charged him, and said unto him, Thou shalt not take a wife of the daughters of Canaan.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּקְרָ֥א
called
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
#2
יִצְחָ֛ק
And Isaac
jitschak (or isaac), son of abraham
#3
אֶֽל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
יַעֲקֹ֖ב
Jacob
jaakob, the israelitish patriarch
#5
וַיְבָ֣רֶךְ
and blessed
to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as
#6
אֹת֑וֹ
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#7
וַיְצַוֵּ֙הוּ֙
him and charged
(intensively) to constitute, enjoin
#8
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר
him and said
to say (used with great latitude)
#9
ל֔וֹ
H0
#10
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#11
תִקַּ֥ח
unto him Thou shalt not take
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#12
אִשָּׁ֖ה
a wife
a woman
#13
מִבְּנ֥וֹת
of the daughters
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
#14
כְּנָֽעַן׃
of Canaan
kenaan, a son a ham; also the country inhabited by him

Analysis

The creation and providence theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the tribal and clan-based society of the ancient Near East. The author writes to address the foundational narrative for Israel's identity and relationship with God, making the emphasis on creation and providence particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Study Resources