Genesis 28:6

Authorized King James Version

When Esau saw that Isaac had blessed Jacob, and sent him away to Padan-aram, to take him a wife from thence; and that as he blessed him he gave him a charge, saying, Thou shalt not take a wife of the daughters of Canaan;

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיַּ֣רְא

H7200

saw

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

עֵשָׂ֗ו

H6215

When Esau

esav, a son of isaac, including his posterity

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

בְּבָרֲכ֣וֹ

H1288

from thence and that as he 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

יִצְחָק֮

H3327

that Isaac

jitschak (or isaac), son of abraham

אֶֽת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

יַעֲקֹב֒

H3290

Jacob

jaakob, the israelitish patriarch

וְשִׁלַּ֤ח

H7971

and sent him away

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

אֹתוֹ֙

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#10

פַּדֶּ֣נָֽה

#11

אֲרָ֔ם

H6307

to Padanaram

paddan or paddan-aram, a region of syria

#12

תִקַּ֥ח

H3947

Thou shalt not take

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

#13

ל֥וֹ

#14

מִשָּׁ֖ם

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

#15

אִשָּׁ֖ה

H802

a wife

a woman

#16

בְּבָרֲכ֣וֹ

H1288

from thence and that as he 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

#17

אֹת֔וֹ

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#18

וַיְצַ֤ו

H6680

him he gave him a charge

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

#19

עָלָיו֙

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#20

לֵאמֹ֔ר

H559

saying

to say (used with great latitude)

#21

לֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#22

תִקַּ֥ח

H3947

Thou shalt not take

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

#23

אִשָּׁ֖ה

H802

a wife

a woman

#24

מִבְּנ֥וֹת

H1323

of the daughters

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

#25

כְּנָֽעַן׃

H3667

of Canaan

kenaan, a son a ham; also the country inhabited by him

Analysis

This verse develops the creation and providence theme central to Genesis. The concept of divine revelation reflects God's absolute sovereignty over all existence. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to foundational narrative establishing God's relationship with creation and humanity, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the patriarchal period (c. 2000-1500 BCE) and primeval history provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The ancient Near Eastern world with its creation myths, flood narratives, and patriarchal social structures provided the cultural backdrop against which God's revelation stands in stark contrast. The ancient Near Eastern cosmology and patriarchal society would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Ancient Near Eastern creation texts like Enuma Elish provide comparative context for understanding Genesis's unique theological perspective.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of creation and providence, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
What practical applications emerge from understanding creation and providence as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?

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