Genesis 28:8

Authorized King James Version

And Esau seeing that the daughters of Canaan pleased not Isaac his father;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיַּ֣רְא
seeing
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#2
עֵשָׂ֔ו
And Esau
esav, a son of isaac, including his posterity
#3
כִּ֥י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#4
רָע֖וֹת
not
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
#5
בְּנ֣וֹת
that the daughters
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
#6
כְּנָ֑עַן
of Canaan
kenaan, a son a ham; also the country inhabited by him
#7
בְּעֵינֵ֖י
pleased
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#8
יִצְחָ֥ק
Isaac
jitschak (or isaac), son of abraham
#9
אָבִֽיו׃
H1
his father
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

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

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

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