Genesis 36:6

Authorized King James Version

And Esau took his wives, and his sons, and his daughters, and all the persons of his house, and his cattle, and all his beasts, and all his substance, which he had got in the land of Canaan; and went into the country from the face of his brother Jacob.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּקַּ֣ח

H3947

took

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

עֵשָׂ֡ו

H6215

And Esau

esav, a son of isaac, including his posterity

אֶת

H853

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

נָ֠שָׁיו

H802

his wives

a woman

וְאֶת

H853

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

בָּנָ֣יו

H1121

and his sons

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

וְאֶת

H853

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

בְּנֹתָיו֮

H1323

and his daughters

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

וְאֶת

H853

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

#10

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#11

נַפְשׁ֣וֹת

H5315

and all the persons

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

#12

בֵּיתוֹ֒

H1004

of his house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

#13

וְאֶת

H853

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

#14

מִקְנֵ֣הוּ

H4735

and his cattle

something bought, i.e., property, but only live stock; abstractly, acquisition

#15

וְאֶת

H853

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

#16

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#17

בְּהֶמְתּ֗וֹ

H929

and all his beasts

properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)

#18

וְאֵת֙

H853

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

#19

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#20

קִנְיָנ֔וֹ

H7075

and all his substance

creation, i.e., (concretely) creatures; also acquisition, purchase, wealth

#21

אֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#22

רָכַ֖שׁ

H7408

which he had got

to lay up, i.e., collect

#23

אֶ֔רֶץ

H776

in the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#24

כְּנָ֑עַן

H3667

of Canaan

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

#25

וַיֵּ֣לֶךְ

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

#26

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#27

אֶ֔רֶץ

H776

in the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#28

מִפְּנֵ֖י

H6440

from the face

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

#29

יַֽעֲקֹ֥ב

H3290

Jacob

jaakob, the israelitish patriarch

#30

אָחִֽיו׃

H251

of his brother

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

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

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

How does this verse's literary context within Genesis chapter 36 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
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?

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