Genesis 36:6
וַיִּקַּ֣ח עֵשָׂ֡ו אֶת־֠נָשָׁיו וְאֶת־בָּנָ֣יו וְאֶת־בְּנֹתָיו֮ וְאֶת־כָּל־נַפְשֹׁ֣ות בֵּיתֹו֒ וְאֶת־מִקְנֵ֣הוּ וְאֶת־כָּל־בְּהֶמְתֹּ֗ו וְאֵת֙ כָּל־קִנְיָנֹ֔ו אֲשֶׁ֥ר רָכַ֖שׁ בְּאֶ֣רֶץ כְּנָ֑עַן וַיֵּ֣לֶךְ אֶל־אֶ֔רֶץ מִפְּנֵ֖י יַעֲקֹ֥ב אָחִֽיו׃
Opening Verb: וַיִּקַּח עֵשָׂו
וַיִּקַּח is a Qal wayyiqtol 3ms of ל־ק־ח (“to take”), introducing narrative progression: “Esav took.” The subject עֵשָׂו is explicitly stated for clarity and emphasis. This verb governs a long coordinated list of direct objects, indicating deliberate action.
Coordinated Objects: וְאֶת־נָשָׁיו… וְאֶת־כָּל־קִנְיָנֹו
This verse contains a tightly constructed series of accusative phrases introduced by אֶת or וְאֶת, each marking a new element Esav took with him:
- נָשָׁיו — “his wives”
- בָּנָיו — “his sons”
- בְּנֹתָיו — “his daughters”
- כָּל־נַפְשׁוֹת בֵּיתֹו — “all the people of his household”
- מִקְנֵהוּ — “his livestock”
- כָּל־בְּהֶמְתּוֹ — “all his animals”
- כָּל־קִנְיָנוֹ — “all his possessions”
This accumulation reflects Esav’s wealth and the completeness of his departure.
Relative Clause: אֲשֶׁר רָכַשׁ בְּאֶרֶץ כְּנָעַן
אֲשֶׁר (“which”) introduces a relative clause modifying כָּל־קִנְיָנֹו. רָכַשׁ is a Qal perfect 3ms of ר־כ־שׁ (“to acquire”). The prepositional phrase בְּאֶרֶץ כְּנָעַן (“in the land of Kenaʿan”) locates his wealth acquisition in the Promised Land, underscoring the contrast with his departure from it.
Final Action: וַיֵּלֶךְ אֶל־אֶרֶץ מִפְּנֵי יַעֲקֹב אָחִיו
וַיֵּלֶךְ (“and he went”) is another Qal wayyiqtol 3ms of י־ל־ך, continuing the narrative. אֶל־אֶרֶץ (“to a land”) is the destination, while מִפְּנֵי יַעֲקֹב אָחִיו (“away from the presence of Yaʿaqov his brother”) explains the motive. מִפְּנֵי indicates avoidance or separation, suggesting tension or practical necessity due to wealth or space.
Parsing Table: Key Forms in Genesis 36:6
| Hebrew Word | Root | Form | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| וַיִּקַּח | ל־ק־ח | Qal wayyiqtol (3ms) | “He took” — initiates the action |
| רָכַשׁ | ר־כ־שׁ | Qal perfect (3ms) | “He acquired” — describes Esav’s possessions |
| וַיֵּלֶךְ | י־ל־ך | Qal wayyiqtol (3ms) | “He went” — narrates departure |
| מִפְּנֵי | פ־נ־י | Preposition + construct | “From the presence of” — indicates separation |
The Grammar of Departure
Genesis 36:6 unfolds like a procession of possessions — grammatically paralleled, rhythmically joined. The repeated וְאֶת structures emphasize totality, while relative and prepositional clauses anchor Esav’s identity in the land he leaves and the brother he avoids. Grammar here carries narrative weight: listing, loading, and leading Esav out, not just geographically, but genealogically, as a branch that separates from Israel’s line of promise.
