Tag Archives: Genesis 36:6

Separation and Settlement: Accumulation, Coordination, and Displacement in Genesis 36:6

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.… Learn Hebrew
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