Genesis 28:1

KJV

¶ And Isaac called Jacob, and blessed him, and charged him, and said unto him, Thou shalt not take a wife of the daughters of Canaan.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Isaac {H3327} called {H7121} Jacob {H3290}, and blessed {H1288} him, and charged {H6680} him, and said {H559} unto him, Thou shalt not take {H3947} a wife {H802} of the daughters {H1323} of Canaan {H3667}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So Yitz'chak called Ya'akov, and, after blessing him, charged him: "You are not to choose a wife from the Hitti women.

Berean Standard Bible

So Isaac called for Jacob and blessed him. “Do not take a wife from the Canaanite women,” he commanded.

American Standard Version

And Isaac called Jacob, and blessed him, and charged him, and said unto him, Thou shalt not take a wife of the daughters of Canaan.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 28:1 marks a pivotal moment in Jacob's life, as Isaac, acting as the patriarch, formally reaffirms his blessing and issues a solemn command before Jacob departs for Haran. This verse highlights Isaac's charge to Jacob not to marry any of the Canaanite women, a directive crucial for preserving the spiritual and physical purity of the covenant lineage, setting the stage for Jacob's journey and the continued unfolding of God's promises.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the dramatic and emotionally charged narrative of Jacob's deception of Isaac to secure the patriarchal blessing, detailed in [Genesis 27](/genesis/27 "Genesis 27 - Jacob Deceives Isaac"). Esau's subsequent murderous rage, fueled by the loss of his blessing, prompts Rebekah, Jacob's mother, to orchestrate Jacob's escape to her brother Laban in Haran. Isaac's actions in [Genesis 28:1](/genesis/28-1 "Genesis 28:1 - Isaac Blesses and Charges Jacob")—calling Jacob, blessing him, and issuing a specific charge—serve as a formal send-off, a reaffirmation of the blessing despite the circumstances, and, most critically, a solemn instruction regarding the preservation of the covenant lineage through marriage. This concern for marital purity within the covenant line echoes Abraham's earlier directive for Isaac's own wife, as seen in [Genesis 24:3-4](/genesis/24-3-4 "Genesis 24:3-4 - Abraham's Oath Regarding Isaac's Wife").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, patriarchal authority was paramount, and the father's blessing and commands carried immense weight, often determining a son's destiny and inheritance. Marriage was not merely a personal choice but a strategic alliance, crucial for family continuity, economic stability, and the preservation of tribal identity and religious practices. The Canaanites, indigenous inhabitants of the land, were characterized by polytheism, idolatry, and various morally corrupt practices, including child sacrifice and ritual prostitution, which were anathema to the worship of the one true God. The prohibition against intermarriage with them was not merely cultural but deeply theological, aimed at preventing the spiritual assimilation and moral corruption of the nascent covenant people. This concern was intensified by [Esau's earlier marriages to Hittite (Canaanite) women](/genesis/26-34-35 "Genesis 26:34-35 - Esau's Hittite Wives"), which had already caused "bitterness of spirit" to Isaac and Rebekah, highlighting the practical consequences of such unions.
* **Key Themes:** [Genesis 28:1](/genesis/28-1 "Genesis 28:1 - Isaac's Charge to Jacob") contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis. The theme of **Covenant Preservation** is central, as the prohibition against Canaanite wives underscores the divine imperative for the covenant people to remain distinct and undefiled, guarding against spiritual and moral assimilation. This distinctness is vital for the fulfillment of the [Abrahamic covenant](/genesis/12-1-3 "Genesis 12:1-3 - The Abrahamic Covenant"), which promises a great nation and a blessing to all families of the earth through Abraham's descendants. The verse also highlights **Divine Sovereignty Amidst Human Flaw**, demonstrating that even amidst familial dysfunction, deception, and human imperfection, God's overarching plan for the covenant lineage continues to unfold according to His sovereign will. Furthermore, it underscores the **Significance of Lineage and Inheritance**, not merely in a material sense but as a conduit for God's redemptive purposes, particularly in preparing the way for the Messiah.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **blessed (Hebrew, _bârak'_):** This primitive root means "to kneel," and by implication, "to bless God (as an act of adoration)" or "man (as a benefit)." In [Genesis 28:1](/genesis/28-1 "Genesis 28:1 - Isaac Blesses Jacob"), Isaac's act of blessing Jacob is a formal conferral of divine favor, prosperity, and the covenant promises. It signifies a solemn, authoritative pronouncement of good, often accompanied by a prayer for God's favor, and in this context, it is a reaffirmation of the patriarchal blessing, building upon the initial one given in [Genesis 27:28-29](/genesis/27-28-29 "Genesis 27:28-29 - Isaac's Blessing on Jacob").
* **charged (Hebrew, _tsâvâh'_):** This intensive primitive root means "to constitute" or "to enjoin." It implies a strong command, an authoritative injunction, or a solemn directive. When Isaac "charged" Jacob, it was more than mere advice; it was a weighty, binding instruction that Jacob was expected to obey without question. This verb underscores the gravity and importance Isaac placed on the command regarding Jacob's marriage, indicating a non-negotiable requirement for the covenant heir.
* **daughters (Hebrew, _bath'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to build" (as feminine of "son"), this word refers to a daughter and is used in a wide sense for female descendants or inhabitants. In the phrase "daughters of Canaan," it specifically denotes the women belonging to the Canaanite peoples. The explicit mention of "daughters" emphasizes the concern for the female line in marriage, as the wife would bear the children and influence the spiritual environment of the home, making her origin critical for the purity of the covenant lineage.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Isaac called Jacob, and blessed him,"**: This opening clause establishes Isaac's continued patriarchal authority and his deliberate action. Despite the recent deception, Isaac formally summons Jacob, indicating a conscious and intentional act. The blessing here is a reaffirmation, signifying Isaac's acceptance of God's sovereign choice of Jacob as the inheritor of the covenant promises, and a conferral of divine favor upon him as he embarks on his journey.
* **"and charged him, and said unto him,"**: This phrase emphasizes the solemnity and authority of Isaac's subsequent words. The verb "charged" (Hebrew _tsâvâh_) denotes a strong, authoritative command, not merely advice. It signals that what follows is a non-negotiable directive, highlighting the gravity with which Isaac views the instruction he is about to impart.
* **"Thou shalt not take a wife of the daughters of Canaan."**: This is the central prohibition and the core of Isaac's charge. It is a direct, emphatic command forbidding Jacob from marrying any woman from the Canaanite peoples. This directive is paramount for maintaining the distinct identity, spiritual purity, and moral integrity of the covenant line, preventing assimilation into the idolatrous and corrupt practices of the surrounding nations, and ensuring the preservation of the lineage through which God's promises would be fulfilled.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Command/Prohibition**, specifically the negative imperative "Thou shalt not take," which directly conveys Isaac's authoritative and non-negotiable instruction to Jacob. This direct command underscores the gravity of the marital choice and its implications for the covenant. There is also an element of **Repetition** or **Echo**, as this prohibition echoes Abraham's earlier concern regarding Isaac's marriage in [Genesis 24](/genesis/24 "Genesis 24 - Abraham Seeks a Wife for Isaac"), establishing a consistent patriarchal concern for the purity of the lineage. Furthermore, the verse demonstrates **Patriarchal Authority**, as Isaac, despite his age and recent vulnerability, exercises his divinely ordained role to guide and direct his son in a matter of utmost spiritual importance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 28:1 profoundly emphasizes the critical importance of preserving the distinct identity and spiritual purity of God's covenant people. The prohibition against marrying Canaanite women underscores a recurring biblical theme: the necessity for God's chosen to remain separate from the world's idolatry and moral corruption to maintain their unique relationship with Him and fulfill their redemptive purpose. This divine imperative for separation is not merely social but theological, ensuring the integrity of the lineage through which the promised Messiah would ultimately come. It also highlights God's unwavering sovereignty, demonstrating His ability to work through imperfect individuals and complex family dynamics to advance His redemptive plan, ensuring the continuity of the covenant despite human failings.

* [Deuteronomy 7:3-4](/deuteronomy/7-3-4 "Deuteronomy 7:3-4 - Prohibition Against Intermarriage")
* [2 Corinthians 6:14](/2_corinthians/6-14 "2 Corinthians 6:14 - Do Not Be Unequally Yoked")
* [Genesis 24:3](/genesis/24-3 "Genesis 24:3 - Abraham's Oath Regarding Isaac's Wife")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 28:1 offers timeless principles for believers today, particularly regarding the profound impact of marital choices on one's spiritual journey and legacy. The prohibition against Canaanite wives powerfully underscores the enduring biblical principle of choosing a spouse who shares one's fundamental beliefs and values, especially spiritual ones. This ancient directive prefigures later scriptural warnings against being [“unequally yoked” with unbelievers](/2_corinthians/6-14 "2 Corinthians 6:14 - The Principle of Being Unequally Yoked"), highlighting the profound influence a spouse has on one's spiritual walk, the spiritual formation of children, and the overall faithfulness of the family to God. Furthermore, the passage reminds us of the crucial role of godly parents in guiding their children in significant life decisions, drawing on wisdom and spiritual discernment rooted in biblical principles. It also offers comfort and assurance that even when human actions are imperfect or driven by fear, God's sovereign plan continues to advance, demonstrating His providence at work in our lives and His ability to use even our flawed choices to accomplish His purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Isaac's concern for Jacob's marriage reflect God's broader concern for the purity of His people?**
* **In what ways do our marital choices today impact our spiritual walk and the spiritual legacy we leave for future generations?**
* **How can we, as believers, apply the principle of "not being unequally yoked" in our relationships beyond marriage, such as in close friendships or business partnerships?**

### FAQ
**Why was marrying a Canaanite woman forbidden?**

Answer: Marrying a Canaanite woman was forbidden primarily to preserve the spiritual and moral purity of the covenant lineage. The Canaanites were known for their polytheistic idolatry, morally corrupt practices (including child sacrifice and ritual prostitution), and customs that were antithetical to the worship of the one true God. Intermarriage would inevitably lead to spiritual assimilation, diluting the covenant people's distinct identity and drawing them away from God, as later exemplified throughout Israel's history in the book of [Judges](/judges/3-5-7 "Judges 3:5-7 - Israel's Intermarriage and Idolatry"). This prohibition was a divine imperative to maintain a holy people through whom God's redemptive plan, culminating in the Messiah, would unfold.

**Did Isaac know about Jacob's deception when he blessed him again?**

Answer: [Genesis 28:1](/genesis/28-1 "Genesis 28:1 - Isaac's Conscious Blessing of Jacob") takes place after Jacob's deception in [Genesis 27](/genesis/27 "Genesis 27 - Jacob Deceives Isaac"). While Isaac had been deceived regarding the initial blessing intended for Esau, by this point, he was fully aware of Jacob's identity and the true recipient of the blessing. His actions in [Genesis 28:1](/genesis/28-1 "Genesis 28:1 - Isaac Reaffirms the Blessing") are a deliberate and conscious reaffirmation of the blessing and a formal sending-off. This indicates his acceptance of God's sovereign choice of Jacob as the inheritor of the covenant promises, recognizing that God's will would prevail despite human machinations.

**What does "charged him" imply in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "charged him" translates the Hebrew verb _tsâvâh_ (H6680), which denotes a strong command, an authoritative injunction, or a solemn directive. It implies much more than mere advice or a suggestion; it is a weighty instruction that Jacob was expected to obey without question. This emphasizes the gravity with which Isaac viewed the matter of Jacob's marriage and the paramount importance of maintaining the covenant line's purity, signaling a non-negotiable requirement for the heir of God's promises.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 28:1, with its profound emphasis on preserving the purity of the covenant lineage, points directly to its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The meticulous care taken to ensure Jacob's wife would not be from the Canaanites underscores the divine intention to maintain a distinct, holy line through whom the promised Seed—the Messiah—would eventually come. Every step in the patriarchal narrative, including this specific marital injunction, is providentially guided to ensure the uncorrupted descent of the Savior, as traced in the genealogies of [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1-17 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23-38 "Luke 3:23-38 - The Genealogy of Jesus"). Christ, as the ultimate heir of the Abrahamic covenant, fulfills all the promises made to Jacob and his ancestors, establishing a new covenant people, the Church, who are called to be set apart from the world, just as Jacob was commanded to be set apart from the Canaanites. Through His atoning work, Christ purifies His bride, the Church, making her holy and blameless before God ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ's Love for the Church")). In Him, believers find their true identity and spiritual purity, becoming part of a spiritual lineage that transcends earthly ethnicity, united by faith in the Son of God ([Galatians 3:28-29](/galatians/3-28-29 "Galatians 3:28-29 - All Are One in Christ Jesus")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 24:3

And I will make thee swear by the LORD, the God of heaven, and the God of the earth, that thou shalt not take a wife unto my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell:

Genesis 28:3

And God Almighty bless thee, and make thee fruitful, and multiply thee, that thou mayest be a multitude of people;

Genesis 28:4

And give thee the blessing of Abraham, to thee, and to thy seed with thee; that thou mayest inherit the land wherein thou art a stranger, which God gave unto Abraham.

Genesis 27:46

And Rebekah said to Isaac, I am weary of my life because of the daughters of Heth: if Jacob take a wife of the daughters of Heth, such as these [which are] of the daughters of the land, what good shall my life do me?

Genesis 24:37

And my master made me swear, saying, Thou shalt not take a wife to my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, in whose land I dwell:

Genesis 6:2

That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they [were] fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose.

Genesis 26:34

¶ And Esau was forty years old when he took to wife Judith the daughter of Beeri the Hittite, and Bashemath the daughter of Elon the Hittite: