Genesis 36:6
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.
Genesis 36:6 · King James Version
Meaning
After Jacob received the blessing from his father Isaac by deceiving his brother Esau, Esau's anger led him to plot revenge against Jacob. In fear for his life, Jacob fled to his uncle Laban's house. This verse describes Esau's response to Jacob's departure. Esau, feeling defeated and betrayed by his own brother, decides to leave the land of Canaan with all his possessions and family to separate himself from Jacob. This action signifies Esau's resignation to the fact that he has lost the birthright and blessing that were rightfully his. Despite his anger and hurt, Esau chooses to walk away from the situation rather than seeking further conflict with Jacob. This decision ultimately sets the stage for the reconciliation between the brothers that takes place later in the biblical narrative. Esau's departure also highlights the theme of forgiveness and moving forward, even in the face of deep betrayal and hurt.
Theological Overview
In this verse, Esau is depicted as leaving Canaan and moving away from his brother, Jacob, along with his family, livestock, and possessions. This action symbolizes Esau's decision to distance himself from the conflict and tension he experienced with Jacob. The theological interpretation of this verse can be viewed as a manifestation of Esau's desire for peace and a fresh start in a new land. Esau's departure can be seen as a form of reconciliation, allowing both brothers to live separately and peacefully. This verse underscores the importance of forgiveness and moving on from past grievances in order to nurture relationships and maintain peace. The word "substance" in this verse can be deeply introspected to understand the significance of worldly possessions and their role in one's life. Esau's departure with all his possessions can also symbolize his readiness for a new chapter in his life, free from the past conflicts and rivalries that plagued his relationship with Jacob.
Genesis 36:6 in other translations
American Standard Version
And Esau took his wives, and his sons, and his daughters, and all the souls of his house, and his cattle, and all his beasts, and all his possessions, which he had gathered in the land of Canaan; and went into a land away from his brother Jacob.
World English Bible
Esau took his wives, his sons, his daughters, and all the members of his household, with his livestock, all his animals, and all his possessions, which he had gathered in the land of Canaan, and went into a land away from his brother Jacob.
Douay-Rheims
And Esau took his wives, and his sons and daughters, and every soul of his house, and his substance, and cattle, and all that he was able to acquire in the land of Chanaan: and went into another country, and departed from his brother Jacob.
Geneva Bible (1599)
So Esau tooke his wiues and his sonnes, and his daughters, and all the soules of his house, and his flocks, and all his cattell, and all his substance, which he had gotten in the land of Canaan, and went into an other countrey from his brother Iaakob.