Genesis 28 7

Genesis 28:7 kjv

And that Jacob obeyed his father and his mother, and was gone to Padanaram;

Genesis 28:7 nkjv

and that Jacob had obeyed his father and his mother and had gone to Padan Aram.

Genesis 28:7 niv

and that Jacob had obeyed his father and mother and had gone to Paddan Aram.

Genesis 28:7 esv

and that Jacob had obeyed his father and his mother and gone to Paddan-aram.

Genesis 28:7 nlt

He also knew that Jacob had obeyed his parents and gone to Paddan-aram.

Genesis 28 verses

Genesis 28 7 meaning

Genesis 28:7 states that Jacob actively obeyed the specific instructions of both his father Isaac and his mother Rebekah by setting out on the journey to Paddan Aram. This immediate act of obedience distinguishes Jacob from his brother Esau and demonstrates his compliance with his parents' desire for him to secure a wife from among their kin, thereby preserving the familial lineage aligned with the Abrahamic covenant.

Genesis 28 7 Context

Genesis chapter 28 initiates a pivotal phase in Jacob's life, directly following his deception of Isaac to obtain the firstborn's blessing (Gen 27). Rebekah, upon learning of Esau's murderous intentions against Jacob, swiftly devises a plan for Jacob to flee. She instructs Jacob to go to her brother Laban in Paddan Aram, specifically to escape Esau and to find a wife from among their kin, thereby avoiding Canaanite women (Gen 27:41-46). Isaac, having unknowingly blessed Jacob, then formally sends him off with an explicit command and blessing to secure a wife from Laban's daughters, connecting this instruction to the Abrahamic covenant. Genesis 28:7 concisely summarises Jacob's crucial act of obedience to these parental directives, setting the stage for his departure, his divine encounter at Bethel, and his eventual journey to Laban's household.

Genesis 28 7 Word analysis

• And Jacob (וַיִּשְׁמַע֙ יַעֲקֹ֜ב – vayyishˈma yaʿaqoḇ): The Hebrew verb "obeyed" (vayyishma) comes first, immediately followed by "Jacob," emphasizing the action of obedience as the primary focus. "Jacob" (יַעֲקֹב), meaning "heel-grabber" or "supplanter," gains new significance as this act marks a transition from his past cunning to a period of direct obedience.
• obeyed (וַיִּשְׁמַע֙ – vayyishˈma): Derived from the root שָׁמַע (shama), which means "to hear," but crucially in biblical contexts, often carries the connotation of "to hear and obey," implying active listening, heeding, and compliance. This signifies a responsive, faithful action, not mere passive reception. It highlights Jacob's deliberate choice to submit to authority.
• his father (אָבִיו֙ – ʾāḇīw): Refers to Isaac. Parental authority was paramount in ancient Israelite culture, especially for significant life decisions such as marriage and travel. Isaac's blessing and specific command in Gen 28:1-5 make his word binding.
• and his mother (וְאִמּוֹ֙ – vəʾimmōw): Refers to Rebekah. The mention of both parents is vital. Rebekah was the initial initiator of the flight (Gen 27:42-45), while Isaac formally endorsed and blessed it. Jacob's obedience to both underscores his full submission to their combined directive and concern for the family's future.
• and went (וַיֵּ֖לֶךְ – vayyēleḵ): From הָלַךְ (halak), "to go" or "to walk." The waw consecutive before "went" links it directly as a consequence of his obedience, depicting immediate and decisive action. His departure is a direct result of "hearing and obeying."
• to Paddan Aram (פַּדַּ֥נָה אֲרָֽם – paḏdāʹnāh ʾăraṁ): "Paddan" means "plain" or "field," so "Paddan Aram" translates to "the plain of Aram," a region in northern Mesopotamia, associated with Haran. This was Rebekah's homeland and the location of Abraham's extended family. Going there was crucial to secure a wife from his kindred, ensuring the continuation of the Abrahamic covenant line distinct from the Canaanites, thereby preventing assimilation and maintaining the covenant purity desired by God.

Genesis 28 7 Bonus section

The immediate act of "obeying" is starkly contrasted with Esau's previous choices in taking Canaanite wives, which "grieved" his parents (Gen 26:34-35). Although Jacob gained the blessing through dubious means, his willingness to follow his parents' specific instructions here aligns him, intentionally or not, with God's long-term plan for the covenant lineage. This highlights a principle of divine sovereignty working through human decisions, even imperfect ones. The destination, Paddan Aram, represents a return to the familial roots that connect back to Abraham's initial departure from Ur of the Chaldeans and subsequent settlement in Haran, reinforcing the themes of heritage and identity within the divine promise.

Genesis 28 7 Commentary

Genesis 28:7 is a brief but profound statement of Jacob's crucial act of obedience. While his earlier actions demonstrate his cunning and ambition to secure the blessing, this verse shows a different facet of his character: direct and immediate submission to his parents' wishes. This obedience is twofold: it addresses his physical safety by fleeing Esau's wrath and, more significantly, ensures the continuation of the family lineage by seeking a wife from their ancestral home rather than among the forbidden Canaanites. This commitment to marrying within the family was a pivotal practice to safeguard the covenant promise that flowed through Abraham, Isaac, and now Jacob. The choice to obey both Isaac's solemn charge and Rebekah's urgent counsel underscores the unity of parental command and its importance in guiding Jacob toward God's unfolding plan for his life. This act marks the beginning of Jacob's journey of maturation and reliance on God's providence, a journey where, despite his imperfections, God would faithfully interact with him.