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Genesis 36:7

Genesis 36:7 in Multiple Translations

For their possessions were too great for them to dwell together; the land where they stayed could not support them because of their livestock.

For their riches were more than that they might dwell together; and the land wherein they were strangers could not bear them because of their cattle.

For their substance was too great for them to dwell together; and the land of their sojournings could not bear them because of their cattle.

For their wealth was so great that the land was not wide enough for the two of them and all their cattle.

He did this because the land they were living in couldn't support both of them with all their livestock.

For their riches were so great, that they could not dwell together, and the lande, wherein they were strangers, coulde not receiue them because of their flockes.

for their substance was more abundant than to dwell together, and the land of their sojournings was not able to bear them because of their cattle;

For their substance was too great for them to dwell together, and the land of their travels couldn’t bear them because of their livestock.

For their riches were more than that they might dwell together: and the land wherein they were strangers could not sustain them, because of their cattle.

For they were exceeding rich, and could not dwell together: neither was the land in which they sojourned able to bear them, for the multitude of their flocks.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 36:7

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Genesis 36:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB כִּֽי הָיָ֧ה רְכוּשָׁ֛/ם רָ֖ב מִ/שֶּׁ֣בֶת יַחְדָּ֑ו וְ/לֹ֨א יָֽכְלָ֜ה אֶ֤רֶץ מְגֽוּרֵי/הֶם֙ לָ/שֵׂ֣את אֹתָ֔/ם מִ/פְּנֵ֖י מִקְנֵי/הֶֽם
כִּֽי kîy H3588 for Conj
הָיָ֧ה hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Perf-3ms
רְכוּשָׁ֛/ם rᵉkûwsh H7399 property N-ms | Suff
רָ֖ב rab H7227 many Adj
מִ/שֶּׁ֣בֶת yâshab H3427 to dwell Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
יַחְדָּ֑ו yachad H3162 unitedness Adv
וְ/לֹ֨א lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part
יָֽכְלָ֜ה yâkôl H3201 be able V-Qal-Perf-3fs
אֶ֤רֶץ ʼerets H776 land N-cs
מְגֽוּרֵי/הֶם֙ mâgûwr H4033 sojourning N-mp | Suff
לָ/שֵׂ֣את nâsâʼ H5375 to lift Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אֹתָ֔/ם ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM | Suff
מִ/פְּנֵ֖י pânîym H6440 face Prep | N-cp
מִקְנֵי/הֶֽם miqneh H4735 livestock N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 36:7

כִּֽי kîy H3588 "for" Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
הָיָ֧ה hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Perf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
רְכוּשָׁ֛/ם rᵉkûwsh H7399 "property" N-ms | Suff
It refers to property or possessions, such as livestock or goods, like the riches of King Solomon in 1 Kings.
Definition: 1) property, goods, possessions 1a) property, goods 1a1) general term for all movable goods 1a2) of livestock 1a3) of stores, utensils, etc
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: good, riches, substance. See also: Genesis 12:5; 1 Chronicles 28:1; Daniel 11:28.
רָ֖ב rab H7227 "many" Adj
This Hebrew word means a chief or captain, someone in charge. It is used in 2 Samuel 23:19 to describe a great and powerful man. The idea is one of leadership and authority.
Definition: adj 1) much, many, great 1a) much 1b) many 1c) abounding in 1d) more numerous than 1e) abundant, enough 1f) great 1g) strong 1h) greater than adv 1i) much, exceedingly
Usage: Occurs in 443 OT verses. KJV: (in) abound(-undance, -ant, -antly), captain, elder, enough, exceedingly, full, great(-ly, man, one), increase, long (enough, (time)), (do, have) many(-ifold, things, a time), (ship-)master, mighty, more, (too, very) much, multiply(-tude), officer, often(-times), plenteous, populous, prince, process (of time), suffice(-lent). See also: Genesis 6:5; 1 Kings 11:1; Psalms 3:2.
מִ/שֶּׁ֣בֶת yâshab H3427 "to dwell" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
יַחְדָּ֑ו yachad H3162 "unitedness" Adv
This adverb means together, describing people doing something in unity, like in Psalm 133:1.
Definition: 1) union, unitedness
Usage: Occurs in 139 OT verses. KJV: alike, at all (once), both, likewise, only, (al-) together, withal. See also: Genesis 13:6; Psalms 62:10; Psalms 2:2.
וְ/לֹ֨א lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יָֽכְלָ֜ה yâkôl H3201 "be able" V-Qal-Perf-3fs
This Hebrew word means to be able or have power, used in various contexts, such as overcoming or enduring, and is translated as 'be able' or 'have power' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to prevail, overcome, endure, have power, be able 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be able, be able to gain or accomplish, be able to endure, be able to reach 1a2) to prevail, prevail over or against, overcome, be victor 1a3) to have ability, have strength Aramaic equivalent: ye.khel (יְכִל "be able" H3202)
Usage: Occurs in 182 OT verses. KJV: be able, any at all (ways), attain, can (away with, (-not)), could, endure, might, overcome, have power, prevail, still, suffer. See also: Genesis 13:6; 1 Kings 14:4; Psalms 13:5.
אֶ֤רֶץ ʼerets H776 "land" N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
מְגֽוּרֵי/הֶם֙ mâgûwr H4033 "sojourning" N-mp | Suff
This Hebrew word means a temporary or permanent place to live, like a home or dwelling. It appears in the Bible when talking about where people lived, like the Israelites in a foreign land. The KJV translates it as dwelling or pilgrimage.
Definition: 1) sojourning place, dwelling-place, sojourning 1a) dwelling-place 1b) sojourning, lifetime
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: dwelling, pilgrimage, where sojourn, be a stranger. Compare H4032 (מָגוֹר). See also: Genesis 17:8; Exodus 6:4; Psalms 55:16.
לָ/שֵׂ֣את nâsâʼ H5375 "to lift" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to lift or raise something, and it's used in many ways, like lifting a burden or raising someone's status. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often talking about God lifting people up. It's about supporting or carrying something or someone.
Definition: : raise/take_up 1) to lift, bear up, carry, take 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lift, lift up 1a2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure 1a3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be lifted up, be exalted 1b2) to lift oneself up, rise up 1b3) to be borne, be carried 1b4) to be taken away, be carried off, be swept away 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to lift up, exalt, support, aid, assist 1c2) to desire, long (fig.) 1c3) to carry, bear continuously 1c4) to take, take away 1d) (Hithpael) to lift oneself up, exalt oneself 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to cause one to bear (iniquity) 1e2) to cause to bring, have brought
Usage: Occurs in 609 OT verses. KJV: accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield. See also: Genesis 4:13; Numbers 4:2; 1 Samuel 14:3.
אֹתָ֔/ם ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
מִ/פְּנֵ֖י pânîym H6440 "face" Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
מִקְנֵי/הֶֽם miqneh H4735 "livestock" N-ms | Suff
Livestock, such as cattle, sheep, and goats, are domestic animals that can be bought and owned, as described in the Bible, including in the book of Genesis and the story of Abraham's wealth.
Definition: 1) cattle, livestock 1a) cattle, livestock 1a1) in general of a purchasable domestic animal 1b) cows, sheep, goats (in herds and flocks)
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: cattle, flock, herd, possession, purchase, substance. See also: Genesis 4:20; Numbers 20:19; Psalms 78:48.

Study Notes — Genesis 36:7

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Genesis 13:6 But the land was unable to support both of them while they stayed together, for they had so many possessions that they were unable to coexist.
2 Genesis 17:8 And to you and your descendants I will give the land where you are residing—all the land of Canaan—as an eternal possession; and I will be their God.”
3 Genesis 28:4 And may He give the blessing of Abraham to you and your descendants, so that you may possess the land where you dwell as a foreigner, the land God gave to Abraham.”
4 Genesis 13:11 So Lot chose the whole plain of the Jordan for himself and set out toward the east. And Abram and Lot parted company.
5 Hebrews 11:9 By faith he dwelt in the promised land as a stranger in a foreign country. He lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise.

Genesis 36:7 Summary

Genesis 36:7 tells us that Esau and his family had to leave the land of Canaan because they had too many possessions, especially livestock, and the land couldn't support them. This shows that sometimes, we have to make tough decisions to take care of ourselves and our families, just like Esau did. As we read in Genesis 36:6, Esau took all his livestock and moved away from his brother Jacob, and in doing so, he was able to provide for his family and start a new life. This reminds us to trust God and be good stewards of what He has given us, as seen in Psalm 24:1, which says that everything belongs to God.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Esau and his family have to leave the land of Canaan?

According to Genesis 36:7, Esau's possessions, particularly his livestock, had become too great for the land to support them, making it necessary for them to relocate, as seen in Genesis 36:6 where Esau takes all his livestock and moves away from his brother Jacob.

What does this verse reveal about the character of Esau?

This verse shows that Esau had become wealthy and successful, as evidenced by the large amount of possessions and livestock he had acquired, which is also hinted at in Genesis 36:6 where it mentions all the property he had acquired in Canaan.

How does this relate to the broader story of Genesis?

This event is part of the larger narrative of Genesis, which explores the relationships and interactions between the patriarchs and their families, such as the story of Jacob and Esau in Genesis 25:19-34 and Genesis 27:1-40.

What can we learn from Esau's decision to move away from his brother Jacob?

We can learn that sometimes, it is necessary to make difficult decisions for the well-being of ourselves and our families, as seen in Genesis 36:7, and that God can use these decisions to bring about His purposes, as seen in the story of Jacob and Esau in Genesis 25-33.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I have become too comfortable or complacent, and how can I trust God to guide me in making changes?
  2. How can I balance my desire for security and stability with the need to be open to God's leading and guidance in my life?
  3. What are some ways that I can be a good steward of the resources and possessions that God has given me, and how can I use them to bless others?
  4. How can I apply the principle of trusting God's sovereignty in difficult decisions, as seen in Esau's move away from Jacob, to my own life and circumstances?

Gill's Exposition on Genesis 36:7

For their riches were more than that they might dwell together,.... And therefore it was proper to part, as Abraham and Lot had done before, Genesis 13:6; and the land wherein they were strangers

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 36:7

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

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 36:7

Which words contain the reason why that land which was large and fruitful could not bear them, because they were not entire possessors of it, but only sojourners in it, and therefore must take the owners’ leavings, which were not sufficient for both of them and their numerous families.

Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 36:7

Genesis 36:7 For their riches were more than that they might dwell together; and the land wherein they were strangers could not bear them because of their cattle.Ver. 7. For their riches were more, &c.] And besides, mount Seir was more fit for a hunter. A good ease it was to Jacob, who had little joy in his neighbourhood. "God will not take the ungodly by the hand"; no more will his people. When they are forced to be in ill company, they cry, "Oh that I had the wings of a dove! that I might flee away": or if that "Oh" will not set them at liberty, they take up that "Woe," to express their misery; "Woe is me, that I sojourn in Meshech!" &c. It was once the prayer of a good gentlewoman, when she came to die, being in much trouble of conscience: O Lord, let me not go to hell, where the wicked are; for, Lord, thou knowest I never loved their company here. Moses’ s Choice, by M. Bur., p. 330.

Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 36:7

(7) The land wherein they were strangers.—The large growth of their wealth made the separation of Esau and Jacob as inevitable as had been that of Abraham and Lot. It is a usual incident in the life of nomads, and a tribe can multiply only to the extent of the capabilities of their district to support them. When this is reached, one portion of the tribe must seek a new home. This necessity was in the present case aggravated by Esau and Jacob being only sojourners in Canaan, surrounded by tribes who claimed to be owners of the soil: and this may have helped in determining Esau’s choice; for in right of Aholibamah, he was in her country a duke. Maimonides also observes, that though Esau had gone on hunting expeditions to Seir, and even possibly for plunder, yet that he was not sufficiently powerful to take possession of the country until by Isaac’s death the number of his retainers was largely multiplied.

Cambridge Bible on Genesis 36:7

7. For their substance was too great] The departure of Esau into Seir is here explained as necessitated by the growing wealth of Esau and Jacob in Canaan: cf. the separation of Abraham and Lot in ch. 13. Obviously the explanation given here does not agree with the representation in Genesis 32:3 and Genesis 33:14-16. “Substance,” cf. Genesis 12:5, Genesis 15:14.

Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 36:7

ESAU’S WIVES AND , AND THEIR REMOVAL TO MOUNT SEIR, Genesis 36:1-8. A comparison of the names of Esau’s wives, as given here and in Genesis 26:34; Genesis 28:9, will show noticeable differences. Here we have:1.

Sermons on Genesis 36:7

SermonDescription
Keith Malcomson Abraham's Altar by Keith Malcomson Keith Malcomson preaches on the significance of the altar in the life of Abraham, emphasizing the importance of personal consecration, prayer, and obedience to God's call. The alta
Paul Washer Childlike Faith (4 of 4) by Paul Washer In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal experience of facing disruptions while preaching. He talks about being tested by a group of people and feeling uncertain about how to
J. Vernon McGee (Genesis) Genesis 17:8 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the 17th chapter of the Book of Genesis, which is considered a key chapter in the Bible. The main theme of this chapter is the covenant that
Billy Strachan The Battle for Israel Pt 2 by Billy Strachan In this sermon, the speaker discusses the theme of the end times and its relevance to all professing Christians. He refers to Matthew 24, where Jesus talks about the signs of the e
David Wilkerson The True Meaning of the Promised Land by David Wilkerson David Wilkerson explains that the Promised Land given to Abraham was not merely a physical territory but a symbol of a greater spiritual reality. He emphasizes that Abraham underst
John F. Walvoord The New State of Israel by John F. Walvoord John F. Walvoord delves into the rich history of Israel in the Old Testament, tracing their journey from the divine call to Abraham, through the conquest of Palestine, periods of o
K.P. Yohannan Pursuing Your Treasure - Part 1 by K.P. Yohannan In this sermon, Brother K. P. O'Hannon emphasizes the importance of pursuing Christ above all else. He references Psalm 42:1, where the Psalmist expresses a deep longing for God, h

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