Devine Scripture

Genesis 27:46

What does Genesis 27:46 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 27:46 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 27:46 means

Rebekah, using a manipulative plea to Isaac, expresses her weariness with the local Canaanite women, framing it as a concern for the family's spiritual purity. This veiled concern about Jacob marrying a "daughter of Heth" cleverly conceals her primary motive, which is to send Jacob away from Esau's wrath. This diplomatic, yet deceptive, approach secures Isaac's unwitting agreement for Jacob's journey to Laban, setting the stage for Jacob to find a wife from their own people.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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, of the daughters of the land, what good shall my life do me?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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, of the daughters of the land, what good shall my life do me?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Then Rebekah said to Isaac, My life is a weariness to me because of the daughters of Heth: if Jacob takes a wife from among the daughters of Heth, such as these, the women of this land, of what use will my life be to me?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And Rebekah saith unto Isaac, `I have been disgusted with my life because of the presence of the daughters of Heth; if Jacob take a wife of the daughters of Heth, like these--from the daughters of the land--why do I live?'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And Rebecca said to Isaac: I am weary of my life, because of the daughters of Heth: if Jacob take a wife of the stock of this land, I choose not to live.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And Rebecca 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, of the daughters of the land, what good should my life do me?

Context

This verse concludes the chapter, showing Rebekah's cunning approach to Isaac to initiate Jacob's journey. It follows her decision to send Jacob away and her fear of losing both sons. This strategically framed argument about Jacob's marriage directly sets up chapter 28, where Isaac will explicitly send Jacob to Laban to find a wife, unknowingly furthering Rebekah's protective plan.

v.45until thy brother’s anger turn away from thee, and he forget that which thou hast done to him: then I will send, and fetch thee from thence: why should I be bereaved of you both in one day?

v.46This passage

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Genesis 28:8

    and Esau saw that the daughters of Canaan pleased not Isaac his father;

  • Job 3:20

    Wherefore is light given to him that is in misery, And life unto the bitter in soul;

  • Genesis 24:3

    and I will make thee swear by Jehovah, the God of heaven and the God of the earth, that thou wilt not take a wife for my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell:

  • Job 7:16

    I loathe my life; I would not live alway: Let me alone; for my days are vanity.

  • Jonah 4:3

    Therefore now, O Jehovah, take, I beseech thee, my life from me; for it is better for me to die than to live.

  • 1 Kings 19:4

    But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper-tree: and he requested for himself that he might die, and said, It is enough; now, O Jehovah, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.

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