King James Version

What Does Genesis 26:35 Mean?

Genesis 26:35 in the King James Version says “Which were a grief of mind unto Isaac and to Rebekah. a grief: Heb. bitterness of spirit” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Which were a grief of mind unto Isaac and to Rebekah. a grief: Heb. bitterness of spirit”

Genesis 26:35 · KJV

Holy Spirit

Context

33

And he called it Shebah: therefore the name of the city is Beersheba unto this day. Shebah: That is, an oath Beersheba: that is, the well of the oath

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:

35

Which were a grief of mind unto Isaac and to Rebekah. a grief: Heb. bitterness of spirit

Read Genesis 26 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Which were a grief of mind unto Isaac and to Rebekah.... This passage belongs to the Jacob narratives which demonstrate God's sovereign election overriding human merit and the transformation of a deceiver into Israel, the father of the twelve tribes. The Jacob cycle shows how divine purposes advance through flawed individuals whom God graciously transforms.

Key themes include God's sovereign choice ("the older shall serve the younger"), the consequences of deception and family dysfunction, exile and return patterns, wrestling with God leading to blessing, and covenant renewal across generations. Jacob's character development from manipulative deceiver to mature patriarch demonstrates sanctification's lifelong process.

Theologically significant aspects include: (1) divine election based on grace not merit (Romans 9:10-13); (2) God's faithfulness to covenant promises despite human unfaithfulness; (3) discipline as evidence of divine love and means of transformation; (4) generational patterns of sin requiring divine intervention to break; (5) prayer and wrestling with God as legitimate expressions of faith. Jacob's limp after wrestling God symbolizes how divine encounters leave permanent marks, transforming our approach to life and dependence on God rather than our own cunning.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The patriarchal narratives (Genesis 12-50) reflect the cultural, social, and legal customs of the ancient Near East during the Middle Bronze Age (2000-1500 BCE). Archaeological discoveries including the Mari tablets, Nuzi tablets, and Egyptian records confirm many details: nomadic pastoralism, covenant-making ceremonies, marriage customs, property laws, and international travel patterns described in Genesis.

The cultural practices reflected include: treaty/covenant forms (Genesis 15), bride-price customs (Genesis 24, 29), inheritance laws favoring firstborn sons (Genesis 25, 27), adoption practices (Genesis 15, 30), levirate-type arrangements (Genesis 38), and Egyptian administrative systems (Genesis 41, 47). These parallels confirm Genesis's historical reliability while showing how God worked within ancient cultural frameworks to accomplish His purposes.

For later Israelites, these narratives established their identity as Abraham's descendants, explained their claim to Canaan, justified their possession of Joseph's bones (Exodus 13:19), and provided models of faith despite imperfection. The patriarchs' failures and God's faithfulness encouraged Israel that covenant relationship depended on God's grace rather than human merit. The movement from Mesopotamia to Canaan to Egypt set the stage for the Exodus and conquest narratives.

Reflection Questions

  1. What theological truths about Isaac's Life emerge from this passage?
  2. What obstacles prevent us from living out the truths presented in this verse?
  3. How does this passage point forward to Christ and the gospel of redemption?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 5 words
וַתִּֽהְיֶ֖יןָ1 of 5
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

מֹ֣רַת2 of 5

“Which were a grief”

H4786

bitterness, i.e., (figuratively) trouble

ר֑וּחַ3 of 5

“of mind”

H7307

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

לְיִצְחָ֖ק4 of 5

“unto Isaac”

H3327

jitschak (or isaac), son of abraham

וּלְרִבְקָֽה׃5 of 5

“and to Rebekah”

H7259

ribkah, the wife of isaac

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Genesis. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Genesis 26:35 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Genesis 26:35 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 27:46-28:2Genesis 28:8Genesis 6:2

Test Your Knowledge

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