# What does Genesis 28:8 mean?

> What does Genesis 28:8 mean? Esau sees his Canaanite wives displease his parents, prompting a late attempt to fit in.

> Esau realized that his father Isaac didn't like the Canaanite women.
>
> — Genesis 28:8, Modern Text Bible

## Commentary

Esau finally understands that his parents disapprove of his own marriages to Canaanite women, which he hadn't really considered before.

Esau realizes that his marriages to Canaanite women have upset his father Isaac. The Hebrew word for "displeased" is *ra’a*, which means to be evil or bad in someone’s eyes. Esau’s awakening is painful—he sees that his choices have created distance between him and his family.

This verse goes against the idea that you can live however you want without consequences. Esau’s story is about the cost of ignoring the values of those closest to you. Sometimes, it’s only after the fact that you see the impact of your decisions.

If you’ve ever looked back and wished you’d chosen differently, you’re not alone. This verse is about regret, but also about the possibility of seeing things more clearly and making new choices going forward.

## Similar verses

- [Genesis 26:34](https://mtbible.com/p/genesis/26/34)
- [Genesis 27:46](https://mtbible.com/p/genesis/27/46)
- [Genesis 28:9](https://mtbible.com/p/genesis/28/9)