Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version so he went to Ishmael and married Mahalath, the sister of Nebaioth and daughter of Ishmael son of Abraham, in addition to the wives he already had. New Living Translation So Esau visited his uncle Ishmael’s family and married one of Ishmael’s daughters, in addition to the wives he already had. His new wife’s name was Mahalath. She was the sister of Nebaioth and the daughter of Ishmael, Abraham’s son. English Standard Version Esau went to Ishmael and took as his wife, besides the wives he had, Mahalath the daughter of Ishmael, Abraham’s son, the sister of Nebaioth. Berean Standard Bible Esau went to Ishmael and married Mahalath, the sister of Nebaioth and daughter of Abraham’s son Ishmael, in addition to the wives he already had. Berean Literal Bible And Esau went to Ishmael, and he took as his wife Mahalath daughter of Ishmael son of Abraham and sister of Nebajoth, in addition to the wives unto him. King James Bible Then went Esau unto Ishmael, and took unto the wives which he had Mahalath the daughter of Ishmael Abraham's son, the sister of Nebajoth, to be his wife. New King James Version So Esau went to Ishmael and took Mahalath the daughter of Ishmael, Abraham’s son, the sister of Nebajoth, to be his wife in addition to the wives he had. New American Standard Bible and Esau went to Ishmael, and married, besides the wives that he had, Mahalath the daughter of Ishmael, Abraham’s son, the sister of Nebaioth. NASB 1995 and Esau went to Ishmael, and married, besides the wives that he had, Mahalath the daughter of Ishmael, Abraham’s son, the sister of Nebaioth. NASB 1977 and Esau went to Ishmael, and married, besides the wives that he had, Mahalath the daughter of Ishmael, Abraham’s son, the sister of Nebaioth. Legacy Standard Bible and Esau went to Ishmael and took Mahalath, the daughter of Ishmael, Abraham’s son, the sister of Nebaioth, to be his wife, besides the wives that he had. Amplified Bible and [to appease his parents] Esau went to [the family of] Ishmael and took as his wife, in addition to the wives he [already] had, Mahalath the daughter of Ishmael, Abraham’s son, the sister of Nebaioth [Ishmael’s firstborn son]. Berean Annotated Bible Esau (hairy) went to Ishmael (God hears) and married Mahalath (weak), the sister of Nebaioth (heights) and daughter of Abraham’s (father of many) son Ishmael, in addition to the wives he already had. Christian Standard Bible so Esau went to Ishmael and married, in addition to his other wives, Mahalath daughter of Ishmael, Abraham’s son. She was the sister of Nebaioth. Holman Christian Standard Bible so Esau went to Ishmael and married, in addition to his other wives, Mahalath daughter of Ishmael, Abraham’s son. She was the sister of Nebaioth. American Standard Version and Esau went unto Ishmael, and took, besides the wives that he had, Mahalath the daughter of Ishmael Abraham's son, the sister of Nebaioth, to be his wife. Contemporary English Version So he married Ishmael's daughter Mahalath, who was the sister of Nebaioth and the granddaughter of Abraham. English Revised Version and Esau went unto Ishmael, and took unto the wives which he had Mahalath the daughter of Ishmael Abraham's son, the sister of Nebaioth, to be his wife. GOD'S WORD® Translation So he went to Ishmael and married Mahalath, daughter of Abraham's son Ishmael and sister of Nebaioth, in addition to the wives he had. Good News Translation So he went to Ishmael son of Abraham and married his daughter Mahalath, who was the sister of Nebaioth. International Standard Version so he went to Abraham's son Ishmael and married Ishmael's daughter Mahalath, who was the sister of Nebaioth. NET Bible So Esau went to Ishmael and married Mahalath, the sister of Nebaioth and daughter of Abraham's son Ishmael, along with the wives he already had. New Heart English Bible Esau went to Ishmael, and took, besides the wives that he had, Mahalath the daughter of Ishmael, Abraham's son, the sister of Nebaioth, to be his wife. Webster's Bible Translation Then went Esau to Ishmael, and took to the wives which he had, Mahalath the daughter of Ishmael Abraham's son, the sister of Nebajoth, to be his wife. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleEsau went to Ishmael and married Mahalath, the sister of Nebaioth and daughter of Abraham’s son Ishmael, in addition to the wives he already had. World English Bible So Esau went to Ishmael, and took, in addition to the wives that he had, Mahalath the daughter of Ishmael, Abraham’s son, the sister of Nebaioth, to be his wife. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand Esau goes to Ishmael, and takes Mahalath, daughter of Ishmael, Abraham’s son, sister of Nebajoth, to his wives, to himself, for a wife. Berean Literal Bible And Esau went to Ishmael, and he took as his wife Mahalath daughter of Ishmael son of Abraham and sister of Nebajoth, in addition to the wives unto him. Young's Literal Translation and Esau goeth unto Ishmael, and taketh Mahalath, daughter of Ishmael, Abraham's son, sister of Nebajoth, unto his wives, to himself, for a wife. Smith's Literal Translation And Esau will go to Ishmael, and will take Mahalath, daughter of Ishmael, Abraham's son, sister of Nebajoth, to his wives, to him for a wife. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleHe went to Ismael, and took to wife, besides them he had before, Maheleth the daughter of Ismael, Abraham's son, the sister of Nabajoth. Catholic Public Domain Version he went to Ishmael, and he took as a wife, beside those he had before, Mahalath, the daughter of Ishmael, Abraham’s son, the sister of Nebaioth. New American Bible so Esau went to Ishmael, and in addition to the wives he had, married Mahalath, the daughter of Abraham’s son Ishmael and sister of Nebaioth. New Revised Standard Version Esau went to Ishmael and took Mahalath daughter of Abraham’s son Ishmael, and sister of Nebaioth, to be his wife in addition to the wives he had. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThen Esau went to Ishmael, Abraham's son, and took Bismath, the daughter of Ishmael, Abraham's son, the sister of Nebioth, to be his wife, in addition to his other wives. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And Esau went on to Ishmayl and he took Besmath, daughter of Ishmayl, son of Abraham, the sister of Nebiuth, in addition to his wives, as a wife for himself. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917so Esau went unto Ishmael, and took unto the wives that he had Mahalath the daughter of Ishmael Abraham's son, the sister of Nebaioth, to be his wife. Brenton Septuagint Translation Esau went to Ismael, and took Maeleth the daughter of Ismael, the son of Abraam, the sister of Nabeoth, a wife in addition to his other wives. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Esau Marries Mahalath…8And seeing that his father Isaac disapproved of the Canaanite women, 9Esau went to Ishmael and married Mahalath, the sister of Nebaioth and daughter of Abraham’s son Ishmael, in addition to the wives he already had. Cross References Esau went to Ishmael Genesis 25:9 His sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah near Mamre, in the field of Ephron son of Zohar the Hittite. 1 Chronicles 1:28 The sons of Abraham were Isaac and Ishmael. Genesis 21:20-21 And God was with the boy, and he grew up and settled in the wilderness and became a great archer. / And while he was dwelling in the Wilderness of Paran, his mother got a wife for him from the land of Egypt. and married Mahalath, Genesis 36:3 and Basemath daughter of Ishmael and sister of Nebaioth. Genesis 26:34-35 When Esau was forty years old, he took as his wives Judith daughter of Beeri the Hittite and Basemath daughter of Elon the Hittite. / And they brought grief to Isaac and Rebekah. Genesis 27:46 Then Rebekah said to Isaac, “I am weary of my life because of these Hittite women. If Jacob takes a Hittite wife from among them, what good is my life?” the sister of Nebaioth Genesis 25:13 These are the names of the sons of Ishmael in the order of their birth: Nebaioth the firstborn of Ishmael, then Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam, 1 Chronicles 1:29 These are their genealogies: Nebaioth the firstborn of Ishmael, then Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam, Isaiah 60:7 All the flocks of Kedar will be gathered to you; the rams of Nebaioth will serve you and go up on My altar with acceptance; I will adorn My glorious house. and daughter of Abraham’s son Ishmael, Genesis 25:12 This is the account of Abraham’s son Ishmael, whom Hagar the Egyptian, Sarah’s maidservant, bore to Abraham. Genesis 16:15-16 And Hagar bore Abram a son, and Abram gave the name Ishmael to the son she had borne. / Abram was eighty-six years old when Hagar bore Ishmael to him. Genesis 17:20 As for Ishmael, I have heard you, and I will surely bless him; I will make him fruitful and multiply him greatly. He will become the father of twelve rulers, and I will make him into a great nation. in addition to the wives he already had. Genesis 36:2 Esau took his wives from the daughters of Canaan: Adah daughter of Elon the Hittite, Oholibamah daughter of Anah and granddaughter of Zibeon the Hivite, Genesis 36:5 and Oholibamah gave birth to Jeush, Jalam, and Korah. These were the sons of Esau, who were born to him in the land of Canaan. Genesis 36:6 Later, Esau took his wives and sons and daughters and all the people of his household, along with his livestock, all his other animals, and all the property he had acquired in Canaan, and he moved to a land far away from his brother Jacob. Genesis 24:3 and I will have you swear by the LORD, the God of heaven and the God of earth, that you will not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites among whom I am dwelling, Treasury of Scripture Then went Esau to Ishmael, and took to the wives which he had Mahalath the daughter of Ishmael Abraham's son, the sister of Nebajoth, to be his wife. unto Ishmael. Genesis 25:13-17 And these are the names of the sons of Ishmael, by their names, according to their generations: the firstborn of Ishmael, Nebajoth; and Kedar, and Adbeel, and Mibsam, … Genesis 36:3,13,18 And Bashemath Ishmael's daughter, sister of Nebajoth… Mahalath. Genesis 36:3 And Bashemath Ishmael's daughter, sister of Nebajoth. the sister. Jump to Previous Abraham Abraham's Addition Besides Daughter Esau Ishmael Ish'mael Mahalath Ma'halath Married Nebaioth Neba'ioth Nebajoth Sister Wife WivesJump to Next Abraham Abraham's Addition Besides Daughter Esau Ishmael Ish'mael Mahalath Ma'halath Married Nebaioth Neba'ioth Nebajoth Sister Wife WivesGenesis 28 1. Isaac blesses Jacob, and sends him to Padan-aram.6. Esau marries Mahalath the daughter of Ishmael. 10. Jacob journeys, and has a vision of a ladder. 18. The stone of Bethel. 20. Jacob's vow. Esau went to Ishmael Esau's decision to go to Ishmael reflects his attempt to align himself with a branch of the family that was also descended from Abraham, though not through the line of promise. Ishmael, like Esau, was a firstborn who did not receive the covenant blessing. This action may indicate Esau's desire to gain favor or legitimacy by marrying within the broader Abrahamic family, despite his previous marriages displeasing his parents (Genesis 26:34-35). and married Mahalath the sister of Nebaioth and daughter of Abraham’s son Ishmael in addition to the wives he already had Persons / Places / Events 1. EsauThe elder son of Isaac and Rebekah, twin brother of Jacob. Known for selling his birthright and losing his father's blessing to Jacob. 2. Ishmael The first son of Abraham, born to Hagar, Sarah's maidservant. He is considered the ancestor of several Arab tribes. 3. Mahalath The daughter of Ishmael, whom Esau marries. Her marriage to Esau is an attempt to please his parents after realizing their disapproval of his Canaanite wives. 4. Nebaioth The brother of Mahalath and the firstborn son of Ishmael. His mention establishes Mahalath's lineage. 5. Abraham The patriarch of the Israelites, father of both Isaac and Ishmael. His legacy and covenant with God are central to the account. Teaching Points Understanding Family DynamicsEsau's decision to marry Mahalath reflects his attempt to reconcile with his parents' values. This highlights the importance of understanding and respecting family dynamics and values in our own lives. Consequences of Impulsive Decisions Esau's life is marked by impulsive decisions, from selling his birthright to marrying Canaanite women. This serves as a cautionary tale about the long-term consequences of short-sighted choices. Seeking Approval Esau's actions demonstrate a desire for parental approval. This can remind us of the importance of seeking God's approval above all, aligning our actions with His will. Cultural and Spiritual Heritage Esau's marriage into Ishmael's line shows the intertwining of cultural and spiritual heritages. It encourages us to consider how our own heritage influences our faith and decisions. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Genesis 28:9?2. Why did Esau marry "Mahalath, daughter of Ishmael" in Genesis 28:9? 3. How does Esau's marriage reflect his understanding of God's covenant with Isaac? 4. What lessons can we learn from Esau's actions in Genesis 28:9? 5. How does Genesis 28:9 connect to God's promises in Genesis 17:19-21? 6. How can we ensure our decisions align with God's will, unlike Esau's choice? 7. Why did Esau marry Mahalath, daughter of Ishmael, in Genesis 28:9? 8. How does Esau's marriage to Mahalath affect his relationship with Isaac and Rebekah? 9. What is the significance of Esau marrying into Ishmael's family in Genesis 28:9? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 28? 11. Who are considered the descendants of Abraham? 12. In Genesis 36:2–3, Esau’s wives differ from those mentioned in Genesis 26:34 and 28:9—why the discrepancy? 13. What does the Bible say about Arabs? 14. What is the significance of Jacob and Esau's story? What Does Genesis 28:9 Mean Esau went to Ishmael• Genesis 28:8 tells us Esau “saw that the daughters of Canaan displeased his father Isaac,” so he looks for a remedy. • Instead of seeking the Lord as Jacob does (Genesis 28:1–5), Esau acts independently and heads to Ishmael’s family line, thinking blood-relation alone will fix the problem (compare Proverbs 14:12; Hebrews 12:16). • Ishmael, though Abraham’s son, was not the child of promise (Genesis 17:18-21; Galatians 4:28-31). Esau’s choice therefore mixes partial obedience with continued self-will. and married Mahalath • Mahalath’s name is recorded because marriage covenants matter in God’s unfolding plan (Genesis 2:24; Malachi 2:15). • Esau treats marriage transactionally—adding another wife rather than repenting of earlier unsanctified unions (Genesis 26:34-35). • His action highlights a heart that values appearances over transformation (1 Samuel 16:7; Matthew 23:27). the sister of Nebaioth and daughter of Abraham’s son Ishmael • Nebaioth is Ishmael’s firstborn (Genesis 25:13), underscoring the direct physical tie to Abraham’s household. • By emphasizing both sibling and parental connections, the text shows Esau’s deliberate attempt to align himself with Abrahamic heritage, yet without embracing its covenant essence (Romans 9:6-8). • This contrast prepares readers for God’s sovereign choice of Jacob and the eventual lineage of Messiah (Genesis 28:13-14; Luke 3:34). in addition to the wives he already had • Esau now has at least three wives (Genesis 36:2-3). Scripture notes the complications of polygamy: jealousy, divided loyalty, spiritual drift (Genesis 29:30-31; Deuteronomy 17:17). • The phrase “in addition” signals accumulation, not covenant faithfulness. Esau’s pattern echoes Lamech’s (Genesis 4:19, 23) rather than Adam’s original monogamous design. • His multiplied marriages foreshadow the eventual division between Edom (Esau’s descendants) and Israel (Jacob’s line) (Numbers 20:14-21; Obadiah 10). summary Genesis 28:9 records Esau’s attempt at course-correction: he notices Isaac’s displeasure, so he seeks a relative of Abraham to marry. Yet by turning to Ishmael’s line and merely adding another wife, Esau chooses human fixes over heartfelt repentance. The verse contrasts outward conformity with inward faith, reminding us that covenant blessing flows not from ancestry or appearances, but from trusting obedience to God’s revealed will (John 1:12-13; James 1:22). Hebrew Esauעֵשָׂ֖ו (‘ê·śāw) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 6215: Esau -- oldest son of Isaac went וַיֵּ֥לֶךְ (way·yê·leḵ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to Ishmael יִשְׁמָעֵ֑אל (yiš·mā·‘êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3458: Ishmael -- 'God hears', the name of several Israelites and married וַיִּקַּ֡ח (way·yiq·qaḥ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 3947: To take Mahalath, מָחֲלַ֣ת ׀ (mā·ḥă·laṯ) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 4258: Mahalath -- daughter of Ishmael, also a granddaughter of David the sister אֲח֧וֹת (’ă·ḥō·wṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 269: Sister -- a sister of Nebaioth נְבָי֛וֹת (nə·ḇā·yō·wṯ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 5032: Nebaioth -- oldest son of Ishmael, also his desc [and] daughter בַּת־ (baṯ-) Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 1323: A daughter of Abraham’s אַבְרָהָ֜ם (’aḇ·rā·hām) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 85: Abraham -- 'exalted father', the father of the Jewish nation son בֶּן־ (ben-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1121: A son Ishmael, יִשְׁמָעֵ֨אל (yiš·mā·‘êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3458: Ishmael -- 'God hears', the name of several Israelites in addition to עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against the wives לְאִשָּֽׁה׃ (lə·’iš·šāh) Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 802: Woman, wife, female he already had. ל֥וֹ (lōw) Preposition | third person masculine singular Strong's Hebrew Links Genesis 28:9 NIVGenesis 28:9 NLT Genesis 28:9 ESV Genesis 28:9 NASB Genesis 28:9 KJV Genesis 28:9 BibleApps.com Genesis 28:9 Biblia Paralela Genesis 28:9 Chinese Bible Genesis 28:9 French Bible Genesis 28:9 Catholic Bible OT Law: Genesis 28:9 Esau went to Ishmael and took besides (Gen. 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