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and he answered, “Here I am.” <a href="/bsb/genesis/27.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> When Isaac was old and his eyes were so weak that he could no longer see, he called his older son Esau and said to him, “My son.” “Here I am,” Esau replied. <a href="/kjv/genesis/27.htm">King James Bible</a> And it came to pass, that when Isaac was old, and his eyes were dim, so that he could not see, he called Esau his eldest son, and said unto him, My son: and he said unto him, Behold, here am I. <a href="/nkjv/genesis/27.htm">New King James Version</a> Now it came to pass, when Isaac was old and his eyes were so dim that he could not see, that he called Esau his older son and said to him, “My son.” And he answered him, “Here I am.” <a href="/nasb_/genesis/27.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Now it came about, when Isaac was old and his eyes were too dim to see, that he called his older son Esau and said to him, “My son.” And he said to him, “Here I am.” <a href="/nasb/genesis/27.htm">NASB 1995</a> Now it came about, when Isaac was old and his eyes were too dim to see, that he called his older son Esau and said to him, &#8220My son.&#8221 And he said to him, &#8220Here I am.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/genesis/27.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Now it came about, when Isaac was old, and his eyes were too dim to see, that he called his older son Esau and said to him, “My son.” And he said to him, “Here I am.” <a href="/lsb/genesis/27.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Now it happened that when Isaac was old and his eyes were too dim to see, that he called his older son Esau and said to him, “My son.” And he said to him, “Here I am.” <a href="/amp/genesis/27.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Now when Isaac was old and his eyes were too dim to see, he called his elder [and favorite] son Esau and said to him, “My son.” And Esau answered him, “Here I am.” <a href="/csb/genesis/27.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> When Isaac was old and his eyes were so weak that he could not see, he called his older son Esau and said to him, “My son.” And he answered, “Here I am.” <a href="/hcsb/genesis/27.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> When Isaac was old and his eyes were so weak that he could not see, he called his older son Esau and said to him, &#8220My son.&#8221 And he answered, &#8220Here I am.&#8221 <a href="/asv/genesis/27.htm">American Standard Version</a> And it came to pass, that when Isaac was old, and his eyes were dim, so that he could not see, he called Esau his elder son, and said unto him, My son: and he said unto him, Here am I. <a href="/cev/genesis/27.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Isaac was old and almost blind, when he called in his first-born son Esau, who asked him, "Father, what can I do for you?" <a href="/erv/genesis/27.htm">English Revised Version</a> And it came to pass, that when Isaac was old, and his eyes were dim, so that he could not see, he called Esau his elder son, and said unto him, My son: and he said unto him, Here am I. <a href="/gwt/genesis/27.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> When Isaac was old and going blind, he called his older son Esau and said to him, "Son!" Esau answered, "Here I am." <a href="/gnt/genesis/27.htm">Good News Translation</a> Isaac was now old and had become blind. He sent for his older son Esau and said to him, "Son!" "Yes," he answered. <a href="/isv/genesis/27.htm">International Standard Version</a> Eventually, Isaac grew so old that he could not see. One day, he called his eldest son Esau. "My son," he called out to him. <a href="/net/genesis/27.htm">NET Bible</a> When Isaac was old and his eyes were so weak that he was almost blind, he called his older son Esau and said to him, "My son!" "Here I am!" Esau replied. <a href="/nheb/genesis/27.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> It happened, that when Isaac was old, and his eyesight was failing so that he could not see, he called Esau his elder son, and said to him, "My son?" He said to him, "Here I am." <a href="/wbt/genesis/27.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And it came to pass, that when Isaac was old, and his eyes were dim, so that he could not see, he called Esau his eldest son, and said to him, My son: and he said to him, Behold, here am I.<div class="vheading2">Majority Text Translations</div><a href="/msb/genesis/27.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> When Isaac was old and his eyes were so weak that he could no longer see, he called his older son Esau and said to him, “My son.” “Here I am,” Esau replied. <a href="/web/genesis/27.htm">World English Bible</a> When Isaac was old, and his eyes were dim, so that he could not see, he called Esau his elder son, and said to him, “My son?” He said to him, “Here I am.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/genesis/27.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And it comes to pass that Isaac [is] aged, and his eyes are too dim for seeing, and he calls [for] his older son Esau and says to him, “My son”; and he says to him, “Here I [am].” <a href="/ylt/genesis/27.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And it cometh to pass that Isaac is aged, and his eyes are too dim for seeing, and he calleth Esau his elder son, and saith unto him, 'My son;' and he saith unto him, 'Here am I.' <a href="/slt/genesis/27.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And it shall be as Isaak grew old, and his eyes shall be weak for seeing, and he will call Esau his son the great, and he will say to him, My son: and he will say to him, Behold me.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/genesis/27.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Now Isaac was old, and his eyes were dim, and he could not see: and he called Esau, his elder son, and said to him: My son? And he answered: Here I am. <a href="/cpdv/genesis/27.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Now Isaac was old, and his eyes were cloudy, and so he was not able to see. And he called his elder son Esau, and he said to him, “My son?” And he responded, “Here I am.” <a href="/nabre/genesis/27.htm">New American Bible</a> When Isaac was so old that his eyesight had failed him, he called his older son Esau and said to him, “My son!” “Here I am!” he replied. <a href="/nrsvce/genesis/27.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> When Isaac was old and his eyes were dim so that he could not see, he called his elder son Esau and said to him, “My son”; and he answered, “Here I am.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/genesis/27.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> AND it came to pass, when Isaac was old and his eyes were dim so that he could not see, he called Esau his eldest son, and said to him, My son; and he said to him, Behold, here I am. <a href="/hpbt/genesis/27.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And it was that when Isaaq was old and his eyes were too dull to see, he called Esau, his elder son, and said to him, “My son”, and he said, “Here I am.”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/genesis/27.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And it came to pass, that when Isaac was old, and his eyes were dim, so that he could not see, he called Esau his elder son, and said unto him: 'My son'; and he said unto him: 'Here am I.' <a href="/sep/genesis/27.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And it came to pass after Isaac was old, that his eyes were dimmed so that he could not see; and he called Esau, his elder son, and said to him, My son; and he said, Behold, I am here. <a href="/parallel/genesis/27-1.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ehevn8iSgc?start=6315" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/genesis/27.htm">Jacob's Deception</a> 1<a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">When</a> <a href="/hebrew/3327.htm" title="3327: yiṣ·ḥāq (N-proper-ms) -- He laughs, son of Abraham and Sarah. From tsachaq; laughter; Jitschak, son of Abraham.">Isaac</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: way·hî (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">was</a> <a href="/hebrew/2204.htm" title="2204: zā·qên (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To be or become old. A primitive root; to be old.">old</a> <a href="/hebrew/5869.htm" title="5869: ‘ê·nāw (N-cdc:: 3ms) -- An eye. Probably a primitive word; an eye; by analogy, a fountain.">and his eyes</a> <a href="/hebrew/3543.htm" title="3543: wat·tiḵ·he·nā (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fp) -- To be weak, to despond, to grow dull. A primitive root; to be weak, i.e. to despond, or to grow dull.">were so weak</a> <a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: mê·rə·’ōṯ (Prep-m:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">that he could no longer see,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7121.htm" title="7121: way·yiq·rā (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To call, proclaim, read. A primitive root; to call out to.">he called</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1419.htm" title="1419: hag·gā·ḏōl (Art:: Adj-ms) -- Great. Or gadol; from gadal; great; hence, older; also insolent.">his older</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: bə·nōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">son</a> <a href="/hebrew/6215.htm" title="6215: ‘ê·śāw (N-proper-ms) -- Apparently a form of the passive participle of asah in the original sense of handling; rough; Esav, a son of Isaac, including his posterity.">Esau</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">and said</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ê·lāw (Prep:: 3ms) -- To, into, towards. ">to him,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: bə·nî (N-msc:: 1cs) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">“My son.”</a> <a href="/hebrew/2009.htm" title="2009: hin·nê·nî (Interjection:: 1cs) -- Lo! behold! Prolongation for hen; lo!">“Here I am,”</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">Esau replied.</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ê·lāw (Prep:: 3ms) -- To, into, towards. "></a> 2“Look,” said Isaac, “I am now old, and I do not know the day of my death.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/genesis/48-10.htm">Genesis 48:10</a> Now Israel’s eyesight was poor because of old age; he could hardly see. Joseph brought his sons to him, and his father kissed them and embraced them. <a href="/deuteronomy/34-7.htm">Deuteronomy 34:7</a> Moses was a hundred and twenty years old when he died, yet his eyes were not weak, and his vitality had not diminished. <a href="/hebrews/11-20.htm">Hebrews 11:20</a> By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning the future. <a href="/genesis/25-23.htm">Genesis 25:23</a> and He declared to her: “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger.” <a href="/genesis/25-29.htm">Genesis 25:29-34</a> One day, while Jacob was cooking some stew, Esau came in from the field and was famished. / He said to Jacob, “Let me eat some of that red stew, for I am famished.” (That is why he was also called Edom.) / “First sell me your birthright,” Jacob replied. ... <a href="/genesis/48-1.htm">Genesis 48:1-4</a> Some time later Joseph was told, “Your father is ill.” So he set out with his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim. / When Jacob was told, “Your son Joseph has come to you,” Israel rallied his strength and sat up in bed. / Jacob said to Joseph, “God Almighty appeared to me at Luz in the land of Canaan, and there He blessed me ... <a href="/1_samuel/3-2.htm">1 Samuel 3:2</a> And at that time Eli, whose eyesight had grown so dim that he could not see, was lying in his room. <a href="/1_kings/14-4.htm">1 Kings 14:4</a> Jeroboam’s wife did as instructed; she arose and went to Shiloh and arrived at Ahijah’s house. Now Ahijah could not see, for his eyes were dim because of his age. <a href="/genesis/49-1.htm">Genesis 49:1</a> Then Jacob called for his sons and said, “Gather around so that I can tell you what will happen to you in the days to come: <a href="/genesis/27-33.htm">Genesis 27:33-35</a> Isaac began to tremble violently and said, “Who was it, then, who hunted the game and brought it to me? Before you came in, I ate it all and blessed him—and indeed, he will be blessed!” / When Esau heard his father’s words, he let out a loud and bitter cry and said to his father, “Bless me too, O my father!” / But Isaac replied, “Your brother came deceitfully and took your blessing.” <a href="/genesis/27-41.htm">Genesis 27:41</a> Esau held a grudge against Jacob because of the blessing his father had given him. And Esau said in his heart, “The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then I will kill my brother Jacob.” <a href="/genesis/28-1.htm">Genesis 28:1-4</a> So Isaac called for Jacob and blessed him. “Do not take a wife from the Canaanite women,” he commanded. / “Go at once to Paddan-aram, to the house of your mother’s father Bethuel, and take a wife from among the daughters of Laban, your mother’s brother. / May God Almighty bless you and make you fruitful and multiply you, so that you may become a company of peoples. ... <a href="/genesis/35-28.htm">Genesis 35:28-29</a> And Isaac lived 180 years. / Then he breathed his last and died and was gathered to his people, old and full of years. And his sons Esau and Jacob buried him. <a href="/genesis/37-35.htm">Genesis 37:35</a> All his sons and daughters tried to comfort him, but he refused to be comforted. “No,” he said. “I will go down to Sheol mourning for my son.” So his father wept for him. <a href="/genesis/50-1.htm">Genesis 50:1</a> Then Joseph fell upon his father’s face, wept over him, and kissed him.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And it came to pass, that when Isaac was old, and his eyes were dim, so that he could not see, he called Esau his oldest son, and said to him, My son: and he said to him, Behold, here am I.A.<a href="/genesis/48-10.htm">Genesis 48:10</a> Now the eyes of Israel were dim for age, so that he could not see. And he brought them near unto him; and he kissed them, and embraced them.<a href="/1_samuel/3-2.htm">1 Samuel 3:2</a> And it came to pass at that time, when Eli was laid down in his place, and his eyes began to wax dim, that he could not see;<a href="/ecclesiastes/12-3.htm">Ecclesiastes 12:3</a> In the day when the keepers of the house shall tremble, and the strong men shall bow themselves, and the grinders cease because they are few, and those that look out of the windows be darkened,eldest son.<a href="/genesis/25-23.htm">Genesis 25:23-25</a> And the LORD said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/24-50.htm">Able</a> <a href="/genesis/25-8.htm">Aged</a> <a href="/isaiah/29-22.htm">Clouded</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/13-12.htm">Dim</a> <a href="/genesis/25-23.htm">Elder</a> <a href="/genesis/24-2.htm">Eldest</a> <a href="/genesis/26-34.htm">Esau</a> <a href="/genesis/24-64.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/genesis/26-1.htm">First</a> <a href="/genesis/26-35.htm">Isaac</a> <a href="/genesis/17-15.htm">Longer</a> <a href="/genesis/25-23.htm">Older</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-12.htm">Weak</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/29-8.htm">Able</a> <a href="/genesis/27-2.htm">Aged</a> <a href="/genesis/29-17.htm">Clouded</a> <a href="/genesis/48-10.htm">Dim</a> <a href="/genesis/27-15.htm">Elder</a> <a href="/genesis/27-15.htm">Eldest</a> <a href="/genesis/27-5.htm">Esau</a> <a href="/genesis/27-12.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/genesis/27-19.htm">First</a> <a href="/genesis/27-2.htm">Isaac</a> <a href="/genesis/27-45.htm">Longer</a> <a href="/genesis/27-15.htm">Older</a> <a href="/genesis/29-17.htm">Weak</a><div class="vheading2">Genesis 27</div>1. <a href="/genesis/27-1.htm">Isaac sends Esau for venison.</a> 6. <a href="/genesis/27-6.htm">Rebekah instructs Jacob to obtain the blessing.</a> 14. <a href="/genesis/27-14.htm">Jacob, feigning to be Esau, obtains it.</a> 30. <a href="/genesis/27-30.htm">Esau brings venison.</a> 33. <a href="/genesis/27-33.htm">Isaac trembles.</a> 34. <a href="/genesis/27-34.htm">Esau complains, and by importunity obtains a blessing.</a> 41. <a href="/genesis/27-41.htm">He threatens Jacob's life.</a> 42. <a href="/genesis/27-42.htm">Rebekah disappoints him, by sending Jacob away.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/27.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/genesis/27.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>When Isaac was old and his eyes were so weak that he could no longer see Isaac's advanced age and failing eyesight are significant in the narrative, highlighting his vulnerability and the urgency of passing on the blessing. In biblical times, old age was often associated with wisdom and respect, yet here it also introduces a theme of deception. Isaac's blindness is both physical and symbolic, as he is unable to discern the true identity of his sons later in the chapter. This moment foreshadows the deception that will follow and reflects the broader biblical theme of spiritual blindness. Isaac's condition also parallels other patriarchs, such as Jacob, who blessed his sons before his death (Genesis 49).he called his older son Esau and said to him, “My son.” Esau, as the firstborn, traditionally held the birthright and the primary blessing. This cultural context is crucial, as the firstborn son was expected to inherit leadership of the family and a double portion of the inheritance. Isaac's intention to bless Esau aligns with these customs, despite the earlier prophecy given to Rebekah that "the older will serve the younger" (<a href="/genesis/25-23.htm">Genesis 25:23</a>). This sets the stage for the conflict between Esau and Jacob, which has roots in their prenatal struggle and Esau's earlier sale of his birthright (<a href="/genesis/25-29.htm">Genesis 25:29-34</a>). The calling of Esau also reflects Isaac's favoritism, contrasting with Rebekah's preference for Jacob.“Here I am,” Esau replied. Esau's response indicates readiness and obedience to his father's call, a common biblical expression of availability and respect. This phrase, "Here I am," is used by several key figures in the Bible, including Abraham (<a href="/genesis/22.htm">Genesis 22:1</a>) and Moses (<a href="/exodus/3-4.htm">Exodus 3:4</a>), often preceding significant events or divine encounters. Esau's willingness to respond to Isaac's call contrasts with his later actions and the unfolding deception. This moment underscores the tension between human plans and divine purposes, as Esau's readiness to receive the blessing is thwarted by Jacob's intervention, fulfilling God's earlier prophecy.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/i/isaac.htm">Isaac</a> The son of Abraham and Sarah, Isaac is a patriarch of the Israelite nation. At this point in Genesis, he is elderly and visually impaired, which sets the stage for the events that follow. 2. <a href="/topical/e/esau.htm">Esau</a> The elder son of Isaac and Rebekah, Esau is known for his rugged, outdoorsman lifestyle. He is the twin brother of Jacob and is favored by Isaac. 3. <a href="/topical/j/jacob.htm">Jacob</a> Although not directly mentioned in this verse, Jacob is a central figure in the subsequent account. He is the younger twin brother of Esau and is favored by Rebekah. 4. <a href="/topical/r/rebekah.htm">Rebekah</a> Isaac's wife and the mother of Esau and Jacob. Her actions later in the chapter are pivotal to the unfolding of the account. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_blessing.htm">The Blessing</a> The event of Isaac intending to bless Esau, which is a significant cultural and spiritual act, as blessings were seen as prophetic and binding.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_spiritual_vision.htm">The Importance of Spiritual Vision</a> Isaac's physical blindness can symbolize spiritual blindness. Believers are encouraged to seek spiritual discernment and wisdom, especially in making significant decisions. <a href="/topical/f/family_dynamics_and_god's_sovereignty.htm">Family Dynamics and God's Sovereignty</a> The account highlights complex family relationships and God's overarching plan. Trusting in God's sovereignty can bring peace amidst familial conflicts. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_deception.htm">The Role of Deception</a> The account sets the stage for Jacob's deception. It serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of deceit and the importance of integrity. <a href="/topical/t/the_significance_of_blessings.htm">The Significance of Blessings</a> In biblical times, blessings were more than words; they were seen as prophetic and powerful. This underscores the importance of speaking life and truth into others. <a href="/topical/a/aging_and_legacy.htm">Aging and Legacy</a> Isaac's old age prompts reflection on the legacy we leave behind. Believers are encouraged to consider how their actions and words impact future generations.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_genesis_27.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Genesis 27</a> <a href="/q/why_no_conflict_after_jacob-esau_meet.htm">What explains the absence of any further conflict between Jacob and Esau after their dramatic meeting in Genesis 33?</a> <a href="/q/does_genesis_27_6-17_permit_lying.htm">Does this account conflict with other biblical passages that condemn lying yet here seem to permit it (Genesis 27:6–17)? </a> <a href="/q/how_did_jacob_and_esau_reconcile_quickly.htm">How could Jacob and Esau reconcile so suddenly in Genesis 33:4 after years of hostility, and is there historical evidence for Esau’s 400 men? </a> <a href="/q/why_was_isaac_deceived_by_jacob.htm">How could Isaac be so easily deceived by Jacob’s voice and skin when blessing him (Genesis 27:21–22)? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/genesis/27.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>XXVII.JACOB BY SUBTILTY OBTAINS THE FIRSTBORN'S BLESSING.(1) It came to pass.--The importance of this chapter is manifest. Just as in Abraham's life the decision had to be made which of the two sons, Ishmael and Isaac, was to be the heir of the promise, so, here again, there is the same Divine election (<a href="/context/romans/9-10.htm" title="And not only this; but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, even by our father Isaac;">Romans 9:10-13</a>): but while Abraham obeyed, though with heavy heart (<a href="/genesis/21-11.htm" title="And the thing was very grievous in Abraham's sight because of his son.">Genesis 21:11</a>), Isaac even struggled against God's will, and his assent was obtained by human craft working tortuously to effect that which God would have wrought in His own better way. In this case, however, the sons are more closely allied, being twins, born of the same mother, but the younger following so closely upon the very heels of the elder as to seem, even at his birth, as if in eager pursuit. They grow up strangely unlike--the one brave, active, vigorous, but indifferent to everything save earthly things. In his skill and love of hunting, Esau is the very counterpart of Ishmael. The other is calm, sedentary, keenly alive to business, devoted to domestic pursuits, but chiefly valuing the spiritual privileges for which Abraham had left his distant home, and become a wanderer in the highlands of Canaan. Thoroughly as all honest men must disapprove of the mean way in which Jacob bought the birthright, yet, at least, he valued that which Esau so despised as to sell it for the gratification of a hungry appetite. And now again the transfer is ratified by means of another unworthy artifice, but Esau this time is grieved and distressed; for at least he loved his father, and gave proof of the possession of the same warm heart that made him afterwards fall so lovingly upon his brother's neck, and kiss him with tears of hearty affection (<a href="/genesis/33-4.htm" title="And Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck, and kissed him: and they wept.">Genesis 33:4</a>).For Jacob, it must be said that he sought no earthly good. It was not the elder brother's share of the father's wealth that he wanted. All that was Isaac's he resigned to Esau, and went away to push his fortunes elsewhere. Even when he returned with the substance he had gotten in Padan-aram, he was no match for Esau (<a href="/genesis/33-1.htm" title="And Jacob lifted up his eyes, and looked, and, behold, Esau came, and with him four hundred men. And he divided the children to Leah, and to Rachel, and to the two handmaids.">Genesis 33:1</a>), though Isaac was still living. While, too, Esau violated the family law laid down by Abraham, Jacob conformed to it. By marrying Canaanitish women, Esau forfeited by his own act the birthright which previously he had sold; for his children, being illegitimate (<a href="/hebrews/12-16.htm" title="Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.">Hebrews 12:16</a>), could not inherit the promise. What was utterly wrong in Rebekah's and Jacob's conduct was that they used miserable artifices to do that which should have been left to God; and Isaac was equally wrong in trying to make void and annul the clear intimation of prophecy (<a href="/genesis/25-23.htm" title="And the LORD said to her, Two nations are in your womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from your bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger.">Genesis 25:23</a>). . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/27.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 1. - And it came to pass, that when Isaac was old, - according to the generally accepted calculation, in his one hundred and thirty-seventh year. Joseph, having been introduced to Pharaoh in his thirtieth year (<a href="/genesis/41-46.htm">Genesis 41:46</a>), and having been thirty-nine years of age (<a href="/genesis/45-6.htm">Genesis 45:6</a>) when his father, aged one hundred and thirty (<a href="/genesis/47-9.htm">Genesis 47:9</a>), came down to Egypt, must have been born before Jacob was ninety-one; consequently, as his birth occurred in the fourteenth year of Jacob's sojourn in Mesopotamia (cf. <a href="/genesis/30-25.htm">Genesis 30:25</a> with Genesis 29:18, 21, 27), Jacob's flight must have taken place when he was seventy-seven. But Jacob was born in Isaac's sixtieth year (<a href="/genesis/25-26.htm">Genesis 25:26</a>); hence Isaac was now one hundred and thirty-seven. There are, however, difficulties connected with this reckoning which lay it open to suspicion. For one thing, it postpones Jacob s marriage to an extremely late period. Then it takes for granted that the term of Jacob's service in Padan-aram was only twenty years (<a href="/genesis/31-41.htm">Genesis 31:41</a>), whereas it is not certain whether it was not forty, made up, according to the computation of Kennicott, of fourteen years' service, twenty years' assistance as a neighbor, and six years of work for wages. And, lastly, it necessitates the birth of Jacob's eleven children in the short space of six years, a thing which appears to some, it not impossible, at least highly improbable. Adopting the larger number as the term of Jacob s sojourn in Mesopotamia, Isaac would at this time be only one hundred and seventeen (vide 'Chronologer of Jacob's Life,' 31:41) - and his eyes were dim, - literally, were failing in strength, hence becoming dim (<a href="/1_samuel/3-2.htm">1 Samuel 3:2</a>). In describing Jacob s decaying vision a different verb is employed (<a href="/genesis/48-10.htm">Genesis 48:10</a>) - so that he could not see, - literally, from seeing; מִן with the inf. constr, conveying the idea of receding from the state of perfect vision (cf. <a href="/genesis/16-2.htm">Genesis 16:2</a>; <a href="/genesis/31-29.htm">Genesis 31:29</a>; vide Gesenius, 'Hebrew Grammar,' § 132) - he called Esau his eldest son, - Esau was born before his twin brother Jacob (<a href="/genesis/25-25.htm">Genesis 25:25</a>) - and said unto him, My son: - i.e. my special son, my beloved son, the language indicating fondness and partiality (<a href="/genesis/25-28.htm">Genesis 25:28</a>) - and he (Esau) said unto him, Behold, here am I. <a href="/commentaries/genesis/27-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>When כִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction Isaac יִצְחָ֔ק (yiṣ·ḥāq) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3327.htm">Strong's 3327: </a> Isaac -- 'he laughs', son of Abraham and Sarah was וַיְהִי֙ (way·hî) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> To fall out, come to pass, become, be old זָקֵ֣ן (zā·qên) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2204.htm">Strong's 2204: </a> To be or become old and his eyes עֵינָ֖יו (‘ê·nāw) Noun - cdc | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5869.htm">Strong's 5869: </a> An eye, a fountain were so weak וַתִּכְהֶ֥יןָ (wat·tiḵ·he·nā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3543.htm">Strong's 3543: </a> To be weak, to despond, to grow dull he could no longer see, מֵרְאֹ֑ת (mê·rə·’ōṯ) Preposition-m | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> To see he called וַיִּקְרָ֞א (way·yiq·rā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7121.htm">Strong's 7121: </a> To call, proclaim, read his older הַגָּדֹ֗ל (hag·gā·ḏōl) Article | Adjective - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1419.htm">Strong's 1419: </a> Great, older, insolent son בְּנ֣וֹ (bə·nōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son Esau עֵשָׂ֣ו ׀ (‘ê·śāw) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6215.htm">Strong's 6215: </a> Esau -- oldest son of Isaac and said וַיֹּ֤אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say to him, אֵלָיו֙ (’ê·lāw) Preposition | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to “My son.” בְּנִ֔י (bə·nî) Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son “Here I am,” הִנֵּֽנִי׃ (hin·nê·nî) Interjection | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2009.htm">Strong's 2009: </a> Lo! behold! [Esau] replied. וַיֹּ֥אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/27-1.htm">Genesis 27:1 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/genesis/27-1.htm">Genesis 27:1 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/genesis/27-1.htm">Genesis 27:1 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/genesis/27-1.htm">Genesis 27:1 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/genesis/27-1.htm">Genesis 27:1 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/27-1.htm">Genesis 27:1 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/27-1.htm">Genesis 27:1 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/27-1.htm">Genesis 27:1 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/27-1.htm">Genesis 27:1 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/genesis/27-1.htm">Genesis 27:1 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/genesis/27-1.htm">OT Law: Genesis 27:1 It happened that when Isaac was old (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/26-35.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 26:35"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 26:35" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/27-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 27:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 27:2" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>