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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Genesis 27:23 Isaac did not recognize him, because his hands were hairy like those of his brother Esau; so he blessed him.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/27-23.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/15/01_Gen_27_23.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 27:23 - Isaac Blesses Jacob" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Isaac did not recognize him, because his hands were hairy like those of his brother Esau; so he blessed him." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/genesis/27-23.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/genesis/27-23.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/genesis/">Genesis</a> > <a href="/genesis/27.htm">Chapter 27</a> > Verse 23</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad3.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/genesis/27-22.htm" title="Genesis 27:22">◄</a> Genesis 27:23 <a href="/genesis/27-24.htm" title="Genesis 27:24">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/genesis/27.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/genesis/27.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />He did not recognize him, for his hands were hairy like those of his brother Esau; so he proceeded to bless him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/genesis/27.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />But he did not recognize Jacob, because Jacob’s hands felt hairy just like Esau’s. So Isaac prepared to bless Jacob.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/genesis/27.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And he did not recognize him, because his hands were hairy like his brother Esau’s hands. So he blessed him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/genesis/27.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Isaac did not recognize him, because his hands were hairy like those of his brother Esau; so he blessed him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/genesis/27.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And he discerned him not, because his hands were hairy, as his brother Esau's hands: so he blessed him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/genesis/27.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And he did not recognize him, because his hands were hairy like his brother Esau’s hands; so he blessed him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/27.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />And he did not recognize him, because his hands were hairy like his brother Esau’s hands; so he blessed him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/27.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />He did not recognize him, because his hands were hairy like his brother Esau&#8217s hands; so he blessed him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/27.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And he did not recognize him, because his hands were hairy like his brother Esau’s hands; so he blessed him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/genesis/27.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And he did not recognize him because his hands were hairy like his brother Esau’s hands; so he blessed him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/27.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />He could not recognize him [as Jacob], because his hands were hairy like his brother Esau’s hands; so he blessed him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/27.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He did not recognize him, because his hands were hairy like those of his brother Esau; so he blessed him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/27.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He did not recognize him, because his hands were hairy like those of his brother Esau; so he blessed him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/genesis/27.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And he discerned him not, because his hands were hairy, as his brother Esau's hands: so he blessed him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/genesis/27.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />And so Isaac blessed Jacob, thinking he was Esau. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/genesis/27.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And he discerned him not, because his hands were hairy, as his brother Esau's hands: so he blessed him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/27.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />He didn't recognize Jacob, because his hands were hairy like his brother Esau's hands. So he blessed him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/genesis/27.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />He did not recognize Jacob, because his arms were hairy like Esau's. He was about to give him his blessing, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/27.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />He didn't recognize Jacob, because his hands were hairy like those of his brother Esau, so Isaac blessed him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/27.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Isaac did not recognize him, because his hands were hairy like those of his brother Esau; so he blessed him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/27.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />He did not recognize him because his hands were hairy, like his brother Esau's hands. So Isaac blessed Jacob.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/genesis/27.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />He did not recognize him, because his hands were hairy like those of his brother Esau. So he blessed him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/genesis/27.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And he discerned him not, because his hands were hairy, as his brother Esau's hands: So he blessed him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/27.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />He didn’t recognize him, because his hands were hairy, like his brother Esau’s hands. So he blessed him. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/genesis/27.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And he has not discerned him, for his hands have been hairy, as the hands of his brother Esau, and he blesses him,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/genesis/27.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And he hath not discerned him, for his hands have been hairy, as the hands of Esau his brother, and he blesseth him,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/genesis/27.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And he knew him not, for his hands were as the hands of Esau, his brother of hair: and he will praise him.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/genesis/27.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/27.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And he did not recognize him, because his hairy hands made him seem similar to the elder one. Therefore, blessing him,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/27.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />(He failed to identify him because his hands were hairy, like those of his brother Esau; so he blessed him.)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/genesis/27.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />He did not recognize him, because his hands were hairy like his brother Esau’s hands; so he blessed him.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/genesis/27.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />But he did not recognize him, because his hands were hairy, like his brother Esau's hands; so he blessed him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/genesis/27.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And he did not recognize him because his hands were like the hands of Esau his hairy brother, and he blessed him.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/genesis/27.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And he discerned him not, because his hands were hairy, as his brother Esau's hands; so he blessed him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/genesis/27.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And he knew him not, for his hands were as the hands of his brother Esau, hairy; and he blessed him,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/27-23.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ehevn8iSgc?start=6487" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/genesis/27.htm">Isaac Blesses Jacob</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">22</span>So Jacob came close to his father Isaac, who touched him and said, “The voice is the voice of Jacob, but the hands are the hands of Esau.” <span class="reftext">23</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">Isaac did not</a> <a href="/hebrew/5234.htm" title="5234: hik·kî·rōw (V-Hifil-Perf-3ms:: 3ms) -- To regard, recognize. ">recognize him,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">because</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: yā·ḏāw (N-fdc:: 3ms) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)">his hands</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: hā·yū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">were</a> <a href="/hebrew/8163.htm" title="8163: śə·‘i·rōṯ (Adj-fp) -- Shaggy, a he-goat, a faun. Or sabir; from sa'ar; shaggy; as noun, a he-goat; by analogy, a faun.">hairy</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: kî·ḏê (Prep-k:: N-fdc) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)">like those</a> <a href="/hebrew/251.htm" title="251: ’ā·ḥîw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- A brother. A primitive word; a brother (like 'ab).">of his brother</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/1288.htm" title="1288: way·ḇā·rə·ḵê·hū (Conj-w:: V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms:: 3ms) -- To kneel, bless. A primitive root; to kneel; by implication to bless God, and man; also to curse.">so he blessed him.</a> </span><span class="reftext">24</span>Again he asked, “Are you really my son Esau?” And he replied, “I am.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/25-23.htm">Genesis 25:23</a></span><br />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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/25-28.htm">Genesis 25:28</a></span><br />Because Isaac had a taste for wild game, he loved Esau; but Rebekah loved Jacob.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/27-1.htm">Genesis 27:1-4</a></span><br />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. / “Look,” said Isaac, “I am now old, and I do not know the day of my death. / Take your weapons—your quiver and bow—and go out into the field to hunt some game for me. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/27-18.htm">Genesis 27:18-19</a></span><br />So Jacob went to his father and said, “My father.” “Here I am!” he answered. “Which one are you, my son?” / Jacob said to his father, “I am Esau, your firstborn. I have done as you told me. Please sit up and eat some of my game, so that you may bless me.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/27-35.htm">Genesis 27:35-36</a></span><br />But Isaac replied, “Your brother came deceitfully and took your blessing.” / So Esau declared, “Is he not rightly named Jacob? For he has cheated me twice. He took my birthright, and now he has taken my blessing.” Then he asked, “Haven’t you saved a blessing for me?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/29-25.htm">Genesis 29:25</a></span><br />When morning came, there was Leah! “What have you done to me?” Jacob said to Laban. “Wasn’t it for Rachel that I served you? Why have you deceived me?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/48-14.htm">Genesis 48:14</a></span><br />But Israel stretched out his right hand and put it on the head of Ephraim, the younger; and crossing his hands, he put his left on Manasseh’s head, although Manasseh was the firstborn.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/16-7.htm">1 Samuel 16:7</a></span><br />But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/13-18.htm">1 Kings 13:18</a></span><br />Then the prophet replied, “I too am a prophet like you, and an angel spoke to me by the word of the LORD, saying, ‘Bring him back with you to your house, so that he may eat bread and drink water.’” The old prophet was lying to him,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/20-17.htm">Proverbs 20:17</a></span><br />Food gained by fraud is sweet to a man, but later his mouth is full of gravel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/9-4.htm">Jeremiah 9:4-5</a></span><br />“Let everyone guard against his neighbor; do not trust any brother, for every brother deals craftily, and every friend spreads slander. / Each one betrays his friend; no one tells the truth. They have taught their tongues to lie; they wear themselves out committing iniquity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-15.htm">Matthew 7:15</a></span><br />Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/10-16.htm">Matthew 10:16</a></span><br />Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/24-24.htm">Matthew 24:24</a></span><br />For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive even the elect, if that were possible.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/13-22.htm">Mark 13:22</a></span><br />For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and wonders to deceive even the elect, if that were possible.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And he discerned him not, because his hands were hairy, as his brother Esau's hands: so he blessed him.</p><p class="hdg">his hands.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/27-16.htm">Genesis 27:16</a></b></br> And she put the skins of the kids of the goats upon his hands, and upon the smooth of his neck:</p><p class="hdg">he blessed.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/9-11.htm">Romans 9:11,12</a></b></br> (For <i>the children</i> being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;) … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/hebrews/11-20.htm">Hebrews 11:20</a></b></br> By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/26-29.htm">Blessed</a> <a href="/genesis/26-12.htm">Blesseth</a> <a href="/genesis/27-19.htm">Blessing</a> <a href="/genesis/27-16.htm">Covered</a> <a href="/hebrews/5-14.htm">Discern</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-24.htm">Discerned</a> <a href="/genesis/27-22.htm">Esau</a> <a href="/genesis/25-28.htm">Esau's</a> <a href="/genesis/27-11.htm">Hair</a> <a href="/genesis/27-11.htm">Hairy</a> <a href="/genesis/27-22.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/1_john/4-6.htm">Recognize</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/27-27.htm">Blessed</a> <a href="/genesis/27-27.htm">Blesseth</a> <a href="/genesis/27-25.htm">Blessing</a> <a href="/genesis/38-14.htm">Covered</a> <a href="/genesis/31-32.htm">Discern</a> <a href="/genesis/37-33.htm">Discerned</a> <a href="/genesis/27-24.htm">Esau</a> <a href="/genesis/28-5.htm">Esau's</a> <a href="/genesis/41-14.htm">Hair</a> <a href="/2_kings/1-8.htm">Hairy</a> <a href="/genesis/31-42.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/genesis/38-25.htm">Recognize</a><div class="vheading2">Genesis 27</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/27-1.htm">Isaac sends Esau for venison.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/27-6.htm">Rebekah instructs Jacob to obtain the blessing.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/27-14.htm">Jacob, feigning to be Esau, obtains it.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">30. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/27-30.htm">Esau brings venison.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">33. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/27-33.htm">Isaac trembles.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">34. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/27-34.htm">Esau complains, and by importunity obtains a blessing.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">41. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/27-41.htm">He threatens Jacob's life.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">42. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/27-42.htm">Rebekah disappoints him, by sending Jacob away.</a></span><br></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><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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><b>Isaac did not recognize him</b><br>Isaac's inability to recognize Jacob highlights the theme of deception that runs throughout this narrative. Isaac, who is old and has poor eyesight, is deceived by Jacob, who is impersonating his brother Esau. This moment is pivotal in the story of Jacob and Esau, as it fulfills the prophecy given to Rebekah that "the older will serve the younger" (<a href="/genesis/25-23.htm">Genesis 25:23</a>). The act of deception also foreshadows future events in Jacob's life, where he himself will be deceived by Laban. This phrase underscores the human tendency to rely on physical senses, which can be misleading, rather than spiritual discernment.<p><b>because his hands were hairy like those of his brother Esau</b><br>The description of Esau as hairy is consistent with earlier accounts in Genesis, where Esau is described as red and hairy at birth (<a href="/genesis/25-25.htm">Genesis 25:25</a>). This physical characteristic becomes a key element in Jacob's deception. The use of goat skins to mimic Esau's hairy hands is a clever ruse that exploits Isaac's reliance on touch due to his failing eyesight. This detail also reflects the cultural importance of physical traits in identifying individuals, as well as the lengths to which Jacob and Rebekah are willing to go to secure the blessing. The use of animal skins can be seen as a type of the sacrificial system, where coverings are used to present oneself as something they are not.<p><b>so he blessed him</b><br>The blessing Isaac gives to Jacob, thinking he is Esau, is significant in the biblical narrative. In the ancient Near Eastern context, a father's blessing was a powerful and binding declaration that often included the transfer of leadership, inheritance, and divine favor. This blessing, intended for Esau, includes promises of prosperity, dominion, and the continuation of the Abrahamic covenant. The act of blessing Jacob instead of Esau fulfills God's earlier prophecy and sets the stage for the unfolding of Israel's history. This moment also prefigures the concept of grace, where blessings are given not based on merit but on God's sovereign choice, paralleling the New Testament theme of believers receiving blessings through Christ, the true firstborn.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/i/isaac.htm">Isaac</a></b><br>- The patriarch of the family, Isaac is the son of Abraham and Sarah. In <a href="/genesis/27-23.htm">Genesis 27:23</a>, he is old and his eyesight is failing, which leads to the deception by his son Jacob.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/jacob.htm">Jacob</a></b><br>- The younger son of Isaac and Rebekah, Jacob deceives his father into giving him the blessing meant for his elder brother Esau. His actions are central to the events of <a href="/bsb/genesis/27.htm">Genesis 27</a>.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/e/esau.htm">Esau</a></b><br>- The elder son of Isaac and Rebekah, Esau is the rightful heir to the blessing. However, he is tricked by his brother Jacob and loses his father's blessing.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/r/rebekah.htm">Rebekah</a></b><br>- The wife of Isaac and mother of Esau and Jacob, Rebekah orchestrates the plan for Jacob to receive the blessing, showing favoritism towards him.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_blessing.htm">The Blessing</a></b><br>- A significant event in the patriarchal family, the blessing is a prophetic and spiritual pronouncement that carries the weight of inheritance and divine favor.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_deceptive_nature_of_sin.htm">The Deceptive Nature of Sin</a></b><br>Sin often involves deception, both of others and ourselves. Jacob's deceit of Isaac is a reminder of how sin can lead us to manipulate situations for personal gain.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_sovereignty_of_god.htm">The Sovereignty of God</a></b><br>Despite human deception, God's purposes prevail. The blessing of Jacob over Esau was part of God's sovereign plan, as foretold to Rebekah.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_spiritual_discernment.htm">The Importance of Spiritual Discernment</a></b><br>Isaac's inability to discern Jacob's identity due to his failing senses serves as a cautionary tale about the need for spiritual discernment in our lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/family_dynamics_and_favoritism.htm">Family Dynamics and Favoritism</a></b><br>The favoritism shown by Rebekah towards Jacob and Isaac towards Esau highlights the destructive potential of partiality within families.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_actions.htm">The Consequences of Actions</a></b><br>Jacob's deception had long-term consequences, leading to family strife and his eventual exile. Our actions, especially those rooted in sin, can have lasting impacts.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_genesis_27.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Genesis 27</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_is_jacob,_also_known_as_israel.htm">Who is Jacob, also known as Israel?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_choose_a_deceiver_for_god's_lineage.htm">Why would God's chosen lineage pass through someone who blatantly deceived his father (Genesis 27:35-36)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/genesis_48_14_-_why_did_jacob_cross_hands.htm">Genesis 48:14 - How can Jacob's crossing of his hands and reversing birth order be reconciled with typical ancient customs?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_is_rebekah_in_the_bible.htm">Who is Rebekah in the Bible?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/27-23.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">[Isaac] did not</span><br /><span class="heb">וְלֹ֣א</span> <span class="translit">(wə·lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">recognize him,</span><br /><span class="heb">הִכִּיר֔וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(hik·kî·rōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5234.htm">Strong's 5234: </a> </span><span class="str2">To regard, recognize</span><br /><br /><span class="word">because</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּֽי־</span> <span class="translit">(kî-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his hands</span><br /><span class="heb">יָדָ֗יו</span> <span class="translit">(yā·ḏāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - fdc | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3027.htm">Strong's 3027: </a> </span><span class="str2">A hand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">were</span><br /><span class="heb">הָי֣וּ</span> <span class="translit">(hā·yū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall out, come to pass, become, be</span><br /><br /><span class="word">hairy</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׂעִרֹ֑ת</span> <span class="translit">(śə·‘i·rōṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8163.htm">Strong's 8163: </a> </span><span class="str2">Shaggy, a he-goat, a faun</span><br /><br /><span class="word">like those</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּידֵ֛י</span> <span class="translit">(kî·ḏê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k | Noun - fdc<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3027.htm">Strong's 3027: </a> </span><span class="str2">A hand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of his brother</span><br /><span class="heb">אָחִ֖יו</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·ḥîw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_251.htm">Strong's 251: </a> </span><span class="str2">A brother, )</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Esau;</span><br /><span class="heb">עֵשָׂ֥ו</span> <span class="translit">(‘ê·śāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6215.htm">Strong's 6215: </a> </span><span class="str2">Esau -- oldest son of Isaac</span><br /><br /><span class="word">so he blessed him.</span><br /><span class="heb">וַֽיְבָרְכֵֽהוּ׃</span> <span class="translit">(way·ḇā·rə·ḵê·hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1288.htm">Strong's 1288: </a> </span><span class="str2">To kneel, to bless God, man, to curse</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/27-23.htm">Genesis 27:23 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/27-23.htm">Genesis 27:23 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/27-23.htm">Genesis 27:23 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/27-23.htm">Genesis 27:23 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/27-23.htm">Genesis 27:23 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/27-23.htm">Genesis 27:23 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/27-23.htm">Genesis 27:23 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/27-23.htm">Genesis 27:23 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/27-23.htm">Genesis 27:23 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/27-23.htm">Genesis 27:23 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/27-23.htm">OT Law: Genesis 27:23 He didn't recognize him because his hands (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/27-22.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 27:22"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 27:22" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/27-24.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 27:24"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 27:24" /></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>