Devine Scripture

Genesis 27:1

What does Genesis 27:1 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 27:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 27:1 means

This verse sets the stage for the dramatic events to follow, highlighting Isaac's advanced age and impaired vision. His call to Esau, his elder son, initiates the chain of deception and family conflict. The practice of a dying patriarch bestowing a final blessing was a significant cultural custom, underscoring the spiritual and material inheritance passed down through generations. Isaac's decision to bless Esau, despite God's earlier prophecy concerning Jacob, reveals a human attempt to override divine purpose.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Now when Isaac was old and his eyes had become clouded so that he was not able to see, he sent for Esau, his first son, and said to him, My son: and he said, Here am I.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And it cometh to pass that Isaac <FI>is<Fi> 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 <FI>am<Fi> I.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

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.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And it came to pass when Isaac had become old, and his eyes were dim so that he could not see, that he called Esau his elder son, and said to him, My son! And he said to him, Here am I.

Context

This opening verse immediately establishes the physical condition of Isaac and his intention to bless Esau. It’s the foundational event, preceding Rebekah's intervention and Jacob's subsequent deception. Understanding Isaac's blindness and desire to bless his favored son is crucial to comprehending the entire unfolding narrative of manipulation and its serious consequences.

v.1This passage

v.2And he said, Behold now, I am old, I know not the day of my death.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 1 Samuel 3:2

    And it came to pass at that time, when Eli was laid down in his place (now his eyes had begun to wax dim, so that he could not see),

  • Genesis 25:23

    And Jehovah said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, And two peoples shall be separated from thy bowels: And the one people shall be stronger than the other people; And the elder shall serve the younger.

  • Ecclesiastes 12:3

    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 shall be darkened,

  • Genesis 48:10

    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.

  • John 9:3

    Jesus answered, Neither did this man sin, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.

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