Devine Scripture

Genesis 27:12

What does Genesis 27:12 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 27:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 27:12 means

Jacob's fear of being discovered as a deceiver is not primarily moral, but pragmatic: he worries about incurring a curse rather than receiving a blessing. In the ancient Near East, a patriarchal curse was a deeply feared pronouncement, carrying spiritual weight and negative consequences. His concern underscores the high stakes of the deception, showing he understands the potential for severe repercussions if their plot fails.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

My father peradventure will feel me, and I shall seem to him as a deceiver; and I shall bring a curse upon me, and not a blessing.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

My father peradventure will feel me, and I shall seem to him as a deceiver; and I shall bring a curse upon me, and not a blessing.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

My father peradventure will feel me, and I shall seem to him as a deceiver; and I shall bring a curse upon me, and not a blessing.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

If by chance my father puts his hand on me, it will seem to him that I am tricking him, and he will put a curse on me in place of a blessing.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

it may be my father doth feel me, and I have been in his eyes as a deceiver, and have brought upon me disesteem, and not a blessing;'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

If my father should feel me, and perceive it, I fear lest he will think I would have mocked him, and I shall bring upon me a curse instead of a blessing.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

My father perhaps will feel me, and I shall be in his sight as one who mocks [him], and I shall bring a curse on me, and not a blessing.

Context

Expanding on his previous verse, Jacob articulates the dire consequence of failure: a curse instead of a blessing. This immediately follows his observation about the physical differences between him and Esau. His fear acts as a crucial plot point, prompting Rebekah to take full responsibility for any negative outcomes, thereby solidifying Jacob's reluctant participation.

v.11And Jacob said to Rebekah his mother, Behold, Esau my brother is a hairy man, and I am a smooth man.

v.12This passage

v.13And his mother said unto him, Upon me be thy curse, my son; only obey my voice, and go fetch me them.

Cross references

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

  • Genesis 9:25

    And he said, Cursed be Canaan; A servant of servants shall he be unto his brethren.

  • Genesis 27:36

    And he said, Is not he rightly named Jacob? for he hath supplanted me these two times: he took away my birthright; and, behold, now he hath taken away my blessing. And he said, Hast thou not reserved a blessing for me?

  • 2 Corinthians 6:8

    by glory and dishonor, by evil report and good report; as deceivers, and yet true;

  • Malachi 1:14

    But cursed be the deceiver, who hath in his flock a male, and voweth, and sacrificeth unto the Lord a blemished thing; for I am a great King, saith Jehovah of hosts, and my name is terrible among the Gentiles.

  • Jeremiah 48:10

    Cursed be he that doeth the work of Jehovah negligently; and cursed be he that keepeth back his sword from blood.

  • Genesis 25:27

    And the boys grew: and Esau was a skilful hunter, a man of the field; and Jacob was a quiet man, dwelling in tents.

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