Devine Scripture

Genesis 27:16

What does Genesis 27:16 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 27:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 27:16 means

This verse details the crucial tactile element of the deception: Rebekah covering Jacob's hands and smooth neck with goatskins. This ingenious solution was designed to mimic Esau's hairy skin, overcoming Jacob's primary concern about being discovered by touch. This meticulous effort underscores the thoroughness of the elaborate charade, exploiting Isaac's blindness and ensuring the disguise would pass a physical examination.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

and she put the skins of the kids of the goats upon his hands, and upon the smooth of his neck:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And she put the skins of the kids of the goats upon his hands, and upon the smooth of his neck:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

and she put the skins of the kids of the goats upon his hands, and upon the smooth of his neck:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And she put the skins of the young goats on his hands and on the smooth part of his neck:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and the skins of the kids of the goats she hath put on his hands, and on the smooth of his neck,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And the little skins of the kids she put about his hands, and covered the bare of his neck.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and she put the skins of the kids of the goats on his hands, and on the smooth of his neck;

Context

Following the use of Esau's clothes to address the sense of smell, this verse tackles Jacob's earlier concern about his smooth skin. The application of goatskins is a direct response to Jacob's fear of being felt and identified. This detailed physical disguise sets the stage for Jacob to approach Isaac, believing the deception is now foolproof.

v.15And Rebekah took the goodly garments of Esau her elder son, which were with her in the house, and put them upon Jacob her younger son;

v.16This passage

v.17and she gave the savory food and the bread, which she had prepared, into the hand of her son Jacob.

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