Devine Scripture

Genesis 27:23

What does Genesis 27:23 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 27:23 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 27:23 means

Isaac's inability to discern the deception is directly attributed to the hairy hands, which effectively mimicked Esau's characteristic. The text explicitly states that "he discerned him not, because his hands were hairy, as his brother Esau's hands." This detail confirms the success of Rebekah's meticulous disguise. Consequently, despite the conflicting voice, Isaac proceeds to bless Jacob, swayed by the convincing tactile evidence.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And he discerned him not, because his hands were hairy, as his brother Esau’s hands: so he blessed him.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And he discerned him not, because his hands were hairy, as his brother Esau’s hands: so he blessed him.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And he discerned him not, because his hands were hairy, as his brother Esau’s hands: so he blessed him.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he did not make out who he was, because his hands were covered with hair like his brother Esau's hands: so he gave him a blessing.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And he hath not discerned him, for his hands have been hairy, as the hands of Esau his brother, and he blesseth him,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And he knew him not, because his hairy hands made him like to the elder. Then blessing him,

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And he did not discern him, because his hands were hairy, as his brother Esau's hands; and he blessed him.

Context

This verse explains Isaac's final conclusion after the tactile examination, directly following the sensory conflict between voice and touch. It highlights the decisive role of the physical disguise in overcoming Isaac's doubt, confirming the success of the deception. This resolution directly leads to Isaac once again questioning Jacob's identity, needing absolute verbal confirmation.

v.22And Jacob went near unto Isaac his father; and he felt him, and said, The voice is Jacob’s voice, but the hands are the hands of Esau.

v.23This passage

v.24And he said, Art thou my very son Esau? And he said, I am.

Cross references

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

  • Romans 9:11

    for the children being not yet born, neither having done anything good or bad, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth,

  • Hebrews 11:20

    By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even concerning things to come.

  • Genesis 27:16

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

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