Devine Scripture

Genesis 27:26

What does Genesis 27:26 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 27:26 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 27:26 means

Isaac’s request for a kiss, a gesture of deep familial affection and covenantal bond, serves as a final sensory test. This close contact would allow him to smell his son, a significant identifier in an era without modern hygiene. This intimate gesture precedes the formal blessing and highlights the personal connection Isaac believes he is sharing with Esau, unaware it is Jacob whom he embraces.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And his father Isaac said unto him, Come near now, and kiss me, my son.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And his father Isaac said unto him, Come near now, and kiss me, my son.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And his father Isaac said unto him, Come near now, and kiss me, my son.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And his father Isaac said to him, Come near now, my son, and give me a kiss.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And Isaac his father saith to him, `Come nigh, I pray thee, and kiss me, my son;'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

He said to him: Come near me, and give me a kiss, my son.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And his father Isaac said to him, Come near, now, and kiss me, my son.

Context

This verse describes Isaac's affectionate gesture, which immediately follows his consumption of the meal. This act of drawing Jacob closer for a kiss sets up the final sensory test—the smell—before the blessing is pronounced. It directly precedes Isaac's smelling of Jacob's clothes and the subsequent bestowal of the blessing, building a sense of solemnity.

v.25And he said, Bring it near to me, and I will eat of my son’s venison, that my soul may bless thee. And he brought it near to him, and he did eat: and he brought him wine, and he drank.

v.26This passage

v.27And he came near, and kissed him: and he smelled the smell of his raiment, and blessed him, and said, See, the smell of my son Is as the smell of a field which Jehovah hath blessed:

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