Devine Scripture

Genesis 27:41

What does Genesis 27:41 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 27:41 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 27:41 means

Esau’s hatred for Jacob intensifies to a murderous intent because of the stolen blessing. His private vow to kill Jacob after Isaac's death reveals the depth of his rage and grief. This verse marks a turning point, transforming brotherly rivalry into a deadly feud. This deep-seated animosity sets the stage for Jacob’s necessary flight, preventing immediate fratricide and fulfilling the earlier prophecy of the elder serving the younger through conflict.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing wherewith his father blessed him: and Esau said in his heart, The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then will I slay my brother Jacob.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing wherewith his father blessed him: and Esau said in his heart, The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then will I slay my brother Jacob.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing wherewith his father blessed him: and Esau said in his heart, The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then will I slay my brother Jacob.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

So Esau was full of hate for Jacob because of his father's blessing; and he said in his heart, The days of weeping for my father are near; then I will put my brother Jacob to death.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And Esau hateth Jacob, because of the blessing with which his father blessed him, and Esau saith in his heart, `The days of mourning <FI>for<Fi> my father draw near, and I slay Jacob my brother.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Esau therefore always hated Jacob, for the blessing wherewith his father had blessed him; and he said in his heart: The days will come of the mourning for my father, and I will kill my brother Jacob.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing with which his father had blessed him. And Esau said in his heart, The days of mourning for my father are at hand, and I will slay my brother Jacob.

Context

This verse captures the immediate and devastating consequence of the stolen blessing and Esau's lesser pronouncement: a deep, murderous hatred. It follows directly from Esau's blessing. This hatred is the main motivator for the events that follow, prompting Rebekah's protective actions and Jacob's subsequent flight from home.

v.40And by thy sword shalt thou live, and thou shalt serve thy brother; And it shall come to pass, when thou shalt break loose, That thou shalt shake his yoke from off thy neck.

v.41This passage

v.42And the words of Esau her elder son were told to Rebekah; and she sent and called Jacob her younger son, and said unto him, Behold, thy brother Esau, as touching thee, doth comfort himself, purposing to kill thee.

Cross references

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

  • Amos 1:11

    Thus saith Jehovah: For three transgressions of Edom, yea, for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because he did pursue his brother with the sword, and did cast off all pity, and his anger did tear perpetually, and he kept his wrath for ever.

  • Obadiah 1:10

    For the violence done to thy brother Jacob, shame shall cover thee, and thou shalt be cut off for ever.

  • Proverbs 6:14

    In whose heart is perverseness, Who deviseth evil continually, Who soweth discord.

  • Genesis 4:2

    And again she bare his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground.

  • Genesis 32:6

    And the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, We came to thy brother Esau, and moreover he cometh to meet thee, and four hundred men with him.

  • 2 Samuel 13:28

    And Absalom commanded his servants, saying, Mark ye now, when Amnon’s heart is merry with wine; and when I say unto you, Smite Amnon, then kill him; fear not; have not I commanded you? be courageous, and be valiant.

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