Devine Scripture

Genesis 27:42

What does Genesis 27:42 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 27:42 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 27:42 means

Rebekah, ever vigilant and proactive, learns of Esau's murderous intentions. Her immediate response is to call Jacob, demonstrating her continued role in guiding and protecting her favored son. This intelligence highlights the gravity of the situation and the imminent danger Jacob faces, triggering Rebekah's plan to send him away for his safety, preventing her from losing both sons.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And 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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And these 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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And 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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Then Rebekah, hearing what Esau had said, sent for Jacob, her younger son, and said to him, It seems that your brother Esau is purposing to put you to death.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And the words of Esau her elder son are declared to Rebekah, and she sendeth and calleth for Jacob her younger son, and saith unto him, `Lo, Esau thy brother is comforting himself in regard to thee--to slay thee;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

These things were told to Rebecca: and she sent and called Jacob, her son, and said to him: Behold Esau, thy brother, threateneth to kill thee.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And the words of Esau her elder son were told to Rebecca. And she sent and called Jacob her younger son, and said to him, Behold, thy brother Esau, as touching thee, comforts himself that he will kill thee.

Context

This verse signifies Rebekah’s awareness of the grave danger facing Jacob, immediately following Esau's silent vow of vengeance. Her swift action to call Jacob demonstrates her ongoing protective role. This crucial piece of information sets the stage for Rebekah's plan to send Jacob away, beginning the next phase of Jacob's life and the ongoing family separation.

v.41And 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.

v.42This passage

v.43Now therefore, my son, obey my voice; and arise, flee thou to Laban my brother to Haran;

Cross references

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

  • Genesis 37:18

    And they saw him afar off, and before he came near unto them, they conspired against him to slay him.

  • Job 20:12

    Though wickedness be sweet in his mouth, Though he hide it under his tongue,

  • Genesis 42:21

    And they said one to another, We are verily guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the distress of his soul, when he besought us, and we would not hear; therefore is this distress come upon us.

  • Psalms 64:5

    They encourage themselves in an evil purpose; They commune of laying snares privily; They say, Who will see them?

  • Proverbs 4:16

    For they sleep not, except they do evil; And their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall.

  • Proverbs 2:14

    Who rejoice to do evil, And delight in the perverseness of evil;

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