King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
And Isaac loved Esau, because he did eat of [his] venison: but Rebekah loved Jacob.
Complete Jewish Bible:
Yitz'chak favored 'Esav, because he had a taste for game; Rivkah favored Ya'akov.
Berean Standard Bible:
Because Isaac had a taste for wild game, he loved Esau; but Rebekah loved Jacob.
American Standard Version:
Now Isaac loved Esau, because he did eat of his venison: and Rebekah loved Jacob.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
And Isaac{H3327} loved{H157} Esau{H6215}, because he did eat{H6310} of his venison{H6718}: but Rebekah{H7259} loved{H157} Jacob{H3290}.
Cross-References (KJV):
Genesis 27:19
- And Jacob said unto his father, I [am] Esau thy firstborn; I have done according as thou badest me: arise, I pray thee, sit and eat of my venison, that thy soul may bless me.
Genesis 27:4
- And make me savoury meat, such as I love, and bring [it] to me, that I may eat; that my soul may bless thee before I die.
Genesis 27:31
- And he also had made savoury meat, and brought it unto his father, and said unto his father, Let my father arise, and eat of his son's venison, that thy soul may bless me.
Genesis 27:9
- Go now to the flock, and fetch me from thence two good kids of the goats; and I will make them savoury meat for thy father, such as he loveth:
Genesis 27:25
- And 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.
Genesis 27:6
- ¶ And Rebekah spake unto Jacob her son, saying, Behold, I heard thy father speak unto Esau thy brother, saying,
Genesis 27:7
- Bring me venison, and make me savoury meat, that I may eat, and bless thee before the LORD before my death.
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Commentary for Genesis 25:28
Genesis 25:28 is a verse that captures a pivotal moment in the narrative of the patriarchs, highlighting family dynamics and foreshadowing future conflicts. The verse reads, "And Isaac loved Esau, because he did eat of [his] venison: but Rebekah loved Jacob." This preference of parents for different children sets the stage for one of the most dramatic stories in the Bible.
The historical context of this verse is within the broader narrative of the patriarchs, where the family line of Abraham is continued through his son Isaac. Isaac and his wife Rebekah have twin sons, Esau and Jacob. The verse reflects the cultural significance of birthright and parental blessing, which were critical for the continuation of the family lineage and the inheritance of the family's wealth and status.
The theme of favoritism is central to this verse. Isaac's preference for Esau, the older twin and a skilled hunter, is based on the practical contribution Esau makes to the family through his provision of game. In contrast, Rebekah favors Jacob, the younger twin, who is described elsewhere as a quiet man, dwelling in tents (Genesis 25:27). This parental favoritism leads to tension and deception, as Jacob later deceives his father Isaac to receive the blessing meant for Esau, capitalizing on Isaac's sensory impairment in old age (Genesis 27).
The verse also touches on the theme of divine providence versus human choice. While the parents' preferences are based on their personal affections and the boys' characteristics, the narrative ultimately unfolds according to God's plan. Despite the human drama and flawed decisions, God's promise to Abraham is carried forward through the line of Jacob, who is later named Israel and becomes the father of the twelve tribes of Israel.
In summary, Genesis 25:28 encapsulates the complex family relationships that influence the unfolding of God's covenantal promises. It reflects the cultural importance of ancestral blessings and the human tendencies of favoritism and manipulation, while also setting the scene for the fulfillment of divine intentions through the lineage of Jacob.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H3327
There are 101 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: יִצְחָק
Transliteration: Yitschâq
Pronunciation: yits-khawk'
Description: from צָחַק; laughter (i.e. mochery); Jitschak (or Isaac), son of Abraham; Isaac. Compare יִשְׂחָק. - Strong's Number: H157
There are 257 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אָהַב
Transliteration: ʼâhab
Pronunciation: aw-hab'
Description: or אָהֵב ; a primitive root; to have affection for (sexually or otherwise); (be-) love(-d, -ly, -r), like, friend. - Strong's Number: H6215
There are 82 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: עֵשָׂו
Transliteration: ʻÊsâv
Pronunciation: ay-sawv'
Description: apparently a form of the passive participle of עָשָׂה in the original sense of handling; rough (i.e. sensibly felt); Esav, a son of Isaac, including his posterity; Esau. - Strong's Number: H6310
There are 460 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: פֶּה
Transliteration: peh
Pronunciation: peh
Description: from פָּאָה; the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with preposition) according to; accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word. - Strong's Number: H6718
There are 18 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: צַיִד
Transliteration: tsayid
Pronunciation: tsah'-yid
Description: from a form of צוּד and meaning the same; the chase; also game (thus taken); (generally) lunch (especially for a journey); [idiom] catcheth, food, [idiom] hunter, (that which he took in) hunting, venison, victuals. - Strong's Number: H7259
There are 29 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: רִבְקָה
Transliteration: Ribqâh
Pronunciation: rib-kaw'
Description: from an unused root probably meaning to clog by tying up the fetlock; fettering (by beauty); Ribkah, the wife of Isaac; Rebekah. - Strong's Number: H3290
There are 319 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: יַעֲקֹב
Transliteration: Yaʻăqôb
Pronunciation: yah-ak-obe'
Description: from עָקַב; heel-catcher (i.e. supplanter); Jaakob, the Israelitish patriarch; Jacob.