Genesis 27:23

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

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

Complete Jewish Bible:

However, he didn't detect him; because his hands were hairy like his brother 'Esav's hands; so he gave him his blessing.

Berean Standard Bible:

Isaac did not recognize him, because his hands were hairy like those of his brother Esau; so he blessed him.

American Standard Version:

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

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And he discerned^{H5234} him not, because his hands^{H3027} were hairy^{H8163}, as his brother^{H251} Esau's^{H6215} hands^{H3027}: so he blessed^{H1288} him.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Genesis 27:23

Genesis 27:23 is part of the narrative where Jacob, guided by his mother Rebekah, deceives his father Isaac to receive the blessing meant for his older brother Esau. The verse highlights the theme of deception and the favoritism that leads to family strife.

**Historical Context:**
The book of Genesis is part of the Torah (Pentateuch) and is foundational to Jewish and Christian traditions. It recounts the early history of humanity and the origins of the Israelite people. The events described in Genesis are set in the ancient Near East, a region that includes modern-day Israel/Palestine and surrounding areas. The narrative of Isaac, Rebekah, Esau, and Jacob is situated within the broader context of the patriarchs, the ancestors of the Israelites.

**Themes:**
1. **Deception:** Jacob, with his mother's encouragement, disguises himself as Esau to trick Isaac, who is old and blind, into giving him the blessing. This act of deception is central to the narrative and has lasting consequences for the family dynamic.

2. **Favoritism and Rivalry:** The story reflects the tensions within the family, particularly the parental favoritism shown towards different children—Isaac favors Esau, while Rebekah favors Jacob. This favoritism leads to rivalry and strife, themes that recur throughout Genesis and the Bible.

3. **Blessing and Birthright:** The blessing in question is part of a larger theme involving the birthright and divine promises. Esau had previously sold his birthright to Jacob for a bowl of stew (Genesis 25:29-34), and now Jacob secures the corresponding blessing through deception, reinforcing the theme of the reversal of expectations and the sovereignty of God's plans.

4. **Providence and Prophecy:** Despite human machinations, there is an underlying sense that God's will is being fulfilled. The blessings and prophecies given in Genesis set the stage for the future nation of Israel and reflect theological theme that God's purposes are worked out even through human fallibility.

5. **Moral Ambiguity:** The story does not present clear-cut heroes or villains, inviting readers to grapple with complex ethical questions. Jacob's actions, while successful, raise questions about the means used to achieve one's ends and the impact of those actions on others.

In summary, Genesis 27:23 is a pivotal verse in a story that explores family dynamics, the consequences of deception, and the unfolding of God's providential plan despite human flaws. It reflects the complex social and moral fabric of ancient Near Eastern society and sets the stage for the ongoing narrative of the Israelite people.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H5234
   There are 47 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: נָכַר
   Transliteration: nâkar
   Pronunciation: naw-kar'
   Description: a primitive root; properly, to scrutinize, i.e. look intently at; hence (with recognition implied), to acknowledge, be acquainted with, care for, respect, revere, or (with suspicion implied), to disregard, ignore, be strange toward, reject, resign, dissimulate (as if ignorant or disowning); acknowledge, [idiom] could, deliver, discern, dissemble, estrange, feign self to be another, know, take knowledge (notice), perceive, regard, (have) respect, behave (make) self strange(-ly).
   
2. Strong's Number: H3027
   There are 1447 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: יָד
   Transliteration: yâd
   Pronunciation: yawd
   Description: a primitive word; in distinction from כַּף, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great variety of applications, both literally and figuratively, both proximate and remote (as follows); a hand (the open one (indicating power, means, direction, etc.),; ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves.
   
3. Strong's Number: H8163
   There are 57 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: שָׂעִיר
   Transliteration: sâʻîyr
   Pronunciation: saw-eer'
   Description: or שָׂעִר; from שָׂעַר; shaggy; as noun, a he-goat; by analogy, a faun; devil, goat, hairy, kid, rough, satyr.
   
4. Strong's Number: H251
   There are 636 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אָח
   Transliteration: ʼâch
   Pronunciation: awkh
   Description: a primitive word; a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance (like father)); another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'.
   
5. 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.
   
6. Strong's Number: H1288
   There are 289 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: בָרַךְ
   Transliteration: bârak
   Pronunciation: baw-rak'
   Description: a primitive root; to kneel; by implication to bless God (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (God or the king, as treason); [idiom] abundantly, [idiom] altogether, [idiom] at all, blaspheme, bless, congratulate, curse, [idiom] greatly, [idiom] indeed, kneel (down), praise, salute, [idiom] still, thank.