Genesis 27:28

KJV

Therefore God give thee of the dew of heaven, and the fatness of the earth, and plenty of corn and wine:

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore God {H430} give {H5414} thee of the dew {H2919} of heaven {H8064}, and the fatness {H4924} of the earth {H776}, and plenty {H7230} of corn {H1715} and wine {H8492}:

Complete Jewish Bible

So may God give you dew from heaven, the richness of the earth, and grain and wine in abundance.

Berean Standard Bible

May God give to you the dew of heaven and the richness of the earth— an abundance of grain and new wine.

American Standard Version

And God give thee of the dew of heaven, And of the fatness of the earth, And plenty of grain and new wine:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 27:28 records Isaac's profound blessing bestowed upon Jacob, albeit through a deceptive exchange intended for Esau. This pivotal pronouncement invokes divine favor, promising abundant material prosperity through the provision of life-sustaining moisture from the heavens, the fertile richness of the earth, and plentiful harvests of essential grains and wine. It encapsulates the desires for sustenance, wealth, and flourishing within the agrarian society of the patriarchal era, all unfolding under the complex interplay of human agency and divine sovereignty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the dramatic narrative of Jacob's deception of his blind and aging father, Isaac, to secure the patriarchal blessing meant for his elder brother, Esau. The preceding chapters establish the divine prophecy concerning the two brothers, where the elder would serve the younger ([Genesis 25:23](/genesis/25-23 "God's Prophecy of Jacob and Esau")). Isaac, despite knowing this prophecy, attempts to bless Esau, his favorite. Rebekah, hearing Isaac's plans, orchestrates Jacob's impersonation. The blessing itself, once pronounced, is considered irrevocable, setting in motion a chain of events that profoundly shapes the destiny of both brothers and the nascent nation of Israel. This narrative highlights themes of sibling rivalry, parental favoritism, and the mysterious ways in which God's sovereign plan unfolds even through flawed human actions.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, a father's blessing was far more than a mere wish; it was a solemn, performative utterance believed to carry inherent power and prophetic authority, shaping the recipient's future. Such blessings were considered legally and spiritually binding, often involving specific rituals and being irrevocable once given. Wealth and prosperity in this agrarian and nomadic society were directly tied to the productivity of the land and the health of livestock. The specific elements of Isaac's blessing—"dew of heaven," "fatness of the earth," "corn and wine"—were the very indicators of a thriving existence, signifying divine favor that ensured agricultural success and abundant provision in a land heavily dependent on natural elements and rainfall. The concept of primogeniture, where the firstborn received the double portion and the primary blessing, underscores the gravity of Jacob's deception.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 27:28 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty**, demonstrating how God's preordained purposes, such as the covenant inheritance passing through Jacob, are accomplished despite human deception and manipulation. It also underscores the **Power and Irrevocability of a Spoken Blessing**, highlighting the spiritual weight of patriarchal pronouncements in ancient Israel. The verse also touches on **Covenant Inheritance**, as this blessing, though obtained deceitfully, aligns with the promises made to Abraham and later confirmed to Jacob himself in [Genesis 28:3-4](/genesis/28-3-4 "God's Confirmation of the Covenant to Jacob") and [Genesis 35:11-12](/genesis/35-11-12 "God Renews His Covenant with Jacob at Bethel"). Finally, it emphasizes **Divine Provision and Material Abundance** as a tangible sign of God's favor, a concept echoed throughout the Old Testament, such as in the promised blessings for obedience found in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Blessings and Curses for Obedience and Disobedience").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Isaac's blessing upon Jacob in Genesis 27:28 is a rich declaration of earthly prosperity and divine favor, couched in terms vital to an ancient agrarian society. It is a performative utterance, intended not merely to express a wish but to bring about the reality it describes, reflecting the profound spiritual authority inherent in patriarchal pronouncements. That this blessing is obtained through deceit underscores a major theological tension in the narrative: God's ability to work through imperfect human means to fulfill His sovereign, preordained purposes.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **dew (Hebrew, _ṭal'_):** This word (H2919) refers to moisture that covers vegetation, often appearing as dew. In the arid climate of Canaan, dew was a crucial source of moisture, especially during the dry seasons when rainfall was scarce. Its presence symbolized direct divine sustenance and a supernatural provision of water, essential for life and agriculture. It signifies God as the ultimate provider, sending life-giving moisture directly from the heavens.
* **fatness (Hebrew, _mashmân'_):** This term (H4924) denotes richness and productivity. While it can literally mean fat, it is used figuratively and concretely here to describe a fertile field or a rich dish. In the context of the earth, it signifies exceptionally rich, productive soil capable of yielding abundant harvests. It speaks of a land free from scarcity, where the very ground is blessed with inherent fertility.
* **corn (Hebrew, _dâgân'_):** This word (H1715) refers to grain in general, specifically meaning increase or produce, such as wheat or barley. These were staple cereals, foundational for daily bread and sustenance in the ancient world. Its inclusion signifies the promise of plentiful food, the very basis of survival and prosperity for a community.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore God give thee of the dew of heaven":** This opening phrase establishes the divine source of the blessing. "God" (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym'_), the supreme God, is invoked as the one who grants the blessing. "Dew of heaven" refers to the life-sustaining moisture that descends from the sky, critical for agricultural success in a land often dependent on limited rainfall. This symbolizes direct divine provision and supernatural favor, ensuring the fertility of the land.
* **"and the fatness of the earth":** This clause complements the previous one by focusing on the quality of the land itself. "Fatness" here denotes the richness and fertility of the soil, indicating a land that is exceptionally productive and yields abundant harvests. It signifies a life of material abundance, where the ground itself is blessed to produce plentifully.
* **"and plenty of corn and wine":** This final phrase specifies the tangible outcomes of the divine and earthly blessings. "Corn" (grain, such as wheat or barley) represents the staple food source, while "wine" (fresh grape-juice or fermented wine) symbolizes joy, celebration, and the fruit of the vine. Together, these represent comprehensive agricultural success and a life of full provision, signifying not just mere sustenance but a comfortable and abundant existence.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices that enhance its meaning and impact. **Symbolism** is prominent, with "dew of heaven" symbolizing divine favor and life-giving provision, and "fatness of the earth" representing the inherent fertility and abundance of the land. The pairing of "corn and wine" functions as **Merism**, representing the totality of agricultural produce and, by extension, comprehensive material prosperity. This phrase also exhibits a form of **Parallelism**, where the two elements together encapsulate the full scope of the blessing. The entire utterance is also a form of **Prophetic Utterance**, as it is a declaration intended to shape future reality, carrying the weight of divine authority even when spoken by a human agent. The blessing itself also serves as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the future prosperity and the fertile land that the descendants of Jacob (Israel) would inherit.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This blessing, initially intended for Esau but received by Jacob, powerfully illustrates God's sovereign hand at work, fulfilling His preordained purposes despite human deception. It underscores that true blessing ultimately flows from God, who provides both the natural elements and the inherent fertility of the earth to sustain life and bring forth abundance. The material prosperity promised here is not merely a secular wish but a tangible manifestation of divine favor, deeply intertwined with the covenant promises of land and descendants. It reminds us that God is the ultimate source of all provision, whether physical or spiritual.

* [Deuteronomy 28:12](/deuteronomy/28-12 "Blessings of Rain and Harvest for Obedience")
* [Romans 9:10-13](/romans/9-10-13 "God's Choice of Jacob Over Esau")
* [Genesis 28:3-4](/genesis/28-3-4 "God's Confirmation of the Blessing to Jacob")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 27:28 offers profound insights for contemporary reflection and application. It serves as a powerful reminder that all provision, whether spiritual or material, ultimately originates from God's benevolent hand. This should cultivate within us a deep posture of gratitude for the resources we receive, recognizing them as divine gifts rather than entitlements or products solely of our own efforts. While Jacob's method of obtaining the blessing was morally flawed, the narrative powerfully underscores God's enduring sovereignty and His remarkable capacity to work His purposes through even the most complex and imperfect human circumstances. This prompts us to trust in God's overarching plan, even when our own paths are imperfect or when we observe the imperfections of others, knowing that His will ultimately prevails. Furthermore, it challenges us to faithfully steward the abundance He provides, understanding that true prosperity is not merely about accumulation but about living in alignment with His favor and using our resources for His glory and the good of others.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of God's sovereignty, as seen in Jacob receiving the blessing despite his deception, shape your understanding of divine providence in your own life?**
* **In what ways do you recognize and express gratitude for the tangible "dew of heaven" and "fatness of the earth" (i.e., the material provisions) in your daily life?**
* **How does the irrevocability of Isaac's blessing encourage or challenge your understanding of the power of spoken words, particularly blessings and curses?**
* **What does this passage teach us about the relationship between human actions (even flawed ones) and God's ultimate purposes?**

### FAQ

**Why did Isaac bless Jacob instead of Esau?**

Answer: Isaac intended to bless Esau, his firstborn, but was deceived by Jacob, who, at Rebekah's instigation, impersonated Esau. Jacob disguised himself with animal skins and Esau's clothes, and Rebekah prepared a savory dish, leading the blind Isaac to believe he was blessing Esau. This deception, though morally questionable, ultimately served God's preordained purpose for Jacob to inherit the covenant promises, as prophesied before their birth in [Genesis 25:23](/genesis/25-23 "God's Prophecy Concerning Jacob and Esau").

**What does "dew of heaven" signify in this context?**

Answer: In the arid climate of the ancient Near East, dew was a vital source of moisture for crops, especially during dry seasons when rainfall was scarce. Therefore, "dew of heaven" signifies direct divine sustenance and a miraculous provision of water, symbolizing God's supernatural blessing and care for the land and its inhabitants. It represents a direct, unmediated gift from God for agricultural flourishing.

**What does "corn" refer to in "plenty of corn and wine"?**

Answer: In this biblical context, "corn" refers to grain in general, such as wheat or barley, which were staple crops in the ancient world and foundational for daily bread. It does not refer to maize (what Americans typically call "corn"), which originated in the Americas and was unknown in the Middle East at this time. The phrase "corn and wine" collectively represents comprehensive agricultural abundance and prosperity.

**Does this material blessing contradict the idea of spiritual blessings?**

Answer: No, it does not. In the Old Testament, material blessings were often seen as tangible signs of God's favor and covenant faithfulness, demonstrating His commitment to His people's well-being. While spiritual blessings are paramount, the physical prosperity described here foreshadows and complements the holistic abundance God desires for His people, encompassing both physical well-being and spiritual flourishing. This earthly provision is a precursor and type of the greater spiritual inheritance found in Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The earthly and tangible blessings promised in Genesis 27:28 find their ultimate and spiritual fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the true heir of all things. The "dew of heaven" points forward to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the divine, life-giving presence that nourishes believers, bringing spiritual fruit and refreshing their souls, as Jesus promised "rivers of living water" flowing from within those who believe in Him ([John 7:38-39](/john/7-38-39 "Rivers of Living Water from the Spirit")). The "fatness of the earth" can be seen as a foreshadowing of the spiritual richness and abundance found in Christ, who is the source of all true blessing and the "Bread of Life" that satisfies eternal hunger ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "Jesus as the Bread of Life")). The "corn and wine" ultimately point to the New Covenant established through Christ's body and blood, symbolized in the Eucharist, where believers partake in the ultimate spiritual sustenance and joy, remembering His sacrifice and anticipating His return ([Matthew 26:26-28](/matthew/26-26-28 "Institution of the Lord's Supper")). Thus, the material prosperity promised to Jacob prefigures the immeasurable spiritual inheritance, eternal life, and abundant grace freely given to all who are united with Christ, the true and perfect fulfillment of every divine promise.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 33:28

Israel then shall dwell in safety alone: the fountain of Jacob [shall be] upon a land of corn and wine; also his heavens shall drop down dew.

Deuteronomy 33:13

And of Joseph he said, Blessed of the LORD [be] his land, for the precious things of heaven, for the dew, and for the deep that coucheth beneath,

Psalms 133:3

As the dew of Hermon, [and as the dew] that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, [even] life for evermore.

Deuteronomy 32:2

My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distil as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass:

Hosea 14:5

I will be as the dew unto Israel: he shall grow as the lily, and cast forth his roots as Lebanon.

Hosea 14:7

They that dwell under his shadow shall return; they shall revive [as] the corn, and grow as the vine: the scent thereof [shall be] as the wine of Lebanon.

Psalms 65:9

Thou visitest the earth, and waterest it: thou greatly enrichest it with the river of God, [which] is full of water: thou preparest them corn, when thou hast so provided for it.