Genesis 27:33

KJV

And Isaac trembled very exceedingly, and said, Who? where [is] he that hath taken venison, and brought [it] me, and I have eaten of all before thou camest, and have blessed him? yea, [and] he shall be blessed.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Isaac {H3327} trembled {H2729} very {H1419} exceedingly {H3966}{H2731}, and said {H559}, Who? where {H645} is he that hath taken {H6679} venison {H6718}, and brought {H935} it me, and I have eaten {H398} of all before thou camest {H935}, and have blessed {H1288} him? yea, and he shall be blessed {H1288}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yitz'chak began trembling uncontrollably and said, "Then who was it that took game and brought it to me? I ate it all just before you came, and I gave my blessing to him. That's the truth, and the blessing must stand."

Berean Standard Bible

Isaac began to tremble violently and said, “Who was it, then, who hunted the game and brought it to me? Before you came in, I ate it all and blessed him—and indeed, he will be blessed!”

American Standard Version

And Isaac trembled very exceedingly, and said, Who then is he that hath taken venison, and brought it me, and I have eaten of all before thou camest, and have blessed him? yea, and he shall be blessed.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 27:33 captures the profound and visceral shock of Isaac as he confronts the devastating truth of Jacob's deception, realizing he has irrevocably bestowed the patriarchal blessing upon the wrong son. This pivotal moment, marked by Isaac's intense physical and emotional trembling, not only highlights the immense spiritual weight of the blessing in ancient culture but also powerfully underscores God's sovereign hand at work, fulfilling His predetermined plan for the covenant lineage even amidst human sin, familial deceit, and the ensuing turmoil.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 27:33 serves as the dramatic climax of a meticulously crafted narrative of deception and mistaken identity. Immediately preceding this verse, Jacob, at Rebekah's instigation, successfully impersonates Esau and receives the coveted patriarchal blessing from his blind, aged father, Isaac. The blessing, a solemn and binding pronouncement, is delivered under the assumption that Jacob is Esau, who had just been sent to hunt venison. The tension escalates as Esau returns from his hunt, eager to receive his blessing, only to find his place usurped. Isaac's "trembling very exceedingly" in this verse is the explosive reaction to Esau's arrival and the dawning realization of the profound fraud perpetrated against him, setting in motion a chain of events that will lead to deep family estrangement and Jacob's flight. This moment is a direct consequence of Isaac's favoritism, Rebekah's manipulation, and Jacob's deceit, yet it paradoxically aligns with God's earlier prophetic word in [Genesis 25:23](/genesis/25-23 "The Prophecy of Jacob and Esau") that "the elder shall serve the younger."
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the patriarchal blessing was far more than a mere wish; it was a legally and spiritually binding pronouncement, believed to be divinely inspired and carrying immense power to shape a person's destiny, prosperity, and lineage. Such blessings were considered irrevocable once uttered, reflecting a worldview where spoken words, especially from a patriarch, held tangible, enduring power. The firstborn son typically received the primary blessing, which included a double portion of the inheritance and the leadership of the family. Isaac's profound reaction in [Genesis 27:33](/genesis/27-33 "Isaac's Realization and Trembling") stems from his understanding of this cultural weight—the blessing was a sacred, unalterable act. His distress also reflects the deep cultural value placed on truth and integrity, as deception, particularly within the family, was a grave offense with severe social repercussions.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Genesis. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Sovereignty** working through human imperfection and sin. Despite the deception and the moral ambiguity of the characters' actions, God's preordained plan for Jacob to receive the blessing, as prophesied in [Genesis 25:23](/genesis/25-23 "The Prophecy of Jacob and Esau"), is ultimately fulfilled. Secondly, it underscores the **Irrevocability of the Blessing**, a crucial concept for understanding covenant theology, where God's promises and pronouncements are steadfast. Thirdly, the narrative vividly portrays the **Consequences of Deception and Familial Discord**, showing how sin, even when seemingly leading to a divinely ordained outcome, brings pain, estrangement, and hardship. Finally, it touches on the theme of **God's Unconventional Methods**, demonstrating that God often chooses the "unlikely" or "unworthy" to carry His covenant promises, a pattern evident throughout biblical history, as seen in the selection of Abraham, Isaac, and now Jacob.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **trembled (Hebrew, _chârad'_ H2729):** A primitive root signifying to shudder with terror, to fear, or to hasten with anxiety. In this context, it denotes a profound, visceral reaction of shock, dread, and intense emotional agitation. Isaac's trembling is not merely physical; it implies a deep spiritual and psychological upheaval, a shuddering of his entire being at the realization of the deception and the irreversible nature of his actions.
* **exceedingly (Hebrew, _mᵉʼôd'_ H3966):** Properly meaning vehemence, this word functions as an intensive or superlative adverb, often repeated for emphasis. When combined with "trembled" and "very" (gâdôwl, H1419), it conveys the utmost degree of Isaac's shock and terror. It emphasizes that his reaction was not just a slight tremor but an overwhelming, all-consuming experience of fear and consternation, signifying the monumental impact of the revelation.
* **blessed (Hebrew, _bârak'_ H1288):** A primitive root meaning to kneel; by implication, to bless God (as adoration) or man (as a benefit). In this context, it refers to the patriarchal blessing, a solemn, authoritative pronouncement of divine favor, prosperity, and destiny. The repetition of this word ("have blessed him? yea, and he shall be blessed") highlights the central action of the narrative and underscores the irrevocable nature of the spoken word in this ancient cultural and theological framework.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Isaac trembled very exceedingly,"**: This opening clause vividly captures Isaac's immediate, profound, and physical reaction to Esau's revelation. The Hebrew construction, using an intensive adverbial phrase, emphasizes the overwhelming nature of his shock, fear, and consternation. It's a full-body tremor, indicative of a deep internal crisis as the truth of Jacob's deception hits him with full force.
* **"and said, Who? where [is] he that hath taken venison, and brought [it] me,"**: Isaac's bewildered questions articulate his initial confusion and the dawning horror. He is trying to reconcile the present reality (Esau standing before him) with his recent actions (blessing someone he believed to be Esau). His questions are not merely seeking information but express his utter disorientation and the profound sense of betrayal.
* **"and I have eaten of all before thou camest, and have blessed him?"**: This part of Isaac's statement confirms the sequence of events, solidifying the irreversible nature of the blessing. He recounts the actions he performed, establishing that he had indeed received the meal and pronounced the blessing, fully believing he was interacting with Esau. The rhetorical question underscores his disbelief and the gravity of his mistake.
* **"yea, [and] he shall be blessed."**: This concluding affirmation is the most profound theological statement in the verse. Despite the deception, his personal distress, and the injustice done to Esau, Isaac does not retract the blessing. This declaration signifies his recognition of the blessing's irrevocability and, implicitly, God's sovereign hand in the matter. Even though obtained through deceit, the blessing's outcome aligns with God's earlier prophecy to Rebekah, confirming that God's preordained plan will prevail.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 27:33 is rich with **Dramatic Irony**, as the audience has been privy to Jacob and Rebekah's deception from the outset, while Isaac remains oblivious until this climactic moment. His bewildered questions and extreme reaction amplify the irony of the situation. The phrase "trembled very exceedingly" employs **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the extraordinary depth of Isaac's shock and distress, transcending a mere physical tremor to convey a spiritual and psychological earthquake. There is also a powerful sense of **Foreshadowing** in Isaac's final, seemingly resigned declaration, "yea, and he shall be blessed." This statement, uttered in distress, paradoxically confirms the divine will and sets the stage for Jacob's future prosperity and the continuation of the covenant line through him, despite his flawed character and the deceptive means by which he acquired the blessing. The **Repetition** of "blessed" (twice in the final clause) further underscores the central importance and unalterable nature of the patriarchal pronouncement.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaac's extreme reaction in [Genesis 27:33](/genesis/27-33 "Isaac's Realization and Trembling") underscores the immense spiritual and cultural significance of the patriarchal blessing, which was considered an authoritative, divinely inspired pronouncement that, once uttered, could not be recalled. This irrevocability highlights a key theological principle: God's word and His promises, once declared, are steadfast and unchangeable. While the narrative vividly portrays the immediate and profound relational and emotional turmoil caused by Jacob's deceit, it also subtly points to God's overarching sovereignty. Despite the human sin and manipulation involved, God's ultimate purposes prevail, as Isaac's final confirmation of the blessing ("yea, and he shall be blessed") demonstrates that God can orchestrate events and fulfill His promises even through imperfect human choices and morally ambiguous situations. This passage thus serves as a powerful testament to God's faithfulness to His covenant, even when His chosen instruments are flawed.

* [Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "God is not a man, that he should lie")
* [Romans 11:29](/romans/11-29 "God's gifts and call are irrevocable")
* [Proverbs 18:21](/proverbs/18-21 "Life and death are in the power of the tongue")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 27:33 offers timeless lessons for believers today, reminding us of the profound weight of our words and the importance of integrity in our actions. Isaac's inability to retract his blessing underscores that our pronouncements, whether spoken in blessing or in anger, carry lasting impact, urging us to speak with care, wisdom, and truthfulness. While God sovereignly works through all circumstances to accomplish His purposes, the narrative does not endorse Jacob's deception. Instead, it vividly illustrates that sin inevitably brings painful consequences, even if God ultimately brings good out of them. This passage encourages us to trust in God's overarching plan, knowing that He can orchestrate events for His glory and for the good of those who love Him, even amidst human flaws, difficult circumstances, and the complexities of life. It calls us to live with integrity, to speak words that build up, and to rest in the assurance that God's ultimate will cannot be thwarted by human error or malice.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Isaac's extreme reaction to the deception inform our understanding of the weight and power of spoken words, particularly blessings, in our own lives and culture?**
* **In what ways does this narrative challenge or affirm our understanding of God's sovereignty working through human sin and flawed choices?**
* **What are the consequences of deception, both for the deceiver and the deceived, as illustrated in this story, and how can we apply these lessons to our own relationships and commitments?**

### FAQ

**Why did Isaac not retract the blessing after discovering the deception?**

Answer: In ancient Near Eastern culture, patriarchal blessings were considered divinely inspired and irrevocable once pronounced. They were not mere good wishes but authoritative declarations believed to carry spiritual power and determine future destiny. Isaac's profound shock and final affirmation, "yea, and he shall be blessed," indicate his understanding that the blessing, once spoken, could not be undone. This suggests a recognition of God's sovereign hand in the matter, despite the deceptive means, as the outcome aligned with God's earlier prophecy to Rebekah that [the elder would serve the younger](/genesis/25-23 "Genesis 25:23 - The Prophecy of Jacob and Esau").

**Does this story justify deception if God's will is achieved?**

Answer: No, the narrative does not endorse deception. While God sovereignly used Jacob's actions to fulfill His preordained plan for [the elder to serve the younger](/genesis/25-23 "Genesis 25:23 - The Prophecy of Jacob and Esau"), the story clearly illustrates the significant negative consequences Jacob faced as a direct result of his deceit, including years of estrangement from his family, his flight from Esau, and various hardships during his time with Laban. The Bible consistently condemns dishonesty (e.g., [Proverbs 12:22](/proverbs/12-22 "Proverbs 12:22 - Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord")), and this passage highlights that even when God brings good out of flawed human choices, the choices themselves are not justified or condoned.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Jacob, the younger and seemingly less deserving brother, receiving the patriarchal blessing through unexpected means, despite his flawed character and deceptive actions, profoundly foreshadows God's grace-based election and the unexpected ways His covenant promises are ultimately fulfilled in Christ. Just as Jacob received an irrevocable blessing not based on his merit but on God's sovereign purpose, so too does Christ become the ultimate source of blessing for all who believe, regardless of their past deeds or inherent worthiness. Jesus, the true "seed" of Abraham (as highlighted in [Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Galatians 3:16 - The Promises were made to Abraham and to his seed, who is Christ")), inherits the full blessing of the covenant, and through His sacrificial work, extends that blessing to all nations ([Galatians 3:8-9](/galatians/3-8-9 "Galatians 3:8-9 - The Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith")). The "trembling" of Isaac at the irrevocability of his blessing points to the unwavering and eternal nature of God's promises in Christ, for [His gifts and call are irrevocable](/romans/11-29 "Romans 11:29 - God's Gifts and Call are Irrevocable"). The true, unshakeable blessing of Abraham's seed ultimately flows through Christ, demonstrating God's sovereign choice to bless through a means not based on human performance or legalistic adherence, but on divine grace and the perfect obedience of His Son ([Romans 5:19](/romans/5-19 "Romans 5:19 - Through the obedience of one man many will be made righteous")).

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

Genesis 28:3

And God Almighty bless thee, and make thee fruitful, and multiply thee, that thou mayest be a multitude of people;

Genesis 28:4

And give thee the blessing of Abraham, to thee, and to thy seed with thee; that thou mayest inherit the land wherein thou art a stranger, which God gave unto Abraham.

Romans 11:29

For the gifts and calling of God [are] without repentance.

Job 21:6

Even when I remember I am afraid, and trembling taketh hold on my flesh.

John 10:28

And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any [man] pluck them out of my hand.

John 10:29

My Father, which gave [them] me, is greater than all; and no [man] is able to pluck [them] out of my Father's hand.

Ephesians 1:3

¶ Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly [places] in Christ: