Genesis 27:42

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And these words {H1697} of Esau {H6215} her elder {H1419} son {H1121} were told {H5046} to Rebekah {H7259}: and she sent {H7971} and called {H7121} Jacob {H3290} her younger {H6996} son {H1121}, and said {H559} unto him, Behold, thy brother {H251} Esau {H6215}, as touching thee, doth comfort {H5162} himself, purposing to kill {H2026} thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

But the words of 'Esav her older son were told to Rivkah. She sent for Ya'akov her younger son and said to him, "Here, your brother 'Esav is comforting himself over you by planning to kill you.

Berean Standard Bible

When the words of her older son Esau were relayed to Rebekah, she sent for her younger son Jacob and told him, “Look, your brother Esau is consoling himself by plotting to kill you.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 27:42 marks a critical turning point in the Jacob and Esau narrative, revealing Rebekah's swift and urgent response to the news of Esau's murderous intent toward his younger brother, Jacob. This pivotal verse underscores the perilous fallout of Jacob's recent deception regarding Isaac's patriarchal blessing, highlighting the dangerous escalation of long-standing sibling rivalry and compelling Rebekah to orchestrate Jacob's immediate departure to protect his life, thereby initiating his extended period of exile.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 27:42 is situated immediately after the dramatic climax of Jacob's deception of Isaac, where Jacob, with Rebekah's connivance, impersonates Esau to steal the patriarchal blessing. The preceding verses vividly portray Esau's profound grief and bitter cry upon discovering the betrayal, culminating in his declaration of murderous intent against Jacob, which he plans to execute after their father Isaac's death ([Genesis 27:41](/genesis/27-41 "Esau's hatred and vow to kill Jacob")). This verse, therefore, serves as the narrative's immediate consequence, triggering Rebekah's desperate intervention to save her favored son. It sets the stage for Jacob's flight from Canaan, a journey that will define a significant portion of his life and shape the unfolding of God's covenant promises.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern patriarchal societies, the blessing bestowed by the dying father was a legally and spiritually binding pronouncement, carrying immense weight for inheritance, status, and future prosperity. The firstborn son typically received the primary blessing, making Jacob's usurpation a profound violation of social norms and family honor. Blood revenge (lex talionis) was a deeply ingrained cultural practice, where a wronged party or their family was expected to exact vengeance, often leading to cycles of violence. Esau's intent to kill Jacob, while extreme, would have been understood within this cultural framework of seeking retribution for a grievous wrong. Rebekah's immediate action to send Jacob away reflects the common practice of seeking refuge from a blood avenger, often with relatives, until the avenger's anger subsided or a reconciliation could be brokered.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights the theme of **divine sovereignty working through human brokenness**, as God's pre-ordained plan for Jacob to receive the blessing ([Genesis 25:23](/genesis/25-23 "The prophecy concerning Jacob and Esau")) unfolds despite the deeply flawed and deceptive means employed by Jacob and Rebekah. It also underscores the **destructive consequences of sin and deception** within the family unit, demonstrating how favoritism and manipulation can breed intense animosity and violence, echoing earlier sibling strife like Cain and Abel ([Genesis 4:8](/genesis/4-8 "Cain murders Abel")). Furthermore, it introduces the theme of **exile and divine discipline**, as Jacob's flight initiates a long period of separation and hardship, during which he will undergo significant spiritual formation before his eventual return and reconciliation with Esau ([Genesis 33](/genesis/33 "Jacob and Esau's Reconciliation")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** From H1697, meaning "a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause." In this context, "these words" refers to the specific, spoken declaration of Esau's murderous intent, emphasizing that it was not merely a fleeting thought but a stated purpose, a serious "matter" that demanded immediate attention.
* **Comfort (Hebrew, _nâcham'_):** From H5162, meaning "to sigh, i.e., breathe strongly; by implication, to be sorry, i.e., (in a favorable sense) to pity, console or (reflexively) rue; or (unfavorably) to avenge (oneself)." The KJV's "doth comfort himself" with the added "[purposing]" clarifies the nuanced, context-dependent meaning here. Esau is not finding solace in grief, but rather a grim, determined satisfaction or resolution in the thought of revenge. He is "comforting himself" by settling on a plan to eliminate the source of his pain, indicating a firm resolve rather than mere emotional consolation or repentance.
* **Kill (Hebrew, _hârag'_):** From H2026, meaning "to smite with deadly intent; destroy, out of hand, kill, murder(-er), put to (death), make (slaughter), slay(-er), [idiom] surely." This word denotes a violent, intentional act of taking a life. Its use here leaves no ambiguity about Esau's ultimate goal, emphasizing the mortal danger Jacob faces.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And these words of Esau her elder son were told to Rebekah":** This phrase establishes the crucial transfer of information. Rebekah learns of Esau's deadly plan, likely through an overheard conversation or a trusted servant, highlighting the immediacy and seriousness of the threat. The emphasis on "her elder son" underscores the familial bond that Esau is now willing to violate.
* **"and she sent and called Jacob her younger son":** Rebekah's immediate and decisive action demonstrates her maternal instinct and her active role in the family's affairs. Her calling of Jacob signals the urgency of the situation and her intent to intervene directly.
* **"and said unto him, Behold, thy brother Esau, as touching thee, doth comfort himself, [purposing] to kill thee":** This is Rebekah's direct communication to Jacob, revealing the full extent of the danger. Her choice of words, particularly regarding Esau's "comforting himself" with the intent to kill, conveys the chilling resolve of Esau's hatred. The KJV's bracketed "[purposing]" accurately captures the Hebrew nuance of firm intent, emphasizing that Esau's desire for revenge is not a fleeting emotion but a settled determination.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Foreshadowing** and **Dramatic Irony**. The revelation of Esau's murderous intent directly foreshadows Jacob's imminent flight and subsequent long exile, setting in motion a major narrative arc of separation, hardship, and eventual reconciliation. There is also an element of **Dramatic Irony** in Rebekah's actions. While she believes she is protecting Jacob and ensuring the fulfillment of the prophecy, her manipulation has inadvertently created the very crisis that necessitates Jacob's departure, leading to a prolonged separation from her beloved son, a consequence she likely did not foresee or desire. The stark contrast between Esau "comforting himself" and his "purposing to kill" demonstrates a chilling **Euphemism** or **Understatement**, where the seemingly benign "comfort" masks a deadly resolve, amplifying the sinister nature of his intentions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 27:42 profoundly illustrates the severe and often unforeseen consequences of human sin and manipulation within the family, yet it simultaneously reveals God's steadfast sovereignty. Despite the deceitful actions of Jacob and Rebekah, which lead to Esau's murderous rage, God's pre-ordained plan for Jacob to receive the blessing and carry the covenant promise continues to unfold. This narrative underscores that while human choices have real and painful repercussions, they do not ultimately thwart God's purposes. It serves as a powerful reminder that God can work through, and even redeem, the brokenness of humanity to achieve His divine will, even if it means a period of discipline and separation for His chosen instruments.

* [Genesis 4:8](/genesis/4-8 "Cain murders Abel"): Echoes the theme of sibling rivalry escalating to fratricide, highlighting humanity's fallen nature and the destructive power of jealousy.
* [Proverbs 13:15](/proverbs/13-15 "The way of transgressors is hard"): Illustrates the principle that deceit and wrongdoing, while seemingly advantageous in the short term, ultimately lead to hardship and bitter consequences.
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "God works all things for good"): Provides a broader theological framework for understanding how God can orchestrate even the sinful actions of individuals to serve His ultimate, good purposes, as seen in Jacob's journey.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 27:42 stands as a stark testament to the profound and often painful ripple effects of deceit and favoritism within relationships. Rebekah's well-intentioned, yet manipulative, scheme to secure the blessing for Jacob ultimately breeds intense animosity and a life-threatening situation, forcing her favored son into exile. This narrative compels us to consider the integrity of our own actions and the long-term consequences of seeking our desires through dishonest means. It reminds us that while we may achieve short-term gains through manipulation, the spiritual and relational costs can be devastating. Furthermore, it challenges us to address underlying family conflicts, favoritism, and jealousies with honesty and grace, preventing them from festering into destructive hatred. Even in the midst of human brokenness and crisis, the divine hand is at work, guiding events toward a larger purpose, inviting us to trust in God's ultimate plan even when our circumstances are fraught with the consequences of our own or others' flawed choices.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this passage challenge my understanding of "the ends justifying the means" in my own life or in the pursuit of spiritual goals?**
* **In what ways might favoritism or unresolved conflict in my own relationships be creating unseen tensions or potential for harm?**
* **How can I learn to trust God's sovereignty and timing, even when I am tempted to "help" His plan along through manipulative or dishonest actions?**

### FAQ
**Why does the KJV say Esau "doth comfort himself" when he intends to kill Jacob?**

Answer: The Hebrew word *nacham* (נָחַם), translated as "comfort himself," is found in [Genesis 27:42](/genesis/27-42 "Genesis 27:42") and is context-dependent. While *nacham* can indeed mean to console, repent, or be sorry, it also carries a sense of settling or resolving oneself to a course of action, sometimes with grim satisfaction. In this specific context, Esau is not finding solace in grief but rather a grim determination or resolved relief in the thought of revenge. He is "comforting himself" by firmly deciding upon a plan to eliminate the source of his pain. The KJV translators' addition of "[purposing]" accurately clarifies this darker, resolute intent, indicating a firm resolve to act rather than mere emotional consolation. It speaks to a chilling mental state where the thought of vengeance brings a perverse sense of ease or resolution.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Jacob and Esau, steeped in human deceit, bitter rivalry, and the threat of fratricide, ultimately serves as a powerful backdrop against which the perfect, redemptive work of Jesus Christ shines. While Jacob, the chosen heir, receives his blessing through flawed human manipulation, Christ is the true and ultimate Heir, who perfectly fulfills God's covenant promises through His blameless life and perfect obedience, without any blemish or deception. The deep animosity between Jacob and Esau, leading to a desire for murder, tragically underscores humanity's fallen state and desperate need for divine reconciliation. Jesus, through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, offers the ultimate reconciliation, not only between estranged individuals but supremely between a holy God and sinful humanity, bridging the chasm of sin and enmity. He is the true "blessing" promised to Abraham's seed ([Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "The Seed is Christ")), who brings peace where there was enmity ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Christ our Peace")), and offers a spiritual birthright of adoption into God's family that cannot be lost or stolen by human failing ([Romans 8:15](/romans/8-15 "Spirit of Adoption")). Unlike Jacob, who fled from a brother's wrath, Christ willingly faced the wrath of God for us, becoming the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), so that we might receive an eternal inheritance through grace, not through works or deception ([Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Our Inheritance in Christ")).

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 42:21

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

Genesis 42:22

And Reuben answered them, saying, Spake I not unto you, saying, Do not sin against the child; and ye would not hear? therefore, behold, also his blood is required.

Proverbs 4:16

For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause [some] to fall.

Proverbs 4:17

For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence.

Genesis 37:18

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

Genesis 37:20

Come now therefore, and let us slay him, and cast him into some pit, and we will say, Some evil beast hath devoured him: and we shall see what will become of his dreams.

Proverbs 2:14

Who rejoice to do evil, [and] delight in the frowardness of the wicked;