Genesis 27:6

KJV

¶ And Rebekah spake unto Jacob her son, saying, Behold, I heard thy father speak unto Esau thy brother, saying,

KJV (with Strong's)

And Rebekah {H7259} spake {H559} unto Jacob {H3290} her son {H1121}, saying {H559}, Behold, I heard {H8085} thy father {H1} speak {H1696} unto Esau {H6215} thy brother {H251}, saying {H559},

Complete Jewish Bible

she said to her son Ya'akov, "Listen! I heard your father telling 'Esav your brother,

Berean Standard Bible

Rebekah said to her son Jacob, “Behold, I overheard your father saying to your brother Esau,

American Standard Version

And Rebekah spake unto Jacob her son, saying, Behold, I heard thy father speak unto Esau thy brother, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 27:6 marks a pivotal moment in the narrative of Jacob and Esau, as Rebekah, their mother, strategically overhears Isaac's instructions to Esau regarding the patriarchal blessing. This verse initiates the elaborate deception that will fundamentally alter the course of their lives and the lineage of the covenant promise, driven by Rebekah's desire to ensure Jacob receives the blessing.

### CONTEXT
This verse serves as the immediate prelude to a complex narrative of familial deception and the transfer of the patriarchal blessing. The family dynamics in Genesis were already strained: Isaac favored Esau, a skilled hunter, while Rebekah preferred Jacob, a quiet man who dwelt in tents ([Genesis 25:28](/genesis/25-28 "Read about Isaac and Rebekah's favoritism in Genesis 25:28")). Earlier, Esau had lightly regarded and sold his birthright to Jacob for a bowl of stew ([Genesis 25:29-34](/genesis/25-29-34 "Read about the birthright exchange in Genesis 25:29-34")). Crucially, Rebekah had previously received a divine prophecy concerning her twin sons: "[the elder shall serve the younger](/genesis/25-23 "Explore the prophecy concerning Jacob and Esau in Genesis 25:23")" ([Genesis 25:23](/genesis/25-23 "Read the prophecy in Genesis 25:23")). With Isaac now old and blind, he had called Esau to prepare him a savory meal so he could bestow the blessing ([Genesis 27:4](/genesis/27-4 "Read Isaac's request to Esau in Genesis 27:4")), a private conversation Rebekah's "overhearing" would strategically exploit.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 27:6 opens a critical chapter in the Jacob and Esau narrative, revealing Rebekah's immediate and decisive response to Isaac's intentions. The KJV phrase "I heard" translates the Hebrew verb *šāmaʿ* (שָׁמַע), which means 'to hear,' 'to listen,' or 'to understand.' In this context, it signifies more than casual overhearing; Rebekah was actively attentive, comprehending the gravity of Isaac's instructions to Esau, which she then promptly used to formulate her plan for Jacob. This verse marks the initiation of a significant act of deception driven by Rebekah's conviction that the blessing belonged to Jacob, perhaps fueled by the earlier divine prophecy that "the elder shall serve the younger" ([Genesis 25:23](/genesis/25-23 "Explore the prophecy in Genesis 25:23")). Her actions, though rooted in a desire to see God's declared will fulfilled, demonstrate a human tendency to resort to manipulation and contrivance rather than trusting divine timing and methods. The underlying tension of parental favoritism, with Isaac's preference for Esau and Rebekah's for Jacob ([Genesis 25:28](/genesis/25-28 "Read about parental favoritism in Genesis 25:28")), is a key driver, pushing Rebekah to desperate measures to circumvent Isaac's intended blessing.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **Divine Sovereignty vs. Human Means:** The narrative highlights the tension between God's declared will (the elder serving the younger) and human attempts to "help" God fulfill it through deceptive and manipulative means. It raises questions about trusting God's timing and methods versus resorting to human contrivance, illustrating that God can work through imperfect human actions without endorsing the sin involved.
* **Consequences of Deception:** Rebekah's and Jacob's deception, initiated in this verse, leads to significant familial strife, years of estrangement, and hardship, demonstrating that even actions seemingly aimed at a "righteous" outcome can have destructive consequences when impure means are employed.
* **Impact of Parental Favoritism:** The underlying favoritism shown by both Isaac and Rebekah ([Genesis 25:28](/genesis/25-28 "Learn more about the impact of favoritism in Genesis 25:28")) creates an environment of distrust and competition, ultimately contributing to the family's dysfunction and the unfolding drama.
* **The Nature of Blessing:** The patriarchal blessing, though obtained deceptively, is ultimately upheld by God, underscoring its divine origin and the unchangeable nature of God's decrees, even when human beings act imperfectly.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This passage serves as a powerful reminder of the destructive nature of deception and manipulation within families, as seen in the subsequent years of estrangement and hardship for Jacob and Esau ([Genesis 27:36](/genesis/27-36 "Read Esau's lament about being supplanted in Genesis 27:36")). While God's ultimate plan for Jacob was indeed fulfilled, the means employed by Rebekah and Jacob led to profound relational brokenness. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's perfect timing and methods, rather than resorting to dishonest shortcuts, even when attempting to align with what one perceives as God's will. The narrative illustrates that God can work through human imperfections, but it does not endorse the sin involved. Furthermore, the story highlights the negative consequences of parental favoritism, which often creates division and strife among siblings, serving as a cautionary tale for families today.

### FAQ

**Did Rebekah's actions negate God's prophecy?**

Answer: No, Rebekah's actions did not negate God's prophecy that "the elder shall serve the younger" ([Genesis 25:23](/genesis/25-23 "Explore the prophecy in Genesis 25:23")). Instead, the narrative demonstrates God's sovereignty in working through human imperfection and even sin to accomplish His purposes. While Rebekah and Jacob's deception was morally wrong and led to negative consequences for the family, God still brought about the intended outcome, showing that His plans are not dependent on human righteousness but can prevail despite human failings.

**Is it ever acceptable to deceive for a "good" outcome?**

Answer: The biblical narrative, particularly this account, consistently portrays deception as a negative act with detrimental consequences, even when seemingly motivated by a desire to fulfill God's will. While God can sovereignly work through such actions, the Bible does not endorse them. The principle throughout Scripture is to walk in truth and integrity, trusting God's methods and timing rather than resorting to dishonest means ([Proverbs 12:22](/proverbs/12-22 "Read about truthfulness in Proverbs 12:22")). The long-term suffering and family division resulting from Rebekah's deception serve as a strong cautionary tale against using unrighteous means for a perceived righteous end.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Jacob and the stolen blessing, initiated by Rebekah's actions in Genesis 27:6, ultimately points to Christ by highlighting the inadequacy of human striving and deception to secure divine favor. While Jacob obtained the blessing through contrivance, the true, unmerited blessing comes through Jesus Christ, who perfectly fulfills God's will without any deceit or manipulation. Unlike Jacob, who wrestled with God and men, Christ is the faithful Son who perfectly obeyed, earning the ultimate blessing for humanity. The brokenness and estrangement within Jacob's family foreshadow the need for a greater reconciler, found in Christ, who brings true peace and restores broken relationships, not through human cunning, but through His sacrificial love and grace. The promise made to Abraham, passed through Isaac and then Jacob, finds its ultimate "seed" and fulfillment in Jesus, through whom all nations are truly blessed ([Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Learn about the seed of Abraham in Galatians 3:16")).

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.