Genesis 27:18

¶ And he came unto his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here [am] I; who [art] thou, my son?

And he came {H935} unto his father {H1}, and said {H559}, My father {H1}: and he said {H559}, Here am I; who art thou, my son {H1121}?

He went to his father and said, "My father?" He replied, "Here I am; who are you, my son?"

So Jacob went to his father and said, “My father.” “Here I am!” he answered. “Which one are you, my son?”

And he came unto his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I; who art thou, my son?

Commentary

Genesis 27:18 captures a pivotal, tension-filled moment in the unfolding drama of Jacob's deception of his blind father, Isaac. Having disguised himself as his elder brother Esau, Jacob approaches Isaac to receive the patriarchal blessing intended for the firstborn. Isaac's immediate question, "who [art] thou, my son?", reveals his deep uncertainty and suspicion, setting the stage for the dramatic events that follow.

Context

This verse is part of a larger narrative in Genesis chapter 27, detailing Jacob and Rebekah's elaborate scheme to secure the blessing for Jacob, despite God's earlier prophecy that "the elder shall serve the younger" (Genesis 25:23). Isaac, now old and blind, had requested Esau to hunt game and prepare a savory meal before receiving the blessing. Rebekah, overhearing this, orchestrated Jacob's impersonation of Esau, complete with goat skins on his hands and neck to simulate Esau's hairy body, and Esau's best clothes to carry his scent. The scene begins with Jacob bringing the prepared food to Isaac, leading to this direct, probing question from his father.

Key Themes

  • Deception and its Consequences: The verse highlights the act of deception at its very inception. Jacob's actions, fueled by Rebekah's counsel, are a clear example of human manipulation attempting to force God's will. While God's ultimate plan would prevail, this act of trickery led to significant strife and separation within the family (Genesis 27:41), compelling Jacob to flee.
  • Sensory Perception vs. Spiritual Discernment: Isaac, physically blind, relies on his other senses to identify his son. His question "who [art] thou?" immediately indicates a dissonance between what he hears (Jacob's voice) and what he expects (Esau's presence). This foreshadows the tension in Genesis 27:22 where Isaac feels Jacob's hands, noting, "The voice is Jacob's voice, but the hands are the hands of Esau." It underscores the challenge of discernment when appearances are misleading.
  • The Power of a Father's Blessing: The immense cultural and spiritual significance of the patriarchal blessing is evident. Both Jacob and Esau deeply desired it, believing it carried divine authority and shaped one's destiny. This scene demonstrates the lengths to which one might go to secure such a profound pronouncement.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "who [art] thou, my son?" translates the Hebrew interrogative מִי (*mi*), meaning "who." Isaac's question isn't just a casual inquiry; it's a direct, almost accusatory challenge reflecting his immediate suspicion. The added "my son" at the end emphasizes his confusion and desire to reconcile the conflicting sensory information he is receiving. It's a moment of profound doubt for Isaac, setting the stage for Jacob's crucial lie in the following verse.

Practical Application

This narrative serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of deception and the importance of integrity, even when we believe we are acting for a "good" outcome or to fulfill a divine promise. While God is sovereign and can use imperfect human actions to achieve His purposes, our choices have consequences. Jacob's deception led to years of hardship and estrangement, including his own experience of being deceived by Laban (Genesis 29:25). The story encourages believers to trust in God's perfect timing and methods, rather than resorting to manipulative means to achieve desired ends.

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Cross-References

No cross-references found.