BibleWord.ai› Bible› Genesis› Chapter 27› Verse 23

Genesis 27:23

Old Testament Law (Torah) ASV (1901)

What does Genesis 27:23 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And he discerned him not, because his hands were hairy, as his brother Esau`s hands. So he blessed him.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And he discerned him not, because his hands were hairy, as his brother Esau`s hands. So he blessed him.
Genesis 27:23 — American Standard Version

Context — Genesis 27

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
20And Isaac said unto his son, How is it that thou hast found it so quickly, my son? And he said, Because Jehovah thy God sent me good speed.
21And Isaac said unto Jacob, Come near, I pray thee, that I may feel thee, my son, whether thou be my very son Esau or not.
22And Jacob went near unto Isaac his father. And he felt him, and said, The voice is Jacob`s voice, but the hands are the hands of Esau.
23And he discerned him not, because his hands were hairy, as his brother Esau`s hands. So he blessed him.
24And he said, Art thou my very son Esau? And he said, I am.
25And he said, Bring it near to me, and I will eat of my son`s venison, that my soul may bless thee. And he brought it near to him, and he did eat. And he brought him wine, and he drank.
26And his father Isaac said unto him, Come near now, and kiss me, my son.
← Genesis 27:22Genesis 27:24 →
← Full Chapter 27 Genesis Overview

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And he discerned him not, etc.] As he could not see, he could make no judgment by that sense; and, though he had his hearing, and thought the voice was like Jacob’s, he might imagine there might be an alteration in Esau’s voice, coming in haste and weary from the fields; yet, as there could not be any deception in his feeling, he thought it safest to trust to that, as it follows: because his hands were hairy as his brother Esau’s hands; which could not in a short time become so naturally; it was more reasonable to think that Esau’s voice should be altered and become like Jacob’s, than that Jacob’s hands should become like Esau’s: so he blessed him; or intended and determined within himself…”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Read Genesis 27 in contextBrowse Hebrew word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification