Genesis 27:11-12
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Jacob's objection here isn't about the morality of deception, but the practical risk of being caught. He highlights the physical difference between himself and Esau because he fears his father will feel the difference, not because he feels the act itself is wrong. This reveals his primary concern is avoiding detection and the potential curse, rather than the ethical implications of the scheme.
But Jacob said to Rebekah his mother, “Behold, my brother Esau is a hairy man, and I am a smooth man. Perhaps my father will feel me, and I shall seem to be mocking him and bring a curse upon myself and not a blessing.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jacob and his mother Rebekah are actively plotting to deceive Isaac, Jacob's blind father, into giving him the patriarchal blessing meant for his older brother, Esau. This deception is motivated by Rebekah's knowledge that God had ordained Jacob to be the heir, a fact Isaac seems to be ignoring by intending to bless Esau. Jacob voices his concern that his smooth skin will reveal the trickery, leading Isaac to feel him and discover the deception, potentially bringing a curse upon Jacob instead of the intended blessing.
Jacob voices a very practical concern: his smooth skin versus Esau's hairiness. But what does this physical difference reveal about their deeper identities, and how does it impact the unfolding of God's plan?
Jacob’s immediate concern is his physical difference from Esau. He says, “Behold, my brother Esau is a hairy man, and I am a smooth man.” This isn't just about skin texture; it touches on their fundamental identities as perceived by their father, Isaac.
The commentary highlights that Jacob’s fear isn't about the morality of the deception itself, but the practical consequence of being discovered due to this physical difference. It’s a fear rooted in the immediate risk, rather than a deep moral conviction against lying.
Jacob’s objection isn't about the wrongness of the plan, but the risk of getting caught. This highlights a critical distinction in motivations: fear of human consequence versus reverence for divine will.
Ask a follow-up
Jacob's dialogue with his mother reveals a significant spiritual immaturity. His objection centers on the practicality of the deception, not its ethical foundation.
This contrasts sharply with a faith that would trust God's promise and means, rather than relying on human craft, even when the desired outcome seems just.
Understand the original words
qelalah · Hebrew Noun
A curse is the expression of a wish or pronouncement of evil, judgment, or separation from God upon someone, often as a consequence of disobedience or sin. In the patriarchal context, a father's pronouncement of blessing or curse carried significant weight and divine authority regarding the future of the household.
berakah · Hebrew Noun
A blessing is the pronouncement of divine favor, prosperity, and success upon an individual or group. In the context of the patriarchs, it was an inheritance of God's covenant promises, often bestowed by a father upon his children.
ta'tu'im · Hebrew Noun
To mock or treat with contempt is to act deceptively or dismissively toward another, especially an authority figure. It involves a lack of reverence and an attempt to manipulate or ridicule the truth, which is contrary to the honesty required in a covenant relationship.
This event occurs within the context of the Abrahamic covenant, where God's promises are being passed down through a specific lineage. The deception highlights the tension between human scheming and divine purpose, as God's chosen line of descent is secured through flawed human means.
~1800 BC
Abraham's Covenant with God
God establishes a covenant with Abraham, promising to make him a great nation and to bless the world through his descendants. This covenant is central to the patriarchal narratives.
~1700 BC
Birth of Esau and Jacob
Isaac and Rebekah's twin sons, Esau and Jacob, are born. A prophecy is given that the older will serve the younger, indicating God's favor on Jacob despite his younger birth.
c. 1600 BC
Esau Sells His Birthright
Esau, driven by hunger, sells his valuable birthright to Jacob for a simple meal of bread and stewed lentils. This act foreshadows Jacob's later deception.
c. 1600 BC
Isaac's Dimming Eyesight
Isaac is now very old and his eyesight has failed significantly, making him vulnerable and unable to clearly discern his sons.
c. 1600 BC— this verse
Rebekah's Deception Plan
Rebekah overhears Isaac's intention to bless Esau and, remembering the prophecy, devises a plan for Jacob to impersonate his brother and steal the blessing.
This verse connects to the idea of promised seed and inheritance, highlighting that God's promises, like the one given to Abraham and passed down, are not dependent on human actions but on God's faithfulness.
Romans 9:11-13This passage directly addresses the contrasting destinies of Jacob and Esau, emphasizing God's sovereign choice that predates their actions, offering a divine perspective on the unfolding events in Genesis.
Hebrews 12:16-17This New Testament passage reflects on Esau's loss of his birthright and blessing, cautioning against despising spiritual inheritance and highlighting the irreversible nature of such decisions.
1 Peter 1:25This verse speaks to the enduring nature of God's Word, which, like the promises passed down through the patriarchs, remains eternally true and authoritative, contrasting with the temporary nature of human endeavors.
calvinGenesis 27:1-46: "And it came to pass, that when Isaac was old, and his eyes were dim, so that he could not see, he called Esau his eldest son, and said unto him, My son: and he said unto him, Behold, here am I."
And Rebekah heard when Isaac spake to Esau his son. And Esau went to the field to hunt for venison, and to bring it
Ribca autem audiebat, dum loqueretur Ishac ad Esau filium suum: et perrexit Esau in agrum, ut venaretur venationem, ut afferret.
And Rebekah spake unto Jacob h…
pulpitGenesis 27:11: "And Jacob said to Rebekah his mother, Behold, Esau my brother is a hairy man, and I am a smooth man:"
Verse 11. - And Jacob (who was not yet such an adept at trickery as he afterwards became, and who, if he had no scruples of conscience in either imposing on a senile parent or despoiling an open-hearted brother, was yet averse to being detected in his frauds, as deceivers usually are) said to Rebekah his mother, Behold, Esau my brother is a hairy man (vide Genesis 25:25) and I a…
Jacob's objection here isn't about the morality of deception, but the practical risk of being caught. He highlights the physical difference between himself and Esau because he fears his father will feel the difference, not because he feels the act itself is wrong. This reveals his primary concern is avoiding detection and the potential curse, rather than the ethical implications of the scheme.
Jacob and his mother Rebekah are actively plotting to deceive Isaac, Jacob's blind father, into giving him the patriarchal blessing meant for his older brother, Esau. This deception is motivated by Rebekah's knowledge that God had ordained Jacob to be the heir, a fact Isaac seems to be ignoring by intending to bless Esau. Jacob voices his concern that his smooth skin will reveal the trickery, leading Isaac to feel him and discover the deception, potentially bringing a curse upon Jacob instead of the intended blessing.
Jacob and his mother Rebekah are actively plotting to deceive Isaac, Jacob's blind father, into giving him the patriarchal blessing meant for his older brother, Esau. This deception is motivated by Rebekah's knowledge that God had ordained Jacob to be the heir, a fact Isaac seems to be ignoring by intending to bless Esau. Jacob voices his concern that his smooth skin will reveal the trickery, leading Isaac to feel him and discover the deception, potentially bringing a curse upon Jacob instead of the intended blessing.
"But Jacob said to Rebekah his mother, “Behold, my brother Esau is a hairy man, and I am a smooth man. Perhaps my father will feel me, and I shall seem to be mocking him and bring a curse upon myself and not a blessing.”" — Jacob's objection here isn't about the morality of deception, but the practical risk of being caught. He highlights the physical difference between himself and Esau because he fears his father will *…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
