But he said, “Your brother came deceitfully, and he has taken away your blessing.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Isaac reveals that Jacob didn't simply outsmart him, but actively used deceit to steal the blessing. This highlights that Jacob's actions were not an accident or a clever trick, but a deliberate act of deception that robbed Esau of his inheritance.
But he said, “Your brother came deceitfully, and he has taken away your blessing.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse occurs immediately after Isaac realizes he has been deceived by Jacob, who, disguised as Esau, has received the patriarchal blessing. Esau arrives shortly after, expecting his own blessing, and upon hearing that Jacob has already taken it, he cries out in bitter grief. Isaac, overwhelmed and trembling, then pronounces Esau's blessing, acknowledging that Jacob's deception has secured the primary blessing, while Esau's will be different.
Isaac utters a profound statement here, but what exactly is this 'blessing' that Jacob has taken? It’s more than just a father’s fond words.
In the ancient Near East, a patriarchal blessing was not merely a prayer or a wish; it was a divinely-sanctioned declaration that carried immense weight and conveyed real, tangible authority and inheritance. Isaac, despite his dimming eyes, understood this. He wasn't just speaking words; he was invoking God's favor and confirming a spiritual lineage. This 'blessing' was the transfer of a significant spiritual and material inheritance, designed to shape the future of his family and the covenant promises of God. When Jacob deceitfully obtained this blessing, he wasn't just tricking his father; he was claiming a divine mandate that Esau, despite being the firstborn, was not destined to receive.
The word 'subtilty' (or 'deceitfully') is key here. It points to a deliberate act that set in motion a chain of consequences still echoing today.
Isaac’s diagnosis is stark: Jacob acted with 'subtilty' – with craft, with deception. This wasn't an accident; it was a calculated move, orchestrated by Rebekah and executed by Jacob. While their intention might have been to secure what they believed was God's will (that Jacob, not Esau, should receive the blessing), the means they used were morally compromised. The consequences of this deceit were profound and immediate:
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This story doesn't shy away from the fact that even when God's purposes are ultimately fulfilled, the human methods used can be flawed, leading to pain and division.
Understand the original words
mirmah · Hebrew Noun
Acting with craftiness, cunning, or treachery to obtain an advantage; it involves intentional deception to bypass truth or established order.
This verse reveals the climax of a family conflict rooted in divine election and human deception. Isaac, though deceived, recognizes that the blessing, meant for the heir of the covenant, has indeed fallen upon Jacob, confirming God's sovereign choice despite the flawed human means.
c. 1800 BC
Birth of Esau and Jacob
Isaac and Rebekah have twin sons, Esau and Jacob. The Lord foretells that the older will serve the younger.
c. 1770 BC
Esau Sells His Birthright
A hungry Esau sells his birthright to Jacob for a bowl of stew, signifying a loss of his inheritance and spiritual privilege.
c. 1750 BC
Isaac's Eyes Dim
Isaac is old and his eyesight is failing, making him vulnerable and unaware of the spiritual significance of his actions.
c. 1750 BC— this verse
Rebekah and Jacob Deceive Isaac
Rebekah orchestrates a plan for Jacob to impersonate Esau and receive Isaac's blessing, involving deception and disguise.
c. 1750 BC
Esau Learns of the Stolen Blessing
Upon discovering that Jacob has taken his blessing, Esau cries out bitterly, revealing his deep distress and anger.
c. 1750 BC
Isaac Confirms Jacob's Blessing
Despite realizing the deception, Isaac confirms the blessing given to Jacob, acknowledging that it cannot be revoked and that God's will is being done.
c. 1750 BC
Esau Threatens Jacob
Filled with rage, Esau vows to kill Jacob after their father's mourning period, forcing Jacob to flee.
This verse shows Esau's disregard for his birthright, setting the stage for Jacob's 'supplanting' him in a more significant way through the blessing.
Romans 9:13This New Testament passage quotes Malachi and directly addresses the theme of God loving Jacob and hating Esau, highlighting the divine sovereignty at play even in this deceptive act.
Hebrews 12:17This passage refers to Esau's bitter weeping and his inability to regain his blessing, directly paralleling the despair and loss Esau feels here.
2 Corinthians 11:3This verse uses the imagery of being 'corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ' and connects it to Satan deceiving Eve, offering a broader theological parallel to the theme of deception in sacred matters.
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…
pooleGenesis 27:35: "And he said, Thy brother came with subtilty, and hath taken away thy blessing."
Which was thine by the right of nature, and by custom of nations, and by my hearty desire and intention, as well as by thy own expectation and opinion.
Isaac reveals that Jacob didn't simply outsmart him, but actively used deceit to steal the blessing. This highlights that Jacob's actions were not an accident or a clever trick, but a deliberate act of deception that robbed Esau of his inheritance.
This verse occurs immediately after Isaac realizes he has been deceived by Jacob, who, disguised as Esau, has received the patriarchal blessing. Esau arrives shortly after, expecting his own blessing, and upon hearing that Jacob has already taken it, he cries out in bitter grief. Isaac, overwhelmed and trembling, then pronounces Esau's blessing, acknowledging that Jacob's deception has secured the primary blessing, while Esau's will be different.
This verse occurs immediately after Isaac realizes he has been deceived by Jacob, who, disguised as Esau, has received the patriarchal blessing. Esau arrives shortly after, expecting his own blessing, and upon hearing that Jacob has already taken it, he cries out in bitter grief. Isaac, overwhelmed and trembling, then pronounces Esau's blessing, acknowledging that Jacob's deception has secured the primary blessing, while Esau's will be different.
"But he said, “Your brother came deceitfully, and he has taken away your blessing.”" — Isaac reveals that Jacob didn't simply outsmart him, but actively used deceit to steal the blessing. This highlights that Jacob's actions were not an accident or a clever trick, but a deliberate act…
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Last reviewed October 2026