New International VersionHis father Isaac asked him, “Who are you?” “I am your son,” he answered, “your firstborn, Esau.”
New Living TranslationBut Isaac asked him, “Who are you?” Esau replied, “It’s your son, your firstborn son, Esau.”
English Standard VersionHis father Isaac said to him, “Who are you?” He answered, “I am your son, your firstborn, Esau.”
Berean Standard BibleBut his father Isaac replied, “Who are you?” “I am Esau, your firstborn son,” he answered.
King James BibleAnd Isaac his father said unto him, Who art thou? And he said, I am thy son, thy firstborn Esau.
New King James VersionAnd his father Isaac said to him, “Who are you?” So he said, “I am your son, your firstborn, Esau.”
New American Standard BibleHis father Isaac said to him, “Who are you?” And he said, “I am your son, your firstborn, Esau.”
NASB 1995Isaac his father said to him, “Who are you?” And he said, “I am your son, your firstborn, Esau.”
NASB 1977And Isaac his father said to him, “Who are you?” And he said, “I am your son, your first-born, Esau.”
Legacy Standard BibleAnd Isaac his father said to him, “Who are you?” And he said, “I am your son, your firstborn, Esau.”
Amplified BibleIsaac his father said to him, “Who are you?” And he replied, “I am your son, your firstborn, Esau.”
Christian Standard BibleBut his father Isaac said to him, “Who are you? ” He answered, “I am Esau your firstborn son.”
Holman Christian Standard BibleBut his father Isaac said to him, “Who are you?” He answered, “I am Esau your firstborn son.”
American Standard VersionAnd Isaac his father said unto him, Who art thou? And he said, I am thy son, thy first-born, Esau.
Contemporary English Version"Who are you?" Isaac asked. "I am Esau, your first-born son."
English Revised VersionAnd Isaac his father said unto him, Who art thou? And he said, I am thy son, thy firstborn, Esau.
GOD'S WORD® Translation"Who are you?" his father Isaac asked him. "I'm your firstborn son Esau," he answered.
Good News Translation"Who are you?" Isaac asked. "Your older son Esau," he answered.
International Standard VersionBut his father Isaac asked him, "Who are you?" "I'm Esau, your firstborn son," he answered
NET BibleHis father Isaac asked, "Who are you?" "I am your firstborn son," he replied, "Esau!"
New Heart English BibleIsaac his father said to him, "Who are you?" He said, "I am your son, your firstborn, Esau."
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd Isaac his father said to him, Who art thou? And he said, I am thy son, thy first-born Esau. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleBut his father Isaac replied, “Who are you?” “I am Esau, your firstborn son,” he answered.
World English BibleIsaac his father said to him, “Who are you?” He said, “I am your son, your firstborn, Esau.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd his father Isaac says to him, “Who [are] you?” And he says, “I [am] your son, your firstborn, Esau”;
Young's Literal Translation And Isaac his father saith to him, 'Who art thou?' and he saith, 'I am thy son, thy first-born, Esau;'
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd Isaak his father will say to him, Who art thou? And he will say, I thy son, thy first-born, Esau. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd Isaac said to him: Why! who art thou? He answered: I am thy firstborn son Esau.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd Isaac said to him, “But who are you?” And he answered, “I am your firstborn son, Esau.”
New American BibleHis father Isaac asked him, “Who are you?” He said, “I am your son, your firstborn son, Esau.”
New Revised Standard VersionHis father Isaac said to him, “Who are you?” He answered, “I am your firstborn son, Esau.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd Isaac his father said to him, Who are you? And he said, I am your son, your first-born, Esau.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedIsaaq his father said to him, “Who are you?” And he said, “I am your son, your firstborn, Esau.” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And Isaac his father said unto him: 'Who art thou?' And he said: 'I am thy son, thy first-born, Esau.'
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd Isaac his father said to him, Who art thou? And he said, I am thy first-born son Esau.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Stolen Blessing… 31He too made some tasty food, brought it to his father, and said to him, “My father, sit up and eat of your son’s game, so that you may bless me.” 32But his fatherIsaacreplied,“Whoare you?”“Iam Esau,your firstbornson,”he answered.33Isaac began to tremble violently and said, “Who was it, then, who hunted the game and brought it to me? Before you came in, I ate it all and blessed him—and indeed, he will be blessed!”…
Cross References Genesis 25:23and He declared to her: “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger.”
Genesis 25:29-34One day, while Jacob was cooking some stew, Esau came in from the field and was famished. / He said to Jacob, “Let me eat some of that red stew, for I am famished.” (That is why he was also called Edom.) / “First sell me your birthright,” Jacob replied. ...
Genesis 26:34-35When Esau was forty years old, he took as his wives Judith daughter of Beeri the Hittite and Basemath daughter of Elon the Hittite. / And they brought grief to Isaac and Rebekah.
Genesis 28:1-4So Isaac called for Jacob and blessed him. “Do not take a wife from the Canaanite women,” he commanded. / “Go at once to Paddan-aram, to the house of your mother’s father Bethuel, and take a wife from among the daughters of Laban, your mother’s brother. / May God Almighty bless you and make you fruitful and multiply you, so that you may become a company of peoples. ...
Genesis 25:21-22Later, Isaac prayed to the LORD on behalf of his wife, because she was barren. And the LORD heard his prayer, and his wife Rebekah conceived. / But the children inside her struggled with each other, and she said, “Why is this happening to me?” So Rebekah went to inquire of the LORD,
Genesis 27:41Esau held a grudge against Jacob because of the blessing his father had given him. And Esau said in his heart, “The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then I will kill my brother Jacob.”
Genesis 32:28Then the man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men, and you have prevailed.”
Genesis 33:3-4But Jacob himself went on ahead and bowed to the ground seven times as he approached his brother. / Esau, however, ran to him and embraced him, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him. And they both wept.
Genesis 36:1This is the account of Esau (that is, Edom).
Hebrews 12:16-17See to it that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his birthright. / For you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected. He could find no ground for repentance, though he sought the blessing with tears.
Romans 9:10-13Not only that, but Rebecca’s children were conceived by one man, our father Isaac. / Yet before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad, in order that God’s plan of election might stand, / not by works but by Him who calls, she was told, “The older will serve the younger.” ...
Malachi 1:2-3“I have loved you,” says the LORD. But you ask, “How have You loved us?” “Was not Esau Jacob’s brother?” declares the LORD. “Yet Jacob I have loved, / but Esau I have hated, and I have made his mountains a wasteland and left his inheritance to the desert jackals.”
Hebrews 11:20By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning the future.
Romans 9:6-8It is not as though God’s word has failed. For not all who are descended from Israel are Israel. / Nor because they are Abraham’s descendants are they all his children. On the contrary, “Through Isaac your offspring will be reckoned.” / So it is not the children of the flesh who are God’s children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as offspring.
Obadiah 1:10Because of the violence against your brother Jacob, you will be covered with shame and cut off forever.
Treasury of Scripture And Isaac his father said to him, Who are you? And he said, I am your son, your firstborn Esau. Jump to Previous EsauFirstbornFirst-BornIsaacOldestJump to Next EsauFirstbornFirst-BornIsaacOldestGenesis 27 1.Isaac sends Esau for venison.6.Rebekah instructs Jacob to obtain the blessing.14.Jacob, feigning to be Esau, obtains it.30.Esau brings venison.33.Isaac trembles.34.Esau complains, and by importunity obtains a blessing.41.He threatens Jacob's life.42.Rebekah disappoints him, by sending Jacob away.But his father Isaac replied, “Who are you?”This phrase captures a moment of confusion and surprise for Isaac. In the context of Genesis 27, Isaac is old and his eyesight is failing, which sets the stage for the deception by Jacob and Rebekah. Isaac's question indicates his uncertainty and the beginning of the unraveling of the deception. This moment is pivotal as it highlights the tension and drama in the narrative. The question "Who are you?" also echoes the theme of identity, which is central to the story of Jacob and Esau. In a broader biblical context, questions of identity and recognition are significant, as seen in other biblical narratives such as Joseph's brothers not recognizing him in Egypt ( Genesis 42:8). “I am Esau, your firstborn son,” he answered.
Esau's identity as the firstborn is crucial in the biblical context, as the firstborn traditionally held the birthright and blessing, which were of great importance in ancient Near Eastern culture. The birthright included leadership of the family and a double portion of the inheritance. Esau's declaration of his identity is ironic here, as it is actually Jacob speaking, having disguised himself to receive the blessing meant for Esau. This deception fulfills the prophecy given to Rebekah inGenesis 25:23, where God tells her that "the older will serve the younger." The theme of the younger supplanting the older is a recurring motif in the Bible, seen in stories like those of Joseph and David. This moment also foreshadows the later struggles between the descendants of Jacob (Israel) and Esau (Edom). In a typological sense, Jacob's deception and the subsequent blessing can be seen as a foreshadowing of the grace that comes through Jesus Christ, who, though not recognized by many, brings the ultimate blessing to humanity. Persons / Places / Events 1. IsaacThe patriarch of the family, son of Abraham, and father of Esau and Jacob. In this passage, Isaac is old and blind, having been deceived by Jacob into giving the blessing meant for Esau. 2. EsauThe elder son of Isaac, known for his skill as a hunter. He is the rightful recipient of Isaac's blessing but is deceived by his brother Jacob. 3. JacobThe younger son of Isaac, who deceives his father into giving him the blessing intended for Esau. This act of deception is pivotal in the account of the Israelite patriarchs. 4. RebekahAlthough not directly mentioned in this verse, Rebekah is a key figure in the preceding events, as she orchestrates Jacob's deception of Isaac. 5. The BlessingA significant event in the patriarchal accounts, where Isaac intends to bestow a blessing upon Esau, which is a formal and spiritual act of passing on God's promises and favor. Teaching Points The Consequences of DeceptionJacob's deceit leads to long-term family strife and personal consequences. This teaches the importance of integrity and honesty in our relationships. The Sovereignty of GodDespite human actions, God's purposes prevail. This encourages believers to trust in God's plan, even when circumstances seem contrary. Value of Spiritual BlessingsEsau's loss of the blessing underscores the importance of valuing spiritual over temporal gains. Believers are reminded to prioritize their spiritual inheritance in Christ. Family Dynamics and FavoritismThe favoritism shown by Isaac and Rebekah towards their sons leads to division. This serves as a caution against partiality within families and communities. Repentance and ReconciliationThe account sets the stage for future reconciliation between Jacob and Esau, highlighting the power of repentance and forgiveness in healing relationships. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Genesis 27:32?
2.How does Genesis 27:32 highlight the consequences of deception within families?
3.What role does God's sovereignty play in the events of Genesis 27:32?
4.How does Genesis 27:32 connect to the theme of blessing in Genesis?
5.How can we ensure honesty in our family relationships, avoiding Genesis 27:32's pitfalls?
6.What lessons from Genesis 27:32 can guide us in seeking God's will?
7.How does Genesis 27:32 challenge the concept of divine justice and fairness?
8.Why did Isaac fail to recognize Esau in Genesis 27:32?
9.What does Genesis 27:32 reveal about family dynamics and deception?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 27?
11.What is a father's blessing?
12.Does this account conflict with other biblical passages that condemn lying yet here seem to permit it (Genesis 27:6-17)?
13.How could Jacob and Esau reconcile so suddenly in Genesis 33:4 after years of hostility, and is there historical evidence for Esau's 400 men?
14.How does the Bible address betrayal and deceit?What Does Genesis 27:32 Mean But his father Isaac replied• Isaac has just finished conferring the patriarchal blessing on Jacob, thinking him to be Esau (Genesis 27:27-29). • His reply shows authority: as family head he must identify the speaker before extending further covenantal favor. • The moment is loaded with divine tension—God had foretold, “the older shall serve the younger” (Genesis 25:23), yet Isaac had tried to bless Esau anyway. • CompareGenesis 27:33, where Isaac “trembled violently”; the patriarch senses God’s overruling hand.
“Who are you?”• Isaac’s question exposes lingering doubt; earlier he had said, “The voice is the voice of Jacob, but the hands are the hands of Esau” (Genesis 27:22). • It highlights how human perception can be clouded when we rely on physical evidence rather than spiritual discernment—seeProverbs 3:5-6. • This pause gives God space to uncover deception and fulfill His stated plan without violating human freedom.
“I am Esau”• Esau answers truthfully; unlike Jacob’s earlier lie (Genesis 27:19), this declaration rings genuine. • Yet his words reveal the tragedy of arriving moments late;Hebrews 12:16-17 recalls how, “when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected.” • The scene underscores that spiritual privileges can be forfeited through earlier despising of them (Genesis 25:34).
“your firstborn son”• Esau asserts his legal status, expecting the automatic rights of primogeniture (cf.Deuteronomy 21:17). • Scripture consistently shows God is free to elevate whomever He chooses—note God’s selection of Joseph over Reuben (1 Chronicles 5:1-2). • The phrase reminds readers that being “firstborn” in flesh does not guarantee spiritual favor;John 1:13 points to birth “of God.”
“he answered”• Esau’s straightforward response contrasts Jacob’s earlier scheming, highlighting personal responsibility for sin versus integrity (Galatians 6:7). • His forthcoming honesty can’t undo past choices;Genesis 27:36 records his bitter cry, “Isn’t he rightly named Jacob?” • The verse therefore warns that sincerity, though commendable, cannot replace obedience.
summaryGenesis 27:32 captures a pivotal unveiling: Isaac’s probing, Esau’s self-identification, and the collision of human intention with divine sovereignty. The verse reminds believers that God’s purposes stand, even when patriarchs falter, and that blessings tied to covenant obedience cannot be claimed merely by birthright or timing but only through alignment with God’s revealed will. Verse 32. - And Isaac his father said unto him, Who art thou? The language indicates the patriarch's surprise. And he said, I am thy son, thy firstborn Esau. The emphatic tone of Esau's answer may have been dictated by a suspicion, already awakened by Isaac's question, that all was not right (Inglis). Esau's claim to be regarded as Isaac's firstborn, after having bartered away his birthright, is considered by some to be unwarranted (Wordsworth); but it is doubtful if Esau attached the importance to the term "firstborn" which this objection presupposes.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew But his fatherאָבִ֖יו(’ā·ḇîw)Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1:FatherIsaacיִצְחָ֥ק(yiṣ·ḥāq)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3327:Isaac -- 'he laughs', son of Abraham and Sarahreplied,וַיֹּ֥אמֶר(way·yō·mer)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559:To utter, say“Whoמִי־(mî-)Interrogative
Strong's 4310:Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffixare you?”אָ֑תָּה(’āt·tāh)Pronoun - second person masculine singular
Strong's 859:Thou and thee, ye and you“Iאֲנִ֛י(’ă·nî)Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 589:Iam Esau,עֵשָֽׂו׃(‘ê·śāw)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6215:Esau -- oldest son of Isaacyour firstbornבְכֹֽרְךָ֖(ḇə·ḵō·rə·ḵā)Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 1060:Firstborn, chiefson,”בִּנְךָ֥(bin·ḵā)Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 1121:A sonhe answered.וַיֹּ֕אמֶר(way·yō·mer)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559:To utter, say
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OT Law: Genesis 27:32 Isaac his father said to him Who (Gen. Ge Gn) |
