New International VersionEsau held a grudge against Jacob because of the blessing his father had given him. He said to himself, “The days of mourning for my father are near; then I will kill my brother Jacob.”
New Living TranslationFrom that time on, Esau hated Jacob because their father had given Jacob the blessing. And Esau began to scheme: “I will soon be mourning my father’s death. Then I will kill my brother, Jacob.”
English Standard VersionNow Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing with which his father had blessed him, and Esau said to himself, “The days of mourning for my father are approaching; then I will kill my brother Jacob.”
Berean Standard BibleEsau 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.”
King James BibleAnd Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing wherewith his father blessed him: and Esau said in his heart, The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then will I slay my brother Jacob.
New King James VersionSo Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing with which his father blessed him, and Esau said in his heart, “The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then I will kill my brother Jacob.”
New American Standard BibleSo Esau held a grudge against Jacob because of the blessing with which his father had blessed him; and Esau said to himself, “The days of mourning for my father are near; then I will kill my brother Jacob.”
NASB 1995So Esau bore a grudge against Jacob because of the blessing with which his father had blessed him; and Esau said to himself, “The days of mourning for my father are near; then I will kill my brother Jacob.”
NASB 1977So Esau bore a grudge against Jacob because of the blessing with which his father had blessed him; and Esau said to himself, “The days of mourning for my father are near; then I will kill my brother Jacob.”
Legacy Standard BibleSo Esau bore a grudge against Jacob because of the blessing with which his father had blessed him; and Esau said in his heart, “The days of mourning for my father are near; then I will kill my brother Jacob.”
Amplified BibleSo Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing with which his father blessed him; and Esau said in his heart, “The days of mourning for my father are very near; then I will kill my brother Jacob.”
Christian Standard BibleEsau held a grudge against Jacob because of the blessing his father had given him. And Esau determined in his heart, “The days of mourning for my father are approaching; then I will kill my brother Jacob.”
Holman Christian Standard BibleEsau held a grudge against Jacob because of the blessing his father had given him. And Esau determined in his heart: “The days of mourning for my father are approaching; then I will kill my brother Jacob.”
American Standard VersionAnd Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing wherewith his father blessed him: and Esau said in his heart, The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then will I slay my brother Jacob.
Contemporary English VersionEsau hated his brother Jacob because he had stolen the blessing that was supposed to be his. So he said to himself, "Just as soon as my father dies, I'll kill Jacob."
English Revised VersionAnd Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing wherewith his father blessed him: and Esau said in his heart, The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then will I slay my brother Jacob.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationSo Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing that his father had given him. Esau said to himself, "The time to mourn for my father is near. Then I'll kill my brother Jacob."
Good News TranslationEsau hated Jacob, because his father had given Jacob the blessing. He thought, "The time to mourn my father's death is near; then I will kill Jacob."
International Standard VersionSo Esau harbored animosity toward Jacob because of the way his father had blessed him. Esau kept saying to himself, "The time to mourn for my father is very near. That's when I'm going to kill my brother Jacob."
NET BibleSo Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing his father had given to his brother. Esau said privately, "The time of mourning for my father is near; then I will kill my brother Jacob!"
New Heart English BibleEsau hated Jacob because of the blessing with which his father blessed him. Esau said in his heart, "The days of mourning for my father are at hand. Then I will kill my brother Jacob."
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd Esau hated Jacob, because of the blessing with which his father blessed him: and Esau said in his heart, The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then will I slay my brother Jacob. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleEsau 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.”
World English BibleEsau hated Jacob because of the blessing with which his father blessed him. Esau said in his heart, “The days of mourning for my father are at hand. Then I will kill my brother Jacob.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Esau hates Jacob, because of the blessing with which his father blessed him, and Esau says in his heart, “The days of mourning [for] my father draw near, and I slay my brother Jacob.”
Young's Literal Translation And Esau hateth Jacob, because of the blessing with which his father blessed him, and Esau saith in his heart, 'The days of mourning for my father draw near, and I slay Jacob my brother.'
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd Esau will lie in wait for Jacob, because of the blessing which his father blessed him: and Esau will say in his heart, The days of mourning of my father will draw near, and I will kill Jacob my brother. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleEsau therefore always hated Jacob for the blessing wherewith his father had blessed him: and he said in his heart: The days will come of the mourning of my father, and I will kill my brother Jacob.
Catholic Public Domain VersionTherefore, Esau always hated Jacob, for the blessing with which his father had blessed him. And he said in his heart, “The days will arrive for the mourning of my father, and I will kill my brother Jacob.”
New American BibleEsau bore a grudge against Jacob because of the blessing his father had given him. Esau said to himself, “Let the time of mourning for my father come, so that I may kill my brother Jacob.”
New Revised Standard VersionNow Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing with which his father had blessed him, and Esau said to himself, “The days of mourning for my father are approaching; then I will kill my brother Jacob.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd Esau hated Jacob because of the blessings with which his father had blessed him; and Esau said in his heart, After the days of mourning for my father are over, then I will slay my brother Jacob.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd Esau looked with evil on Yaquuv for the blessings with which his father blessed him, and Esau said in his heart, “Let the days of my father’s place of mourning come and I shall kill Yaquuv my brother.” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing wherewith his father blessed him. And Esau said in his heart: 'Let the days of mourning for my father be at hand; then will I slay my brother Jacob.'
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd Esau was angry with Jacob because of the blessing, with which his father blessed him; and Esau said in his mind, Let the days of my father's mourning draw nigh, that I may slay my brother Jacob.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Stolen Blessing… 40You shall live by the sword and serve your brother. But when you rebel, you will tear his yoke from your neck.” 41Esauheld a grudgeagainst Jacobbecause ofthe blessinghis fatherhad given him.And Esausaidin his heart,“The daysof mourningfor my fatherare at hand;then I will killmy brotherJacob.”42When the words of her older son Esau were relayed to Rebekah, she sent for her younger son Jacob and told him, “Look, your brother Esau is consoling himself by plotting to kill you.…
Cross References Obadiah 1:10-14Because of the violence against your brother Jacob, you will be covered with shame and cut off forever. / On the day you stood aloof while strangers carried off his wealth and foreigners entered his gate and cast lots for Jerusalem, you were just like one of them. / But you should not gloat in that day, your brother’s day of misfortune, nor rejoice over the people of Judah in the day of their destruction, nor boast proudly in the day of their distress. ...
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.
Amos 1:11This is what the LORD says: “For three transgressions of Edom, even four, I will not revoke My judgment, because he pursued his brother with the sword and stifled all compassion; his anger raged continually, and his fury flamed incessantly.
Genesis 32:6-8When the messengers returned to Jacob, they said, “We went to your brother Esau, and now he is coming to meet you—he and four hundred men with him.” / In great fear and distress, Jacob divided his people into two camps, as well as the flocks and herds and camels. / He thought, “If Esau comes and attacks one camp, then the other camp can escape.”
Genesis 33:1-4Now Jacob looked up and saw Esau coming toward him with four hundred men. So he divided the children among Leah, Rachel, and the two maidservants. / He put the maidservants and their children in front, Leah and her children next, and Rachel and Joseph at the rear. / But Jacob himself went on ahead and bowed to the ground seven times as he approached his brother. ...
Genesis 37:4When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him.
Genesis 4:5-8but He had no regard for Cain and his offering. So Cain became very angry, and his countenance fell. / “Why are you angry,” said the LORD to Cain, “and why has your countenance fallen? / If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you refuse to do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires you, but you must master it.” ...
1 John 3:12Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did Cain slay him? Because his own deeds were evil, while those of his brother were righteous.
Romans 9:13So it is written: “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.”
Genesis 49:23-24The archers attacked him with bitterness; they aimed at him in hostility. / Yet he steadied his bow, and his strong arms were tempered by the hands of the Mighty One of Jacob, in the name of the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel,
Numbers 20:14-21From Kadesh, Moses sent messengers to tell the king of Edom, “This is what your brother Israel says: You know all the hardship that has befallen us, / how our fathers went down to Egypt, where we lived many years. The Egyptians mistreated us and our fathers, / and when we cried out to the LORD, He heard our voice, sent an angel, and brought us out of Egypt. Now look, we are in Kadesh, a city on the edge of your territory. ...
Ezekiel 35:5Because you harbored an ancient hatred and delivered the Israelites over to the sword in the time of their disaster at the final stage of their punishment,
1 Samuel 18:8-9And Saul was furious and resented this song. “They have ascribed tens of thousands to David,” he said, “but only thousands to me. What more can he have but the kingdom?” / And from that day forward Saul kept a jealous eye on David.
Proverbs 27:4Wrath is cruel and anger is like a flood, but who can withstand jealousy?
Matthew 5:21-22You have heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘Do not murder’ and ‘Anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ / But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ will be subject to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to the fire of hell.
Treasury of Scripture And Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing with which his father blessed him: and Esau said in his heart, The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then will I slay my brother Jacob. hated. Genesis 4:2-8 And she again bare his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground… Genesis 37:4,8 And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him… Ezekiel 25:12-15 Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because that Edom hath dealt against the house of Judah by taking vengeance, and hath greatly offended, and revenged himself upon them; … The days. Genesis 35:29 And Isaac gave up the ghost, and died, and was gathered unto his people,being old and full of days: and his sons Esau and Jacob buried him. Genesis 50:3,4,10,11 And forty days were fulfilled for him; for so are fulfilled the days of those which are embalmed: and the Egyptians mourned for him threescore and ten days… Deuteronomy 34:8 And the children of Israel wept for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days: so the days of weepingand mourning for Moses were ended. then. Genesis 32:6 And the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, We came to thy brother Esau, and also he cometh to meet thee, and four hundred men with him. 2 Samuel 13:28,29 Now Absalom had commanded his servants, saying, Mark ye now when Amnon's heart is merry with wine, and when I say unto you, Smite Amnon; then kill him, fear not: have not I commanded you? be courageous, and be valiant… Psalm 37:12,13,16 The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth… Jump to Previous ApproachingBlessedBlessingBoreDeathDrawEsauFather'sFullGrudgeHandHateHatedHatethHeartHeldJacobKillMourningSlayWeepingWherewithJump to Next ApproachingBlessedBlessingBoreDeathDrawEsauFather'sFullGrudgeHandHateHatedHatethHeartHeldJacobKillMourningSlayWeepingWherewithGenesis 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.Esau held a grudge against JacobThis phrase highlights the deep-seated animosity that Esau felt towards Jacob after being deceived out of his father's blessing. The grudge is rooted in the cultural and familial importance of the birthright and blessing in ancient Near Eastern societies, where the firstborn son typically received a double portion of the inheritance and leadership of the family. This animosity foreshadows the ongoing conflict between the descendants of Esau (Edomites) and Jacob (Israelites) throughout biblical history. because of the blessing his father had given him.
The blessing referred to here is the one Isaac mistakenly gave to Jacob, thinking he was Esau. This blessing was not just a paternal wish but was seen as a prophetic declaration of God's will, carrying significant spiritual and material implications. The blessing included prosperity, dominion, and divine favor, which were crucial for the future of the family line. This incident underscores the theme of God's sovereignty and the fulfillment of His promises, as Jacob was chosen to carry on the Abrahamic covenant. And Esau said in his heart,
This internal dialogue reveals Esau's true intentions and the depth of his bitterness. In biblical literature, the heart is often seen as the seat of thought and intention, indicating that Esau's desire for revenge was deeply personal and premeditated. This internalization of anger can be contrasted with other biblical figures who sought reconciliation or forgiveness. “The days of mourning for my father are at hand;
Esau anticipates the death of his father, Isaac, which would be a time of mourning and familial gathering. In the cultural context, mourning was a significant period marked by specific rituals and customs. Esau's plan to wait until after this period suggests a calculated approach, respecting the cultural norms of mourning before enacting his revenge. then I will kill my brother Jacob.”
This statement reveals Esau's intent to commit fratricide, a grave sin that echoes the story of Cain and Abel, where jealousy led to the first murder. The threat of violence within the family highlights the destructive power of unchecked anger and resentment. This intention also sets the stage for Jacob's subsequent flight to Haran, where he would encounter God and further develop his role in the biblical narrative. The theme of sibling rivalry and reconciliation is a recurring motif in Scripture, ultimately pointing to the need for divine intervention and grace. Persons / Places / Events 1. EsauThe elder son of Isaac and Rebekah, who was a skilled hunter and favored by his father. He is deeply hurt and angered by the loss of his father's blessing to his younger brother, Jacob. 2. JacobThe younger son of Isaac and Rebekah, who deceitfully obtained the blessing meant for Esau. He is the central figure in this account, whose actions lead to familial conflict. 3. IsaacThe father of Esau and Jacob, who intended to bless Esau but was deceived by Jacob and Rebekah. His blessing was significant in the cultural and spiritual context of the time. 4. RebekahThe mother of Esau and Jacob, who favored Jacob and orchestrated the deception to secure the blessing for him. 5. The BlessingA significant event where Isaac intended to bestow a prophetic and material blessing upon Esau, which Jacob received through deception. Teaching Points The Consequences of DeceptionJacob's deceit led to a fractured family and long-lasting enmity. Deception, even when seemingly justified, can have severe and unintended consequences. The Danger of BitternessEsau's grudge against Jacob illustrates how harboring bitterness can lead to destructive thoughts and actions. Christians are called to forgive and seek reconciliation. The Importance of BlessingsIn the biblical context, blessings carried significant weight and were seen as prophetic. Understanding the value of blessings can deepen our appreciation for spiritual inheritance. God's Sovereignty in Human AffairsDespite human deception and conflict, God's purposes were ultimately fulfilled through Jacob. This reminds believers of God's sovereignty and ability to work through imperfect situations. The Need for ReconciliationThe account of Esau and Jacob eventually leads to reconciliation (Genesis 33). This highlights the importance of seeking peace and healing broken relationships. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Genesis 27:41?
2.How can we avoid harboring resentment like Esau in Genesis 27:41?
3.What steps can we take to forgive those who wrong us?
4.How does Esau's anger relate to Ephesians 4:26 about not sinning in anger?
5.What role does prayer play in overcoming feelings of vengeance?
6.How can we seek reconciliation in strained family relationships, as seen in Genesis 27?
7.Why did Esau harbor such intense hatred toward Jacob in Genesis 27:41?
8.How does Genesis 27:41 reflect the consequences of deception within families?
9.What role does divine providence play in the events of Genesis 27:41?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 27?
11.What biblical guidance is there for PTSD?
12.Who was Leah in the Bible?
13.Why does Jacob liken seeing Esau’s face to seeing God’s in Genesis 33:10, and does this conflict with other monotheistic teachings?
14.Genesis 29:31: Does God’s response to Jacob’s situation imply approval of deceit and manipulation?What Does Genesis 27:41 Mean Esau held a grudge against Jacob• “So Esau held a grudge against Jacob…”. The grudge is real, active, and deeply rooted. • Bitterness grows when wrongs—real or perceived—go unchecked (Hebrews 12:15–17). • Esau’s feelings are not a passing irritation but a consuming resentment, echoing Cain’s anger toward Abel (Genesis 4:5–8). • Scripture shows that harboring hate always leads downward (1 John 3:11-15), a sober warning for every believer.
Because of the blessing his father had given him• The cause is clear: Isaac’s irrevocable blessing on Jacob (Genesis 27:27-29, 33). • Esau traded his birthright (Genesis 25:29-34) and lost the blessing, yet blames Jacob rather than examining his own choices. • This moment underlines the certainty of God’s promises (Romans 9:10-13). Once spoken, the patriarchal blessing stands; no human scheme can reverse divine purpose.
Esau said in his heart• The sin begins internally: “out of the heart come evil thoughts” (Matthew 15:19). • Private meditations matter to God (Psalm 139:1-4). What Esau nurtures inside will soon shape his actions. • Scripture repeatedly warns against rehearsing revenge within (Proverbs 24:29;Leviticus 19:18).
The days of mourning for my father are at hand• Esau anticipates Isaac’s death, calculating the timing of his vengeance. • Instead of honoring his father (Exodus 20:12), he weaponizes the coming funeral as a cover for murder. • Family grief should unite, yet sin twists it into an opportunity for violence—illustrated later when Joseph’s brothers plot during their father’s absence (Genesis 37:18-20).
Then I will kill my brother Jacob• The intent is explicit, echoing the first fratricide (Genesis 4:8). • Murder is the ultimate fruit of unchecked anger (James 1:14-15). • God intervenes through Rebekah, sending Jacob away (Genesis 27:42-45), preserving the chosen line and showcasing divine protection (Psalm 121:7-8). • Esau’s rage cannot derail God’s covenant plan (Genesis 28:13-15).
summaryGenesis 27:41 reveals the corrosive power of unresolved bitterness. Esau, stung by the loss of blessing he had earlier despised, hardens his heart to the point of contemplated murder. The verse warns that internal grudges, if nursed, grow into lethal intentions, yet it also highlights the steadfastness of God’s purposes. Human anger may flare, but the covenant promises stand unshaken, and the Lord faithfully preserves His chosen line despite the darkest schemes of men. JACOB IS SENT AWAY BY HIS FATHER AND MOTHER TO HARAN. (41)The days of mourning for my father are at hand.--Esau evidently expected that his father's death was near, and such also was Isaac's own expectation (Genesis 27:2); but he recovered, and lived for more than half a century. Perhaps on this account another translation has been suggested, namely, "Days of mourning for my father are at hand: for I will slay Jacob." But there is no support for this in the Hebrew, and it represents Esau as utterly inhuman; whereas, with all his faults, he had a warm, loving heart. Genesis 28 ought to have begun here, as the break at the end ofGenesis 27:46 is very injurious to the meaning. Verse 41. - And Esau hated Jacob - a proof that he was not penitent, however disappointed and remorseful (cf. Obadiah 1:10, 11; 1 John 3:12, 15) - because of the blessing wherewith his father blessed him: - notwithstanding the fact that he too had received an appropriate benediction; a display of envy as well as wrath, another proof of his ungracious character ( Galatians 5:21; James 4:5) - and Esau said in his heart, - i.e. secretly resolved, though afterwards he must have communicated his intention ( vide ver. 42) - The days of mourning for my father are at hand. The LXX. interpret as a wish on the part of Esau that Isaac might speedily die, in order that the fratricidal act he contemplated might not pain the old man's heart; another rendering (Kalisch) understands him to say that days of grief were in store for his father, as he meant to slay his brother; but the ordinary translation seems preferable (Rosenmüller, Keil, Murphy, et alii), that Esan only deferred the execution of his unholy purpose because of the near approach, as he imagined, of his father's death. Isaac, however, lived upwards of forty years after this. Then will I slay my brother Jacob. That which reconciled Isaac and Ishmael ( Genesis 25:9), the death of a father, is here mentioned as the event which would decisively and finally part Esau and Jacob. Esau's murderous intention Calvin regards as a clear proof of the non-reality of his repentance for his sin, the insincerity of his sorrow for his father, and the intense malignity of his hate against his brother.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew Esauעֵשָׂו֙(‘ê·śāw)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6215:Esau -- oldest son of Isaacheld a grudgeוַיִּשְׂטֹ֤ם(way·yiś·ṭōm)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7852:To bear a grudge or cherish animosity againstagainst Jacobיַעֲקֹ֔ב(ya·‘ă·qōḇ)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3290:Jacob -- a son of Isaac, also his descbecause ofעַל־(‘al-)Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againstthe blessingהַ֨בְּרָכָ֔ה(hab·bə·rā·ḵāh)Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 1293:Benediction, prosperityhis fatherאָבִ֑יו(’ā·ḇîw)Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1:Fatherhad given him.בֵּרֲכ֖וֹ(bê·ră·ḵōw)Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1288:To kneel, to bless God, man, to curseAnd Esauעֵשָׂ֜ו(‘ê·śāw)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6215:Esau -- oldest son of Isaacsaidוַיֹּ֨אמֶר(way·yō·mer)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559:To utter, sayin his heart:בְּלִבּ֗וֹ(bə·lib·bōw)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3820:The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre“The daysיְמֵי֙(yə·mê)Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 3117:A dayof mourningאֵ֣בֶל(’ê·ḇel)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 60:Lamentationfor my fatherאָבִ֔י(’ā·ḇî)Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 1:Fatherare at hand;יִקְרְבוּ֙(yiq·rə·ḇū)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 7126:To come near, approachthen I will killוְאַֽהַרְגָ֖ה(wə·’a·har·ḡāh)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative - first person common singular
Strong's 2026:To smite with deadly intentmy brotherאָחִֽי׃(’ā·ḥî)Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 251:A brother, )Jacob.”יַעֲקֹ֥ב(ya·‘ă·qōḇ)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3290:Jacob -- a son of Isaac, also his desc
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OT Law: Genesis 27:41 Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing (Gen. Ge Gn) |
