New International VersionRebekah said to her son Jacob, “Look, I overheard your father say to your brother Esau,
New Living Translationshe said to her son Jacob, “Listen. I overheard your father say to Esau,
English Standard VersionRebekah said to her son Jacob, “I heard your father speak to your brother Esau,
Berean Standard BibleRebekah said to her son Jacob, “Behold, I overheard your father saying to your brother Esau,
King James BibleAnd Rebekah spake unto Jacob her son, saying, Behold, I heard thy father speak unto Esau thy brother, saying,
New King James VersionSo Rebekah spoke to Jacob her son, saying, “Indeed I heard your father speak to Esau your brother, saying,
New American Standard BibleRebekah said to her son Jacob, “Behold, I heard your father speak to your brother Esau, saying,
NASB 1995Rebekah said to her son Jacob, “Behold, I heard your father speak to your brother Esau, saying,
NASB 1977Rebekah said to her son Jacob, “Behold, I heard your father speak to your brother Esau, saying,
Legacy Standard BibleBut Rebekah spoke to her son Jacob, saying, “Behold, I heard your father speaking to your brother Esau, saying,
Amplified BibleRebekah said to Jacob her [younger and favorite] son, “Listen carefully: I heard your father saying to Esau your brother,
Christian Standard BibleRebekah said to her son Jacob, “Listen! I heard your father talking with your brother Esau. He said,
Holman Christian Standard BibleRebekah said to her son Jacob, “Listen! I heard your father talking with your brother Esau. He said,
American Standard VersionAnd Rebekah spake unto Jacob her son, saying, Behold, I heard thy father speak unto Esau thy brother, saying,
Contemporary English Versionshe said to Jacob, "I heard your father tell Esau
English Revised VersionAnd Rebekah spake unto Jacob her son, saying, Behold, I heard thy father speak unto Esau thy brother, saying,
GOD'S WORD® TranslationRebekah said to her son Jacob, "I've just heard your father speaking to your brother Esau.
Good News Translationshe said to Jacob, "I have just heard your father say to Esau,
International Standard VersionRebekah gave these instructions to her son Jacob: "Quick! Pay attention!" she said. "I heard your father talking to your brother Esau. He told him,
NET BibleRebekah said to her son Jacob, "Look, I overheard your father tell your brother Esau,
New Heart English BibleAnd Rebekah spoke to Jacob her son, saying, "Look, I heard your father speak to Esau your brother, saying,
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd Rebekah spoke to Jacob her son, saying, Behold, I heard thy father speak to Esau thy brother, saying, Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleRebekah said to her son Jacob, “Behold, I overheard your father saying to your brother Esau,
World English BibleRebekah spoke to Jacob her son, saying, “Behold, I heard your father speak to Esau your brother, saying, Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand Rebekah has spoken to her son Jacob, saying, “Behold, I have heard your father speaking to your brother Esau, saying,
Young's Literal Translation and Rebekah hath spoken unto Jacob her son, saying, 'Lo, I have heard thy father speaking unto Esau thy brother, saying,
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd Rebekah spake to Jacob her son, saying, Behold, I heard thy father speaking to Esau thy brother, saying, Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleShe said to her son Jacob: I heard thy father talking with Esau thy brother, and saying to him:
Catholic Public Domain Versionshe said to her son Jacob: “I heard your father speaking with your brother Esau, and saying to him,
New American BibleRebekah said to her son Jacob, “Listen! I heard your father tell your brother Esau,
New Revised Standard VersionRebekah said to her son Jacob, “I heard your father say to your brother Esau, Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThen Rebekah said to Jacob her son, Behold, I heard your father say to Esau your brother,
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd Raphqa said to Yaquuv her son, “Behold, I heard your father, saying to Esau your brother, OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And Rebekah spoke unto Jacob her son, saying: 'Behold, I heard thy father speak unto Esau thy brother, saying:
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd Rebecca said to Jacob her younger son, Behold, I heard thy father speaking to Esau thy brother, saying,
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Jacob's Deception… 5Now Rebekah was listening to what Isaac told his son Esau. So when Esau went into the field to hunt game and bring it back, 6Rebekahsaidtoher sonJacob,“Behold,I overheardyour fathersayingtoyour brotherEsau,7‘Bring me some game and prepare me a tasty dish to eat, so that I may bless you in the presence of the LORD before I die.’…
Cross References Genesis 25:28Because Isaac had a taste for wild game, he loved Esau; but Rebekah loved Jacob.
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 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 27:13-14His mother replied, “Your curse be on me, my son. Just obey my voice and go get them for me.” / So Jacob went and got two goats and brought them to his mother, who made the tasty food his father loved.
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 29:25When morning came, there was Leah! “What have you done to me?” Jacob said to Laban. “Wasn’t it for Rachel that I served you? Why have you deceived me?”
Genesis 30:15But Leah replied, “Is it not enough that you have taken away my husband? Now you want to take my son’s mandrakes as well?” “Very well,” said Rachel, “he may sleep with you tonight in exchange for your son’s mandrakes.”
Genesis 37:3-4Now Israel loved Joseph more than his other sons, because Joseph had been born to him in his old age; so he made him a robe of many colors. / When 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 37:18-20Now Joseph’s brothers saw him in the distance, and before he arrived, they plotted to kill him. / “Here comes that dreamer!” they said to one another. / “Come now, let us kill him and throw him into one of the pits. We can say that a vicious animal has devoured him. Then we shall see what becomes of his dreams!”
Genesis 49:5-7Simeon and Levi are brothers; their swords are weapons of violence. / May I never enter their council; may I never join their assembly. For they kill men in their anger, and hamstring oxen on a whim. / Cursed be their anger, for it is strong, and their wrath, for it is cruel! I will disperse them in Jacob and scatter them in Israel.
Exodus 20:12Honor your father and mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.
Deuteronomy 21:15-17If a man has two wives, one beloved and the other unloved, and both bear him sons, but the unloved wife has the firstborn son, / when that man assigns his inheritance to his sons he must not appoint the son of the beloved wife as the firstborn over the son of the unloved wife. / Instead, he must acknowledge the firstborn, the son of his unloved wife, by giving him a double portion of all that he has. For that son is the firstfruits of his father’s strength; the right of the firstborn belongs to him.
1 Samuel 2:22-25Now Eli was very old, and he heard about everything his sons were doing to all Israel and how they were sleeping with the women who served at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. / “Why are you doing these things?” Eli said to his sons. “I hear about your wicked deeds from all these people. / No, my sons; it is not a good report I hear circulating among the LORD’s people. ...
1 Kings 1:11-14Then Nathan said to Bathsheba the mother of Solomon, “Have you not heard that Adonijah son of Haggith has become king, and our lord David does not know it? / Now please, come and let me advise you. Save your own life and the life of your son Solomon. / Go at once to King David and say, ‘My lord the king, did you not swear to your maidservant, “Surely your son Solomon will reign after me, and he will sit on my throne”? Why then has Adonijah become king?’ ...
Proverbs 1:8Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction, and do not forsake the teaching of your mother.
Treasury of Scripture And Rebekah spoke to Jacob her son, saying, Behold, I heard your father speak to Esau your brother, saying, Jump to Previous EsauHeardHearingJacobOverheardRebeccaRebekahSpeakSpeakingJump to Next EsauHeardHearingJacobOverheardRebeccaRebekahSpeakSpeakingGenesis 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.Rebekah said to her son JacobRebekah, the wife of Isaac and mother of Jacob and Esau, plays a pivotal role in the narrative. Her actions are driven by the prophecy she received during her pregnancy, where God told her that "the older will serve the younger" ( Genesis 25:23). This phrase highlights her favoritism towards Jacob, which contrasts with Isaac's preference for Esau. This family dynamic sets the stage for the unfolding events. Rebekah's involvement in the deception of Isaac reflects the complex interplay of divine sovereignty and human agency. Behold, I overheard your father
Rebekah's eavesdropping indicates her active involvement in the family affairs and her determination to ensure the fulfillment of the prophecy regarding her sons. This phrase suggests a sense of urgency and secrecy, as she takes immediate action upon hearing Isaac's intentions. It also reflects the cultural context of the time, where oral communication was primary, and overhearing conversations could significantly impact family dynamics. Saying to your brother Esau
Esau, the elder twin, is traditionally entitled to the birthright and blessing. However, his earlier decision to sell his birthright to Jacob for a meal (Genesis 25:29-34) foreshadows the loss of his father's blessing. This phrase underscores the tension between the brothers and the unfolding of God's plan, as Rebekah seeks to intervene in the natural order of inheritance. The mention of Esau also highlights the theme of sibling rivalry, a recurring motif in Genesis, seen in the stories of Cain and Abel, and later, Joseph and his brothers. Persons / Places / Events 1. RebekahThe wife of Isaac and mother of Esau and Jacob. She plays a pivotal role in the events of Genesis 27 by orchestrating the deception of Isaac to secure the blessing for Jacob. 2. JacobThe younger son of Isaac and Rebekah, who is favored by his mother. He is instructed by Rebekah to deceive his father Isaac to receive the blessing intended for Esau. 3. EsauThe elder son of Isaac and Rebekah, who is favored by his father. He is the intended recipient of Isaac's blessing but is ultimately deceived by his brother Jacob. 4. IsaacThe patriarch and father of Esau and Jacob. He is old and nearly blind, making him susceptible to the deception planned by Rebekah and Jacob. 5. The BlessingA significant event in the patriarchal family, 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 Sovereignty of GodDespite human deception and manipulation, God's purposes prevail. Rebekah's actions, while morally questionable, align with God's earlier prophecy. This teaches us to trust in God's sovereignty even when circumstances seem contrary. The Consequences of DeceptionRebekah and Jacob's deception leads to long-term family strife. This serves as a warning about the destructive nature of deceit and the importance of integrity. Parental Influence and FavoritismRebekah's favoritism towards Jacob and Isaac's towards Esau create division. This highlights the need for parents to love and treat their children equitably to prevent discord. The Value of Spiritual BlessingsThe account underscores the importance of valuing spiritual blessings and birthrights. Esau's disregard for his birthright serves as a cautionary tale about prioritizing temporary desires over eternal promises. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Genesis 27:6?
2.How does Rebekah's action in Genesis 27:6 reflect on family dynamics today?
3.What lessons on obedience can we learn from Rebekah's plan in Genesis 27:6?
4.How does Genesis 27:6 connect with the theme of deception in the Bible?
5.How can we ensure our actions align with God's will, unlike Rebekah's?
6.What role does parental influence play in shaping children's decisions, as seen here?
7.Why did Rebekah deceive Isaac in Genesis 27:6?
8.How does Genesis 27:6 reflect on family dynamics and favoritism?
9.What does Genesis 27:6 reveal about Rebekah's character and intentions?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 27?
11.Does this account conflict with other biblical passages that condemn lying yet here seem to permit it (Genesis 27:6–17)?
12.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?
13.Why would God's chosen lineage pass through someone who blatantly deceived his father (Genesis 27:35-36)?
14.How could Isaac be so easily deceived by Jacob's voice and skin when blessing him (Genesis 27:21-22)?What Does Genesis 27:6 Mean Rebekah said• Scripture presents Rebekah as a decisive woman who moves the narrative forward. Having already received the oracle that “the older shall serve the younger” (Genesis 25:23), she now speaks to ensure that Jacob—God’s chosen heir—receives the blessing. • Her words mark the turning point between Isaac’s private intent and the family-wide drama that follows, much like when Sarah intervened inGenesis 21:10 to secure God’s promise for Isaac. • The text records her speech as factual history; every detail prepares us for the blessing scene that will shape Israel’s future (Hebrews 11:20).
to her son Jacob• Rebekah targets Jacob, not Esau, because “Isaac loved Esau, but Rebekah loved Jacob” (Genesis 25:28). The favoritism in the household is now on full display. • Jacob’s character—already seen bargaining for the birthright inGenesis 25:31-33—finds encouragement in his mother’s plan. • Like the mentoring of Moses by Jochebed (Exodus 2:2-3), Rebekah’s guidance shapes the destiny of the one God will use.
Behold• “Behold” grabs Jacob’s attention; it is the verbal equivalent of pulling him aside for an urgent briefing. • The word often introduces significant, God-directed moments, as when the angel said, “Behold, I bring you good news” (Luke 2:10). • Its placement signals that what follows will alter the course of blessing and covenant.
I overheard your father saying• Rebekah’s knowledge comes from overhearing, not direct participation, reminiscent of Sarah overhearing the promise inGenesis 18:10-12. • Isaac’s intention to bless Esau “before the LORD” (Genesis 27:7) shows the solemnity of the act; once spoken, the blessing is irrevocable (Numbers 23:20). • Words carry covenant weight: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21). Rebekah’s alertness prevents an outcome contrary to God’s earlier revelation.
to your brother Esau• Esau remains the firstborn in Isaac’s eyes, yet he had already “despised his birthright” (Genesis 25:34). The conflict between human custom and divine choice is at its height. • This sibling tension foreshadows later struggles: Joseph and his brothers (Genesis 37:4), David and his brothers (1 Samuel 17:28). • Rebekah’s message underscores that Isaac intends a unilateral blessing; without intervention, Esau would receive what God had assigned to Jacob.
summaryGenesis 27:6 records Rebekah’s pivotal disclosure to Jacob, revealing Isaac’s private plan to bless Esau. Each phrase unveils a layer of family dynamics—Rebekah’s decisive speech, her focused appeal to Jacob, the urgency of “Behold,” the critical knowledge gained by overhearing, and Esau’s looming reception of the blessing. Together they show God’s sovereignty working through imperfect people to fulfill His unchanging promise that the older would serve the younger. Verses 6, 7. - And Rebekah (having already formed a plan for diverting the patriarchal blessing from Esau, whose habit of life and utterly unspiritual character may perhaps have recalled to her mind and confirmed the declaration of the oracle concerning Jacob's precedence) spake unto Jacob her son, - i.e. her favorite, in contrast to Esau, Isaac s son (ver. 5) - saying, Behold, I heard thy father speak unto Esau thy brother, saying, Bring me venison ( vide on ver. 3), and make me savory meat, that I may eat (literally, and I shall eat), and bless thee - the lengthened form of the future in this and the preceding verb (cf. וְאֹכֵלָה in ver. 4) is expressive of Isaac's self-excitement and emphatic determination - before the Lord. The word Jehovah, by modern criticism regarded as a sign of divided authorship, is satisfactorily explained by remembering that Rebekah is speaking not of the blessing of God's general pro vidence, but of the higher benediction of the covenant (Hengstenberg). The phrase, though not included in Isaac's address to Esau, need not be regarded as due to Rebekah's invention. She may have understood it to be implied in her husband's language, though it was not expressed (cf. Genesis 14:20). That it was designedly omitted by Isaac in consequence of the worldly character of Esau appears as little likely as that it was deliberately inserted by Rebekah to whet her favorite's ambition (Kalisch). As to meaning, the sense may be that this patriarchal benediction was to be bestowed sincerely (Menochius), in presence and by the authority of God (Ainsworth, Bush, Clericus); but the use of the term Jehovah rather points to the idea that Rebekah regarded Isaac simply "as the instrument of the living and personal God, who directed the concerns of the chosen race (Hengstenberg). Before my death. Since Rebekah makes no remark as to the groundlessness of Isaac s fear, it is not improbable that she too shared in her bed-ridden husband's expectations that already he was "in the presence of" his end.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew Rebekahוְרִבְקָה֙(wə·riḇ·qāh)Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 7259:Rebekah -- wife of Isaacsaidאָֽמְרָ֔ה(’ā·mə·rāh)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 559:To utter, saytoאֶל־(’el-)Preposition
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, toher sonבְּנָ֖הּ(bə·nāh)Noun - masculine singular construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 1121:A sonJacob,יַעֲקֹ֥ב(ya·‘ă·qōḇ)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3290:Jacob -- a son of Isaac, also his desc“Behold,הִנֵּ֤ה(hin·nêh)Interjection
Strong's 2009:Lo! behold!I overheardשָׁמַ֙עְתִּי֙(šā·ma‘·tî)Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 8085:To hear intelligentlyyour fatherאָבִ֔יךָ(’ā·ḇî·ḵā)Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 1:Fathersayingמְדַבֵּ֛ר(mə·ḏab·bêr)Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 1696:To arrange, to speak, to subduetoאֶל־(’el-)Preposition
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, toyour brotherאָחִ֖יךָ(’ā·ḥî·ḵā)Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 251:A brother, )Esau,עֵשָׂ֥ו(‘ê·śāw)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6215:Esau -- oldest son of Isaac
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OT Law: Genesis 27:6 Rebekah spoke to Jacob her son saying (Gen. Ge Gn) |
