King James Version

What Does Genesis 27:16 Mean?

Genesis 27:16 in the King James Version says “And she put the skins of the kids of the goats upon his hands, and upon the smooth of his neck:” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And she put the skins of the kids of the goats upon his hands, and upon the smooth of his neck:”

Genesis 27:16 · KJV

Context

14

And he went, and fetched, and brought them to his mother: and his mother made savoury meat, such as his father loved.

15

And Rebekah took goodly raiment of her eldest son Esau, which were with her in the house, and put them upon Jacob her younger son: goodly: Heb. desirable

16

And she put the skins of the kids of the goats upon his hands, and upon the smooth of his neck:

17

And she gave the savoury meat and the bread, which she had prepared, into the hand of her son Jacob.

18

And he came unto his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I; who art thou, my son?

Read Genesis 27 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And she put the skins of the kids of the goats upon his hands, and upon the smooth of his neck:... This passage belongs to the Jacob narratives which demonstrate God's sovereign election overriding human merit and the transformation of a deceiver into Israel, the father of the twelve tribes. The Jacob cycle shows how divine purposes advance through flawed individuals whom God graciously transforms.

Key themes include God's sovereign choice ("the older shall serve the younger"), the consequences of deception and family dysfunction, exile and return patterns, wrestling with God leading to blessing, and covenant renewal across generations. Jacob's character development from manipulative deceiver to mature patriarch demonstrates sanctification's lifelong process.

Theologically significant aspects include: (1) divine election based on grace not merit (Romans 9:10-13); (2) God's faithfulness to covenant promises despite human unfaithfulness; (3) discipline as evidence of divine love and means of transformation; (4) generational patterns of sin requiring divine intervention to break; (5) prayer and wrestling with God as legitimate expressions of faith. Jacob's limp after wrestling God symbolizes how divine encounters leave permanent marks, transforming our approach to life and dependence on God rather than our own cunning.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The patriarchal narratives (Genesis 12-50) reflect the cultural, social, and legal customs of the ancient Near East during the Middle Bronze Age (2000-1500 BCE). Archaeological discoveries including the Mari tablets, Nuzi tablets, and Egyptian records confirm many details: nomadic pastoralism, covenant-making ceremonies, marriage customs, property laws, and international travel patterns described in Genesis.

The cultural practices reflected include: treaty/covenant forms (Genesis 15), bride-price customs (Genesis 24, 29), inheritance laws favoring firstborn sons (Genesis 25, 27), adoption practices (Genesis 15, 30), levirate-type arrangements (Genesis 38), and Egyptian administrative systems (Genesis 41, 47). These parallels confirm Genesis's historical reliability while showing how God worked within ancient cultural frameworks to accomplish His purposes.

For later Israelites, these narratives established their identity as Abraham's descendants, explained their claim to Canaan, justified their possession of Joseph's bones (Exodus 13:19), and provided models of faith despite imperfection. The patriarchs' failures and God's faithfulness encouraged Israel that covenant relationship depended on God's grace rather than human merit. The movement from Mesopotamia to Canaan to Egypt set the stage for the Exodus and conquest narratives.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse deepen our understanding of God's character and His relationship with creation?
  2. What obstacles prevent us from living out the truths presented in this verse?
  3. How does this passage point forward to Christ and the gospel of redemption?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
וְאֵ֗ת1 of 10
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

עֹרֹת֙2 of 10

“the skins”

H5785

skin (as naked); by implication, hide, leather

גְּדָיֵ֣י3 of 10

“of the kids”

H1423

a young goat (from browsing)

הָֽעִזִּ֔ים4 of 10

“of the goats”

H5795

a she-goat (as strong), but masculine in plural (which also is used elliptically for goat's hair)

הִלְבִּ֖ישָׁה5 of 10

“And she put”

H3847

properly, wrap around, i.e., (by implication) to put on a garment or clothe (oneself, or another), literally or figuratively

עַל6 of 10
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

יָדָ֑יו7 of 10

“upon his hands”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

וְעַ֖ל8 of 10
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

חֶלְקַ֥ת9 of 10

“and upon the smooth”

H2513

properly, smoothness; figuratively, flattery

צַוָּארָֽיו׃10 of 10

“of his neck”

H6677

the back of the neck (as that on which burdens are bound)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Genesis. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Genesis 27:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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