King James Version

What Does Genesis 27:36 Mean?

Genesis 27:36 in the King James Version says “And he said, Is not he rightly named Jacob? for he hath supplanted me these two times: he took away my birthright; and, ...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he said, Is not he rightly named Jacob? for he hath supplanted me these two times: he took away my birthright; and, behold, now he hath taken away my blessing. And he said, Hast thou not reserved a blessing for me? Jacob: that is, A supplanter”

Genesis 27:36 · KJV

Context

34

And when Esau heard the words of his father, he cried with a great and exceeding bitter cry, and said unto his father, Bless me, even me also, O my father.

35

And he said, Thy brother came with subtilty, and hath taken away thy blessing.

36

And he said, Is not he rightly named Jacob? for he hath supplanted me these two times: he took away my birthright; and, behold, now he hath taken away my blessing. And he said, Hast thou not reserved a blessing for me? Jacob: that is, A supplanter

37

And Isaac answered and said unto Esau, Behold, I have made him thy lord, and all his brethren have I given to him for servants; and with corn and wine have I sustained him: and what shall I do now unto thee, my son? sustained: or, supported

38

And Esau said unto his father, Hast thou but one blessing, my father? bless me, even me also, O my father. And Esau lifted up his voice, and wept.

Read Genesis 27 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he said, Is not he rightly named Jacob? for he hath supplanted me these two times: he took away ... 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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 understanding Christ as the ultimate fulfillment illuminate this passage's meaning?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וַיֹּאמַ֕ר1 of 20

“And he said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הֲכִי֩2 of 20

“Is not he rightly”

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

קָרָ֨א3 of 20

“named”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

שְׁמ֜וֹ4 of 20
H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

יַֽעֲקֹ֗ב5 of 20

“Jacob”

H3290

jaakob, the israelitish patriarch

וַֽיַּעְקְבֵ֙נִי֙6 of 20

“for he hath supplanted me”

H6117

to seize by the heel; figuratively, to circumvent (as if tripping up the heels); also to restrain (as if holding by the heel)

זֶ֣ה7 of 20

“these”

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

פַֽעֲמַ֔יִם8 of 20

“two times”

H6471

a stroke, literally or figuratively (in various applications, as follow)

אֶת9 of 20
H853

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

בְּכֹֽרָתִ֣י10 of 20

“my birthright”

H1062

the firstling of man or beast; abstractly primogeniture

לָקַ֣ח11 of 20

“and behold now he hath taken away”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

וְהִנֵּ֥ה12 of 20
H2009

lo!

עַתָּ֖ה13 of 20
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

לָקַ֣ח14 of 20

“and behold now he hath taken away”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

בְּרָכָֽה׃15 of 20

“a blessing”

H1293

benediction; by implication prosperity

וַיֹּאמַ֕ר16 of 20

“And he said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הֲלֹֽא17 of 20
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

אָצַ֥לְתָּ18 of 20

“Hast thou not reserved”

H680

properly, to join; used only as a denominative from h0681; to separate; hence, to select, refuse, contract

לִּ֖י19 of 20
H0
בְּרָכָֽה׃20 of 20

“a blessing”

H1293

benediction; by implication prosperity

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 27:36 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Genesis 27:36 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 25:26Genesis 32:28Genesis 25:31-34John 1:47

Test Your Knowledge

Genesis 27 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterGenesis Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Genesis 27 with CommentaryAll Genesis ChaptersComplete Genesis QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes