King James Version

What Does Genesis 27:42 Mean?

Genesis 27:42 in the King James Version says “And these words of Esau her elder son were told to Rebekah: and she sent and called Jacob her younger son, and said unto...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And these words of Esau her elder son were told to Rebekah: and she sent and called Jacob her younger son, and said unto him, Behold, thy brother Esau, as touching thee, doth comfort himself, purposing to kill thee.”

Genesis 27:42 · KJV

Comfort

Context

40

And by thy sword shalt thou live, and shalt serve thy brother; and it shall come to pass when thou shalt have the dominion, that thou shalt break his yoke from off thy neck.

41

And 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.

42

And these words of Esau her elder son were told to Rebekah: and she sent and called Jacob her younger son, and said unto him, Behold, thy brother Esau, as touching thee, doth comfort himself, purposing to kill thee.

43

Now therefore, my son, obey my voice; and arise, flee thou to Laban my brother to Haran;

44

And tarry with him a few days, until thy brother's fury turn away;

Read Genesis 27 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And these words of Esau her elder son were told to Rebekah: and she sent and called Jacob her younge... 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. What does this passage reveal about God's sovereignty and human responsibility?
  2. How does this passage challenge modern cultural assumptions about identity, purpose, or morality?
  3. What connections can we trace from this verse to Jesus' life, death, and resurrection?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וַיֻּגַּ֣ד1 of 20

“were told”

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

לְרִבְקָ֔ה2 of 20

“to Rebekah”

H7259

ribkah, the wife of isaac

אֶת3 of 20
H853

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

דִּבְרֵ֥י4 of 20

“And these words”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

עֵשָׂ֣ו5 of 20

“Esau”

H6215

esav, a son of isaac, including his posterity

בְּנָ֣הּ6 of 20

“son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

הַגָּדֹ֑ל7 of 20

“her elder”

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

וַתִּשְׁלַ֞ח8 of 20

“and she sent”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

וַתִּקְרָ֤א9 of 20

“and called”

H7121

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

לְיַֽעֲקֹב֙10 of 20

“Jacob”

H3290

jaakob, the israelitish patriarch

בְּנָ֣הּ11 of 20

“son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

הַקָּטָ֔ן12 of 20

“her younger”

H6996

abbreviated, i.e., diminutive, literally (in quantity, size or number) or figuratively (in age or importance)

וַתֹּ֣אמֶר13 of 20

“and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵלָ֔יו14 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הִנֵּה֙15 of 20
H2009

lo!

עֵשָׂ֣ו16 of 20

“Esau”

H6215

esav, a son of isaac, including his posterity

אָחִ֔יךָ17 of 20

“unto him Behold thy brother”

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

מִתְנַחֵ֥ם18 of 20

“as touching thee doth comfort”

H5162

properly, to sigh, i.e., breathe strongly; by implication, to be sorry, i.e., (in a favorable sense) to pity, console or (reflexively) rue; or (unfavo

לְךָ֖19 of 20
H0
לְהָרְגֶֽךָ׃20 of 20

“himself purposing to kill”

H2026

to smite with deadly intent

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 27:42 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 27:42 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 42:21-22Genesis 37:18-20Proverbs 2:141 Samuel 30:5Proverbs 4:16-17Psalms 64:5

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