Genesis 27:15

Authorized King James Version

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:

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַתִּקַּ֣ח

H3947

took

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

רִ֠בְקָה

H7259

And Rebekah

ribkah, the wife of isaac

אֶת

H853

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

בִּגְדֵ֨י

H899

raiment

a covering, i.e., clothing

עֵשָׂ֜ו

H6215

Esau

esav, a son of isaac, including his posterity

בְּנָ֥הּ

H1121

son

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

הַגָּדֹל֙

H1419

of her eldest

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

הַֽחֲמֻדֹ֔ת

H2532

goodly

delight

אֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#10

אִתָּ֖הּ

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

#11

בַּבָּ֑יִת

H1004

which were with her in the house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

#12

וַתַּלְבֵּ֥שׁ

H3847

and put them upon

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

#13

אֶֽת

H853

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

#14

יַעֲקֹ֖ב

H3290

Jacob

jaakob, the israelitish patriarch

#15

בְּנָ֥הּ

H1121

son

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

#16

הַקָּטָֽן׃

H6996

her younger

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

Analysis

This verse develops the creation and providence theme central to Genesis. The concept of divine revelation reflects God's absolute sovereignty over all existence. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to foundational narrative establishing God's relationship with creation and humanity, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the patriarchal period (c. 2000-1500 BCE) and primeval history provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The ancient Near Eastern world with its creation myths, flood narratives, and patriarchal social structures provided the cultural backdrop against which God's revelation stands in stark contrast. The ancient Near Eastern cosmology and patriarchal society would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Ancient Near Eastern creation texts like Enuma Elish provide comparative context for understanding Genesis's unique theological perspective.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of creation and providence, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?
How does this verse's literary context within Genesis chapter 27 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

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