Genesis 27:23

Authorized King James Version

And he discerned him not, because his hands were hairy, as his brother Esau's hands: so he blessed him.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְלֹ֣א

H3808

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

הִכִּיר֔וֹ

H5234

And he discerned

properly, to scrutinize, i.e., look intently at; hence (with recognition implied), to acknowledge, be acquainted with, care for, respect, revere, or (

כִּֽי

H3588

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

הָי֣וּ

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כִּידֵ֛י

H3027

hands

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

כִּידֵ֛י

H3027

hands

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

עֵשָׂ֥ו

H6215

Esau's

esav, a son of isaac, including his posterity

אָחִ֖יו

H251

as his brother

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

שְׂעִרֹ֑ת

H8163

were hairy

shaggy; as noun, a he-goat; by analogy, a faun

#10

וַֽיְבָרְכֵֽהוּ׃

H1288

so he blessed

to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as

Analysis

The creation and providence theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

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

How does the creation and providence theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
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?

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