Genesis 27:42

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֻּגַּ֣ד
were told
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
#2
לְרִבְקָ֔ה
to Rebekah
ribkah, the wife of isaac
#3
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
דִּבְרֵ֥י
And these words
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#5
עֵשָׂ֣ו
Esau
esav, a son of isaac, including his posterity
#6
בְּנָ֣הּ
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
#7
הַגָּדֹ֑ל
her elder
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
#8
וַתִּשְׁלַ֞ח
and she sent
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#9
וַתִּקְרָ֤א
and called
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
#10
לְיַֽעֲקֹב֙
Jacob
jaakob, the israelitish patriarch
#11
בְּנָ֣הּ
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
#12
הַקָּטָ֔ן
her younger
abbreviated, i.e., diminutive, literally (in quantity, size or number) or figuratively (in age or importance)
#13
וַתֹּ֣אמֶר
and said
to say (used with great latitude)
#14
אֵלָ֔יו
near, with or among; often in general, to
#15
הִנֵּה֙
lo!
#16
עֵשָׂ֣ו
Esau
esav, a son of isaac, including his posterity
#17
אָחִ֔יךָ
unto him Behold thy brother
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
#18
מִתְנַחֵ֥ם
as touching thee doth comfort
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
#19
לְךָ֖
H0
#20
לְהָרְגֶֽךָ׃
himself purposing to kill
to smite with deadly intent

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

This passage must be understood within the tribal and clan-based society of the ancient Near East. The author writes to address the foundational narrative for Israel's identity and relationship with God, making the emphasis on creation and providence particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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