Genesis 27:8 - Now therefore, my son, obey my voice according to that which I command you.

Generated Verse: Genesis 27:8

What does "Genesis 27:8" mean?


Genesis 27:8 is part of the story of Jacob deceiving his father, Isaac, to steal the blessing intended for his older brother, Esau. In this specific verse, Rebekah, Jacob's mother, is speaking to Jacob. Let's break down what it means:

"Now therefore": This phrase indicates that what follows is a direct consequence of something that has already been discussed or understood. In this case, Rebekah has just realized Isaac intends to bless Esau, a blessing she wants for Jacob instead.

"my son": This is a term of endearment and shows Rebekah's maternal authority over Jacob.

"obey my voice": This is a direct command. Rebekah is telling Jacob to do what she tells him to do.

"according to that which I command you": This reinforces the previous point. It emphasizes that Jacob's obedience must be complete and specific to her instructions. She isn't asking for general obedience, but obedience to a particular plan.

Therefore, the verse as a whole means:

"Because of the situation we are in (Isaac intending to bless Esau), my son, I need you to listen to me and do exactly what I tell you to do."

Contextual Understanding:

It's crucial to remember the context. Rebekah is plotting to deceive Isaac. Therefore, this verse is not simply about a mother asking her son to obey her in a positive or morally neutral way. It is a call to action that involves deception and potentially wrongdoing. She's asking Jacob to be complicit in her scheme.

Ethical Implications:

The events that follow this verse highlight the ethical complexities of the story. While Rebekah's motivation might have been to secure what she believed was Jacob's rightful inheritance, the method she employed was dishonest and caused lasting familial conflict. The verse sets the stage for Jacob's deception and the consequences that follow, leading to questions about the nature of blessings, destiny, and the use of deceit to achieve desired outcomes.

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