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Genesis 27:22 - Deception or destiny's voice?

Genesis 27:22 - בראשית 27:22

Hebrew Text

וַיִּגַּשׁ יַעֲקֹב אֶל־יִצְחָק אָבִיו וַיְמֻשֵּׁהוּ וַיֹּאמֶר הַקֹּל קוֹל יַעֲקֹב וְהַיָּדַיִם יְדֵי עֵשָׂו׃

English Translation

And Ya῾aqov went near to Yiżĥaq his father; and he felt him, and said, The voice is Ya῾aqov’s voice, but the hands are the hands of ῾Esav.

Transliteration

Va'yigash Ya'akov el-Yitzchak aviv va'y'mushehu va'yomer hakol kol Ya'akov v'ha'yadayim y'dei Esav.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּגַּ֧שׁ יַעֲקֹ֛ב אֶל־יִצְחָ֥ק אָבִ֖יו וַיְמֻשֵּׁ֑הוּ וַיֹּ֗אמֶר הַקֹּל֙ ק֣וֹל יַעֲקֹ֔ב וְהַיָּדַ֖יִם יְדֵ֥י עֵשָֽׂו׃
וַיִּגַּ֧שׁ יַעֲקֹ֛ב אֶל־יִצְחָ֥ק אָבִ֖יו וַיְמֻשֵּׁ֑הוּ וַיֹּ֗אמֶר הַקֹּל֙ ק֣וֹל יַעֲקֹ֔ב וְהַיָּדַ֖יִם יְדֵ֥י עֵשָֽׂו׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Duality of Yaakov and Esav

The verse (Bereishit 27:22) describes Yitzchak's confusion upon feeling Yaakov's hands, which were covered with goat skins to resemble Esav's hairy arms, while hearing Yaakov's voice. This moment encapsulates the fundamental differences between Yaakov and Esav, as interpreted by Orthodox Jewish commentators:

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that Yitzchak perceived a contradiction: the voice was refined like Yaakov's (who was "יושב אוהלים" – a dweller of tents, i.e., engaged in Torah study), while the hands were rough like Esav's (who was "איש שדה" – a man of the field, involved in hunting). This duality reflects their spiritual natures:

  • Voice of Yaakov: Represents Torah study and prayer, the spiritual power of Klal Yisrael (Rashi, Bereishit 27:22).
  • Hands of Esav: Symbolize physical strength and worldly dominance, which Esav used for his own desires.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 65:20) expands on this idea, teaching that when the "voice of Yaakov" is strong in Torah and mitzvot, the "hands of Esav" (i.e., the nations of the world) cannot dominate the Jewish people. However, if the voice of Yaakov weakens, the hands of Esav gain power. This reflects the historical dynamic between Israel and the nations.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 11:4) alludes to this concept when discussing the ultimate triumph of Torah values in the Messianic era. The "voice of Yaakov" will ultimately prevail, as prophecy and divine wisdom will be universally recognized.

The Kli Yakar's Insight

The Kli Yakar (Rabbi Shlomo Ephraim Luntschitz) notes that Yitzchak's statement was prophetic: the Jewish people would sometimes adopt Esav's methods (e.g., engaging in worldly affairs or war when necessary), but their essence remains the "voice of Yaakov" – Torah and spiritual pursuits.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Megillah 11a
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the story of Jacob and Esau, illustrating the theme of deception and divine providence.
📖 Chullin 91b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the physical and spiritual characteristics of Jacob and Esau, emphasizing the contrast between their voices and hands.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Yitzchak say 'the voice is Yaakov's voice, but the hands are Esav's hands'?
A: Rashi explains that Yitzchak recognized Yaakov's voice speaking words of Torah and prayer (the spiritual domain of Yaakov), but felt hairy arms like Esav (who represented physical strength and worldly matters). This shows the different spiritual paths of the brothers.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yaakov wearing Esav's clothes?
A: The Midrash teaches that Yaakov wore Esav's special garments that were originally from Adam HaRishon. This symbolizes that while Yaakov represented spirituality, he could also engage with the physical world properly when needed - showing we must balance both aspects in serving Hashem.
Q: Why did Yitzchak need to feel Yaakov if he heard his voice?
A: The Talmud (Megillah 18a) explains that Yitzchak was uncertain because of the contradiction between what he heard (Yaakov's spiritual voice) and what he felt (Esav-like physicality). This teaches that truth requires both words and actions to align properly in serving Hashem.
Q: How does this verse relate to Jewish life today?
A: This verse teaches the Jewish ideal - to have 'Yaakov's voice' (Torah study and prayer) while properly engaging with the physical world ('Esav's hands'). As Rambam explains, we must use worldly matters (like work) in service of spiritual goals, not as ends in themselves.