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Genesis 27:19 - Deception for blessing's sake?

Genesis 27:19 - בראשית 27:19

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר יַעֲקֹב אֶל־אָבִיו אָנֹכִי עֵשָׂו בְּכֹרֶךָ עָשִׂיתִי כַּאֲשֶׁר דִּבַּרְתָּ אֵלָי קוּם־נָא שְׁבָה וְאָכְלָה מִצֵּידִי בַּעֲבוּר תְּבָרֲכַנִּי נַפְשֶׁךָ׃

English Translation

And Ya῾aqov said to his father, I am ῾Esav thy firstborn; I have done according as thou didst tell me: arise, I pray thee, sit and eat of my venison, that thy soul may bless me.

Transliteration

Va'yomer Ya'akov el-aviv anochi Esav bechorecha asiti ka'asher dibarta elai kum-na sheva ve'achla mitzeidi ba'avur tevaracheni nafshecha.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר יַעֲקֹ֜ב אֶל־אָבִ֗יו אָנֹכִי֙ עֵשָׂ֣ו בְּכֹרֶ֔ךָ עָשִׂ֕יתִי כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר דִּבַּ֖רְתָּ אֵלָ֑י קֽוּם־נָ֣א שְׁבָ֗ה וְאׇכְלָה֙ מִצֵּידִ֔י בַּעֲב֖וּר תְּבָרְכַ֥נִּי נַפְשֶֽׁךָ׃
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר יַעֲקֹ֜ב אֶל־אָבִ֗יו אָנֹכִי֙ עֵשָׂ֣ו בְּכֹרֶ֔ךָ עָשִׂ֕יתִי כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר דִּבַּ֖רְתָּ אֵלָ֑י קֽוּם־נָ֣א שְׁבָ֗ה וְאׇכְלָה֙ מִצֵּידִ֔י בַּעֲב֖וּר תְּבָרְכַ֥נִּי נַפְשֶֽׁךָ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Yaakov's Statement to Yitzchak

The verse (Bereishit 27:19) describes Yaakov approaching his father Yitzchak while disguised as Esav, saying, "I am Esav your firstborn". This statement raises profound ethical and theological questions, addressed by classical commentators:

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (ad loc) explains that Yaakov did not outright lie, but rather spoke ambiguously: "I am [the one bringing you food], Esav is your firstborn." This interpretation follows the Talmudic principle (Yevamot 65b) that one may modify the truth for the sake of peace.

Rambam's Perspective

In Moreh Nevuchim (3:24), Rambam suggests this episode demonstrates how prophecy works through natural means - Rivka received divine insight that the blessings rightfully belonged to Yaakov, and this justified the unconventional means to fulfill G-d's will.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 65:18) states that Yaakov trembled when saying these words, showing his discomfort with deception.
  • Some commentaries note that Yaakov said "As you spoke to me" (rather than "to him"), maintaining technical truth since Rivka had conveyed Yitzchak's words.

Ethical Considerations

The Maharal (Gur Aryeh) explains that since Esav had sold the birthright to Yaakov (Bereishit 25:33), Yaakov was truthfully the rightful heir to the blessings. His actions were therefore not deception but ensuring justice.

Kabbalistic Dimension

The Zohar (1:146b) interprets this episode as representing the cosmic struggle between the spiritual (Yaakov) and material (Esav) realms, where temporary concealment of truth was necessary for the ultimate revelation of divine purpose.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Megillah 9a
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the Greek translation of the Torah (Septuagint), where the sages note how certain verses were altered to avoid misunderstandings, including this verse where Jacob's statement could be misinterpreted.
📖 Sanhedrin 105b
The verse is mentioned in a discussion about the nature of blessings and the consequences of deceit, highlighting Jacob's actions and their implications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Jacob say 'I am Esau' to his father Isaac?
A: According to Rashi and other commentaries, Jacob did not outright lie but spoke ambiguously. When he said 'I am Esau your firstborn,' he meant 'It is I bringing you food, and Esau is your firstborn.' This was because Rebecca had instructed him to obtain the blessings that were rightfully his, as Esau had sold him the birthright (Genesis 25:33). The Midrash explains that Jacob was hesitant but obeyed his mother, who knew through prophecy that he should receive the blessings.
Q: Was it wrong for Jacob to deceive Isaac for the blessing?
A: Jewish tradition explains that Jacob acted properly in this situation. The Talmud (Makot 24a) teaches that one may deviate from the truth for the sake of peace. Since Esau was unworthy of the spiritual blessings (as he had sold his birthright and lived immorally) and Rebecca knew through prophecy that Jacob was meant to receive them, this was justified. Rambam explains that sometimes deception is permitted when necessary for a greater good.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Jacob asking for Isaac's blessing?
A: This episode teaches the immense value Judaism places on parental blessings. Jacob went to great lengths to receive his father's blessing, showing how important a parent's words and approval are in Jewish tradition. The Talmud (Megillah 15a) states that a parent's blessing is potent and should be sought earnestly. It also demonstrates that spiritual matters (like the birthright blessing) are more valuable than material possessions.