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Genesis 27:24 - Deception or Divine plan?

Genesis 27:24 - בראשית 27:24

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר אַתָּה זֶה בְּנִי עֵשָׂו וַיֹּאמֶר אָנִי׃

English Translation

And he said, Art thou really my son ῾Esav? And he said, I am.

Transliteration

Vayomer atah zeh bni esav vayomer ani.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֕אמֶר אַתָּ֥ה זֶ֖ה בְּנִ֣י עֵשָׂ֑ו וַיֹּ֖אמֶר אָֽנִי׃
וַיֹּ֕אמֶר אַתָּ֥ה זֶ֖ה בְּנִ֣י עֵשָׂ֑ו וַיֹּ֖אמֶר אָֽנִי׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Question of Identity in Yitzchak's Inquiry

The verse (Bereishit 27:24) records Yitzchak's question to Yaakov, disguised as Esav: "Are you really my son Esav?" followed by Yaakov's response, "I am." Rashi explains that Yitzchak suspected something amiss because Yaakov's voice resembled his own, yet the hands felt like Esav's (as Yaakov wore goatskins to mimic Esav's hairy arms). This created doubt in Yitzchak's mind, prompting his question.

Yaakov's Response: "I am" (אָנִי)

The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 65:18) notes that Yaakov's response—"I am"—was deliberately ambiguous. He did not explicitly say, "I am Esav," but rather affirmed his identity in a way that could be interpreted truthfully. The Sforno adds that Yaakov avoided outright falsehood, as deception is generally prohibited, but here it was justified to secure the blessings destined for him.

The Moral Complexity of the Episode

Ramban (Nachmanides) addresses the ethical dilemma, explaining that Yaakov's actions were sanctioned by divine providence since Rivka had received a prophecy (Bereishit 25:23) that the elder (Esav) would serve the younger (Yaakov). The Or HaChaim further elaborates that Yitzchak himself, had he known the full divine plan, would have willingly given the blessing to Yaakov.

  • Rashi's Insight: Yitzchak's doubt arose from the contradiction between Yaakov's voice and Esav's physical traits.
  • Midrashic Perspective: Yaakov's response was carefully worded to avoid outright falsehood.
  • Ramban's Justification: The ends justified the means due to the divine plan.

📚 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 translation of this verse is examined for accuracy and interpretation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Yitzchak ask Yaakov if he was Esav?
A: Yitzchak suspected something was unusual because Yaakov's voice sounded different from Esav's (Rashi on Genesis 27:22). Even though Yaakov was wearing Esav's clothes and had hairy arms like Esav, Yitzchak wanted to confirm his identity before giving the blessing.
Q: Why did Yaakov say 'I am' when he wasn't Esav?
A: According to Jewish commentators, Yaakov's response was technically true - he was indeed Yitzchak's son (Rashi notes he meant 'I am the one bringing you food'). The Midrash explains that Yaakov avoided directly lying while still fulfilling his mother Rivka's instruction to obtain the blessing (Genesis Rabbah 65:18).
Q: What lesson can we learn from this interaction between Yitzchak and Yaakov?
A: This teaches us about the complexity of truth. Jewish tradition emphasizes truthfulness, but also recognizes situations where complete disclosure may cause harm (Talmud Yevamot 65b states there are times when peace takes precedence over complete truth). However, one should never tell an outright lie unless absolutely necessary to save a life.
Q: Why was Yitzchak's blessing so important that Yaakov needed to receive it?
A: The blessing contained spiritual and material promises that were meant for the chosen heir who would continue the covenant with Hashem. Rivka knew through prophecy that Yaakov was destined to receive it (Rashi on Genesis 25:23), as Esav's character showed he wasn't fit to carry forward Abraham's legacy.