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Genesis 27:29 - Destined for leadership and blessing

Genesis 27:29 - בראשית 27:29

Hebrew Text

יַעַבְדוּךָ עַמִּים וישתחו [וְיִשְׁתַּחֲווּ] לְךָ לְאֻמִּים הֱוֵה גְבִיר לְאַחֶיךָ וְיִשְׁתַּחֲוּוּ לְךָ בְּנֵי אִמֶּךָ אֹרְרֶיךָ אָרוּר וּמְבָרֲכֶיךָ בָּרוּךְ׃

English Translation

let peoples serve thee, and nations bow down to thee: be lord over thy brethren, and let thy mother’s sons bow down to thee: cursed be those that curse thee, and blessed be those that bless thee.

Transliteration

Ya'avdukha amim veyishtachavu [veyishtachavu] lekha le'umim heve gvir le'achekha veyishtachavu lekha bnei imekha orerekha arur umevorachekha barukh.

Hebrew Leining Text

יַֽעַבְד֣וּךָ עַמִּ֗ים <span class="mam-kq"><span class="mam-kq-k">(וישתחו)</span> <span class="mam-kq-q">[וְיִֽשְׁתַּחֲו֤וּ]</span></span> לְךָ֙ לְאֻמִּ֔ים הֱוֵ֤ה גְבִיר֙ לְאַחֶ֔יךָ וְיִשְׁתַּחֲו֥וּ לְךָ֖ בְּנֵ֣י אִמֶּ֑ךָ אֹרְרֶ֣יךָ אָר֔וּר וּֽמְבָרְכֶ֖יךָ בָּרֽוּךְ׃
יַֽעַבְד֣וּךָ עַמִּ֗ים (וישתחו) [וְיִֽשְׁתַּחֲו֤וּ] לְךָ֙ לְאֻמִּ֔ים הֱוֵ֤ה גְבִיר֙ לְאַחֶ֔יךָ וְיִשְׁתַּחֲו֥וּ לְךָ֖ בְּנֵ֣י אִמֶּ֑ךָ אֹרְרֶ֣יךָ אָר֔וּר וּֽמְבָרְכֶ֖יךָ בָּרֽוּךְ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bereshit 27:29) is part of Yitzchak's blessing to Yaakov, which he intended for Esav. The blessing contains themes of dominion, leadership, and divine favor. Orthodox Jewish commentators analyze this verse in the context of Yaakov's future role and the relationship between his descendants and other nations.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that "let peoples serve thee" refers to the nations of the world submitting to Yaakov's descendants. He connects this to the prophecy in Bamidbar 24:9, where Balaam speaks of Israel's future greatness. Rashi also notes that "be lord over thy brethren" specifically refers to Esav's descendants (Edom) bowing to Yaakov's descendants, as seen in the days of David and Shlomo (Melachim I 5:1).

Ramban's Interpretation

The Ramban (Nachmanides) expands on this, stating that the blessing encompasses both physical and spiritual dominion. He emphasizes that the phrase "cursed be those that curse thee" reflects a divine decree that those who oppose Israel will face consequences, while those who support Israel will be blessed—a principle seen throughout Jewish history.

Talmudic and Midrashic Insights

  • The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 67:4) links this verse to the future Messianic era, where all nations will recognize the truth of Hashem and submit to Israel's spiritual leadership.
  • The Talmud (Megillah 6a) connects the phrase "let thy mother’s sons bow down to thee" to the tribes of Israel themselves, suggesting that even Yaakov's brothers (the tribes) would acknowledge his leadership.

Ibn Ezra's Perspective

Ibn Ezra focuses on the literal meaning, explaining that the blessing was initially fulfilled in Yaakov's lifetime when Esav bowed to him (Bereshit 33:3). However, he also acknowledges its broader prophetic implications for future generations.

Practical Implications

This verse teaches the concept of segulah—the unique chosen status of the Jewish people. Orthodox tradition holds that this blessing remains relevant, emphasizing that those who support the Jewish people and Torah values will be blessed, while those who oppose them invite divine retribution.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Megillah 18a
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the blessings and curses related to the descendants of Jacob, particularly in relation to the story of Esau and Jacob.
📖 Sanhedrin 105b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the blessings given to Jacob and their implications for his descendants, contrasting them with the fate of those who oppose them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 27:29 mean in the context of Yitzchak's blessing to Yaakov?
A: Genesis 27:29 contains the blessing that Yitzchak gave to Yaakov (thinking he was Esav). According to Rashi, this verse signifies that Yaakov's descendants (the Jewish people) would have authority over other nations, and those who oppose them would be cursed, while those who support them would be blessed. This reflects the special role of the Jewish people in the world.
Q: Why is the phrase 'cursed be those that curse thee, and blessed be those that bless thee' important?
A: This phrase, explained by Ramban (Nachmanides), establishes a fundamental principle in Jewish tradition: those who oppose the Jewish people bring misfortune upon themselves, while those who support them receive divine blessing. This idea is seen throughout Jewish history, where nations that harmed the Jews suffered consequences, while those who showed kindness prospered.
Q: How does Genesis 27:29 apply to the Jewish people today?
A: The Sages teach that this blessing remains relevant today, emphasizing the unique spiritual role of the Jewish people. The verse reminds us that those who stand with the Jewish people share in their blessings, while hostility towards Jews ultimately brings harm. This is seen as part of the divine plan for the Jewish nation's mission in the world.
Q: What is the significance of 'be lord over thy brethren' in this verse?
A: According to the Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah), this phrase refers to Yaakov's future leadership role among his brothers and descendants. The Talmud (Megillah 6a) explains that this leadership is primarily spiritual rather than political, with the Jewish people serving as a 'light unto nations' through Torah values and divine service.
Q: Why did Yitzchak say 'let thy mother's sons bow down to thee'?
A: Rashi explains that this refers specifically to Esav and his descendants bowing to Yaakov and his descendants. The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 10b) discusses how this was partially fulfilled when the Hasmonean kings subjugated Edom (descendants of Esav), and our tradition teaches that it will be completely fulfilled in the Messianic era.