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Genesis 27:34 - Esav's desperate plea for blessing

Genesis 27:34 - בראשית 27:34

Hebrew Text

כִּשְׁמֹעַ עֵשָׂו אֶת־דִּבְרֵי אָבִיו וַיִּצְעַק צְעָקָה גְּדֹלָה וּמָרָה עַד־מְאֹד וַיֹּאמֶר לְאָבִיו בָּרֲכֵנִי גַם־אָנִי אָבִי׃

English Translation

And when ῾Esav heard the words of his father, he cried with a great and exceedingly bitter cry, and said to his father, Bless me, me also, O my father.

Transliteration

Kishmoa Esav et-divrei aviv vayitzak tze'aka gdola umara ad-me'od vayomer le'aviv baracheni gam-ani avi.

Hebrew Leining Text

כִּשְׁמֹ֤עַ עֵשָׂו֙ אֶת־דִּבְרֵ֣י אָבִ֔יו וַיִּצְעַ֣ק צְעָקָ֔ה גְּדֹלָ֥ה וּמָרָ֖ה עַד־מְאֹ֑ד וַיֹּ֣אמֶר לְאָבִ֔יו בָּרְכֵ֥נִי גַם־אָ֖נִי אָבִֽי׃
כִּשְׁמֹ֤עַ עֵשָׂו֙ אֶת־דִּבְרֵ֣י אָבִ֔יו וַיִּצְעַ֣ק צְעָקָ֔ה גְּדֹלָ֥ה וּמָרָ֖ה עַד־מְאֹ֑ד וַיֹּ֣אמֶר לְאָבִ֔יו בָּרְכֵ֥נִי גַם־אָ֖נִי אָבִֽי׃

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Parasha Commentary

Esav's Reaction to the Loss of the Blessing

The verse describes Esav's emotional outburst upon realizing that Yaakov had received the blessings intended for him. The phrase "וַיִּצְעַק צְעָקָה גְּדֹלָה וּמָרָה עַד־מְאֹד" ("he cried with a great and exceedingly bitter cry") underscores the depth of Esav's anguish. Rashi explains that Esav's cry was not merely one of sorrow but also of profound regret—he recognized too late the spiritual value of the blessings he had disregarded in favor of temporary material gains (Rashi on Bereishit 27:34).

The Nature of Esav's Plea

Esav's plea, "בָּרֲכֵנִי גַם־אָנִי אָבִי" ("Bless me, me also, O my father"), reveals his desperation. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 67:4) notes that Esav's use of the word "גַּם" ("also") implies a recognition that Yaakov had rightfully taken the blessings, yet he still sought some form of blessing for himself. The Ramban (Nachmanides) adds that Esav's cry was an acknowledgment of his own spiritual failure—he had not valued the covenant of Avraham until it was too late (Ramban on Bereishit 27:34).

The Contrast Between Yaakov and Esav

  • Yaakov's Preparation: The Talmud (Megillah 6a) teaches that Yaakov valued the blessings from the outset, demonstrating his readiness to receive them through wisdom and patience.
  • Esav's Delayed Realization: In contrast, Esav only sought the blessings after losing them, highlighting his initial disregard for spiritual matters (Sforno on Bereishit 27:34).

Theological Implications

The Or HaChaim (Rabbi Chaim ibn Attar) explains that Esav's cry represents the tragic fate of those who prioritize worldly pursuits over divine blessings. His "great and bitter cry" serves as a warning about the consequences of neglecting one's spiritual inheritance (Or HaChaim on Bereishit 27:34). The Kli Yakar further emphasizes that Esav's plea was not entirely rejected—Yitzchak did grant him a blessing, albeit one focused on material success rather than spiritual legacy (Kli Yakar on Bereishit 27:39-40).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Megillah 6b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the emotional reactions of Esau and the consequences of his actions.
📖 Sanhedrin 92a
The verse is cited in a broader discussion about repentance and the nature of Esau's cry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Esav cry when he heard his father's words?
A: Esav cried because he realized that his brother Yaakov had received the blessings meant for the firstborn, which included spiritual and material prosperity. Rashi explains that Esav's cry was exceptionally bitter because he understood the gravity of losing these blessings (Rashi on Genesis 27:34).
Q: What can we learn from Esav's reaction to losing the blessings?
A: We learn the importance of valuing spiritual blessings and not taking them for granted. Esav only realized the significance of the blessings after losing them, teaching us to appreciate our spiritual heritage and opportunities (Midrash Tanchuma, Toldos 8).
Q: Why did Esav still ask his father for a blessing after Yaakov received it?
A: Esav hoped that his father Yitzchak might have another blessing to give him, even though the primary blessings were already given to Yaakov. This shows his desperation and desire for some form of divine favor (Ramban on Genesis 27:34).
Q: How does this verse relate to the concept of repentance (teshuvah)?
A: Esav's cry demonstrates a moment of regret, but the Sages teach that his repentance was incomplete because it was driven by sorrow over losing the blessings rather than genuine spiritual transformation (Talmud, Avodah Zarah 4a).
Q: What is the significance of Esav's 'great and bitter cry' in Jewish tradition?
A: The intensity of Esav's cry symbolizes the profound consequences of neglecting spiritual responsibilities. The Midrash connects this cry to future suffering in Jewish history, teaching that actions have long-lasting effects (Midrash Bereishis Rabbah 67:4).