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Genesis 27:36 - Deception or divine destiny?

Genesis 27:36 - בראשית 27:36

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר הֲכִי קָרָא שְׁמוֹ יַעֲקֹב וַיַּעְקְבֵנִי זֶה פַעֲמַיִם אֶת־בְּכֹרָתִי לָקָח וְהִנֵּה עַתָּה לָקַח בִּרְכָתִי וַיֹּאמַר הֲלֹא־אָצַלְתָּ לִּי בְּרָכָה׃

English Translation

And he said, Is not he rightly named Ya῾aqov? for he has supplanted me these two times: he took away my birthright; and, behold, now he has taken away my blessing. And he said, Hast thou not reserved a blessing for me?

Transliteration

Vayomer hachi kara shmo Yaakov vaya'akveni zeh pa'amayim et-bechorati lakach vehineh atah lakach birchati vayomar halo-atzalta li beracha.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֡אמֶר הֲכִי֩ קָרָ֨א שְׁמ֜וֹ יַעֲקֹ֗ב וַֽיַּעְקְבֵ֙נִי֙ זֶ֣ה פַעֲמַ֔יִם אֶת־בְּכֹרָתִ֣י לָקָ֔ח וְהִנֵּ֥ה עַתָּ֖ה לָקַ֣ח בִּרְכָתִ֑י וַיֹּאמַ֕ר הֲלֹא־אָצַ֥לְתָּ לִּ֖י בְּרָכָֽה׃
וַיֹּ֡אמֶר הֲכִי֩ קָרָ֨א שְׁמ֜וֹ יַעֲקֹ֗ב וַֽיַּעְקְבֵ֙נִי֙ זֶ֣ה פַעֲמַ֔יִם אֶת־בְּכֹרָתִ֣י לָקָ֔ח וְהִנֵּ֥ה עַתָּ֖ה לָקַ֣ח בִּרְכָתִ֑י וַיֹּאמַ֕ר הֲלֹא־אָצַ֥לְתָּ לִּ֖י בְּרָכָֽה׃

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Parasha Commentary

Eisav's Complaint and the Meaning of Yaakov's Name

The verse records Eisav's lament that Yaakov "supplanted" him twice—first by taking the birthright (bechorah) and then the blessing (berachah). Eisav connects this to Yaakov's name, implying that the name Yaakov (from the root ע.ק.ב, meaning "heel") reflects his deceptive nature, as if Yaakov "grabbed him by the heel" (Rashi on Bereishit 25:26). The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 65:15) elaborates that Yaakov's name hints at his future role in overcoming Eisav's schemes, as the heel is the part of the body that ultimately crushes the head of the serpent (a metaphor for evil).

The Two Instances of "Supplanting"

Eisav accuses Yaakov of deceiving him twice:

  • The Birthright (Bechorah): According to Rashi (Bereishit 25:34), Yaakov rightfully acquired the birthright when Eisav showed contempt for it by selling it for a meal. The Ramban (Bereishit 25:34) adds that Eisav willingly relinquished it, demonstrating his unworthiness.
  • The Blessing (Berachah): Eisav claims Yaakov "stole" the blessing meant for him. However, the Sforno (Bereishit 27:36) explains that Yitzchak’s blessing was always intended for Yaakov, as Eisav was unfit for it due to his wickedness.

Eisav's Misunderstanding of Divine Will

Eisav's complaint—"Have you not reserved a blessing for me?"—reveals his flawed perspective. The Netziv (Ha'amek Davar, Bereishit 27:36) notes that Eisav believed blessings were limited, as if Yaakov had taken his portion. However, Yitzchak later blesses Eisav (Bereishit 27:39-40), showing that divine blessings are not zero-sum. The Or HaChaim (Bereishit 27:36) emphasizes that Eisav failed to recognize that Yaakov’s blessings were destined for him by divine decree.

Yaakov's Righteousness vs. Eisav's Resentment

While Eisav frames Yaakov’s actions as deceit, Chazal (Talmud, Bava Batra 123b) teach that Yaakov acted righteously in securing the birthright and blessing, as Eisav was undeserving. The Kli Yakar (Bereishit 27:36) explains that Yaakov’s name also alludes to his future role as the father of the twelve tribes (shevet, related to yeshivah, "sitting"), symbolizing stability and Torah scholarship—qualities Eisav lacked.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Chullin 91b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the naming of Jacob and the events surrounding the taking of Esau's blessing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does Esav say that Yaakov's name fits him?
A: Esav says this because the name Yaakov (יעקב) comes from the root 'עקב' meaning 'heel' or 'to supplant.' Esav is complaining that Yaakov 'tricked' him twice—first by taking the birthright (Bechora) and now by taking the blessing (Beracha). Rashi explains that Esav felt Yaakov lived up to his name by 'grabbing him by the heel,' meaning outmaneuvering him.
Q: What were the two times Yaakov 'supplanted' Esav?
A: The two times refer to: (1) When Yaakov bought the birthright (Bechora) from Esav in exchange for lentil stew (Genesis 25:29-34), and (2) When Yaakov received their father Yitzchak’s blessing (Beracha) meant for Esav (Genesis 27). The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah) elaborates on Esav’s resentment over these events.
Q: Why was Esav so upset about losing the blessing?
A: Esav valued the material and spiritual benefits of the blessing, which included prosperity and leadership (Ramban on Genesis 27:36). The Talmud (Bava Batra 16b) also suggests that Esav recognized too late the importance of the blessings he had disregarded earlier.
Q: Did Yitzchak have any blessings left for Esav?
A: Yes, after realizing what happened, Yitzchak gave Esav a different blessing (Genesis 27:39-40). However, this blessing was inferior compared to Yaakov’s, focusing on living by the sword and eventual subservience. Rashi explains that Yitzchak had used his best blessings for Yaakov, leaving a lesser one for Esav.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Esav's complaint in this verse?
A: The verse teaches the consequences of neglecting spiritual opportunities. Esav dismissed his birthright earlier (Genesis 25:34), showing he prioritized temporary needs over eternal values. The Midrash (Tanchuma Toldot 8) warns that delaying or rejecting sacred responsibilities can lead to regret when it’s too late.