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Genesis 27:38 - Can blessings be shared?

Genesis 27:38 - בראשית 27:38

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר עֵשָׂו אֶל־אָבִיו הַבְרָכָה אַחַת הִוא־לְךָ אָבִי בָּרֲכֵנִי גַם־אָנִי אָבִי וַיִּשָּׂא עֵשָׂו קֹלוֹ וַיֵּבְךְּ׃

English Translation

And ῾Esav said to his father, Hast thou but one blessing, my father? bless me, even me also, O my father.

Transliteration

Va'yomer Esav el-aviv ha'vracha achat hi lecha avi barecheni gam ani avi va'yisa Esav kolo va'yevek.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר עֵשָׂ֜ו אֶל־אָבִ֗יו הַֽבְרָכָ֨ה אַחַ֤ת הִֽוא־לְךָ֙ אָבִ֔י בָּרְכֵ֥נִי גַם־אָ֖נִי אָבִ֑י וַיִּשָּׂ֥א עֵשָׂ֛ו קֹל֖וֹ וַיֵּֽבְךְּ׃
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר עֵשָׂ֜ו אֶל־אָבִ֗יו הַֽבְרָכָ֨ה אַחַ֤ת הִֽוא־לְךָ֙ אָבִ֔י בָּרְכֵ֥נִי גַם־אָ֖נִי אָבִ֑י וַיִּשָּׂ֥א עֵשָׂ֛ו קֹל֖וֹ וַיֵּֽבְךְּ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Understanding Esav's Plea

The verse (Bereishit 27:38) describes Esav's emotional reaction upon realizing that Yaakov had received Yitzchak's blessing. Rashi explains that Esav's question, "Havracha achat hi lecha avi?" ("Is there but one blessing, my father?"), reflects his mistaken belief that Yitzchak had only one blessing to give. This reveals Esav's limited spiritual understanding, as he viewed the blessings as finite material gifts rather than divine transmissions with unique spiritual qualities.

Esav's Tears and Their Significance

The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 67:4) notes that Esav's weeping ("vayisa Esav kolo vayevk") was sincere in that moment, prompting Hashem to grant him the blessing of material prosperity (as seen later in Bereishit 27:39-40). However, the Talmud (Bava Batra 16b) contrasts this with Yaakov's tears in later encounters, teaching that Esav's tears were self-serving, while Yaakov's represented genuine spiritual longing.

The Nature of the Blessings

Ramban explains that Yitzchak's blessings were not arbitrary but corresponded to the essential natures of Yaakov and Esav:

  • Yaakov received the spiritual blessings of Avraham's covenant, fitting his character as an ish tam yoshev ohalim (dweller of tents).
  • Esav ultimately received a blessing of material strength and independence (Bereishit 27:40), aligning with his identity as a man of the field.

Halachic Perspective on Blessings

The Kli Yakar emphasizes that blessings are not zero-sum transactions. While Esav thought blessings were limited (like physical inheritances), Yitzchak demonstrated that divine blessings multiply according to each recipient's spiritual capacity. This reflects the principle found in Midrash Tanchuma (Nasso 16) that "bracha she'becha einah ela shetihyeh kol ha'olam mitbarech bishvilcha" ("your blessing is that the whole world should be blessed through you").

Esav's Misunderstanding of Repentance

Malbim observes that Esav's plea ("barecheini gam ani avi") came too late - only after losing the blessing did he seek it. This contrasts with Yaakov's proactive spiritual preparation. The Midrash (Pirkei D'Rabbi Eliezer 32) connects this to Esav's fundamental character flaw: valuing the blessing's results more than the spiritual relationship it represented.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Megillah 16a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the nature of blessings and the emotional response of Esau when he realizes he has lost his father's primary blessing.
📖 Sanhedrin 37b
The verse is cited in a broader discussion about repentance and the sincerity of Esau's plea for a blessing, contrasting it with Jacob's actions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why was Esav crying in Genesis 27:38?
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 wept out of genuine regret for not valuing the blessings earlier, showing that even Esav recognized their importance (Rashi on Genesis 27:38).
Q: What does Esav mean when he says, 'Hast thou but one blessing, my father?'
A: Esav thought that blessings were limited and that once Yaakov received them, there were none left for him. However, the Midrash teaches that blessings from Hashem are infinite, and Yitzchak could have blessed both sons (Bereishit Rabbah 67:4). Esav's misunderstanding shows a lack of awareness of divine abundance.
Q: What can we learn from Esav's reaction in this verse?
A: We learn the importance of valuing spiritual blessings before it's too late. Esav only cried for the blessings after they were given to Yaakov, teaching us to prioritize our spiritual inheritance rather than waiting until we feel their loss (Talmud, Avodah Zarah 11a).
Q: Did Yitzchak give Esav any blessing after this plea?
A: Yes, Yitzchak later gave Esav a blessing, but it was different from Yaakov's. He blessed Esav with material success but also foretold that he would live 'by the sword' and eventually break free from Yaakov's dominance (Genesis 27:39-40). Ramban explains that this reflected Esav's worldly nature.
Q: Why is this moment between Esav and Yitzchak significant in Jewish tradition?
A: This moment highlights the distinction between Yaakov (who represents spiritual values) and Esav (who represents materialism). The Sages teach that this struggle between the two brothers symbolizes the ongoing tension between physical desires and spiritual growth (Midrash Tanchuma, Toldos 8).