Genesis 27:40

Translations

Modern

You shall live by the sword and serve your brother. But when you rebel, you will tear his yoke from your neck.”

Traditional

And by thy sword shalt thou live, and shalt serve thy brother; and it shall come to pass when thou shalt have the dominion, that thou shalt break his yoke from off thy neck.

Literal

And by your sword you shall live, and your brother you shall serve. And it shall come to pass when you become restless, that you shall break his yoke from your neck.”

Latin

…erit benedictio tua. Vives in gladio, et fratri tuo servies: tempusque veniet, cum excutias et solvas jugum ejus de cervicibus tuis.

Original

Hebrew

English

You shall live by the sword and serve your brother. But when you rebel, you will tear his yoke from your neck.”

Notes

Genesis 27:39–40

All that remained for Esau was a promise of hardship and struggle (compare 3:17–19; 16:11–12).

Genesis 27:30–40

In scene four, everything is discovered, and the family becomes even more divided.

Genesis 27:1–40

Jacob got his father Isaac’s blessing through deception. In this story, an entire family tries to carry out their responsibilities by physical means rather than by faith. Faith would have provided Rebekah and Jacob a more honorable solution to the crisis.

Theme notes and profiles

Esau Isaac Jacob Leah Rebekah Blessing Symbolic Numbers The Priestly Blessing

Related verses

2 Kings 8:20–22
In the days of Jehoram, Edom rebelled against the hand of Judah and appointed their own king.
Genesis 25:23
…and He declared to her: “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger.”
2 Samuel 8:14
He placed garrisons throughout Edom, and all the Edomites were subject to David. So the LORD made David victorious wherever he went.
2 Chronicles 21:8
In the days of Jehoram, Edom rebelled against the hand of Judah and appointed their own king.
2 Chronicles 21:10
So to this day Edom has been in rebellion against the hand of Judah. Likewise, Libnah rebelled against his hand at the same time, because Jehoram had forsaken the LORD, the God of his fathers.
2 Chronicles 25:11–12
Amaziah, however, summoned his strength and led his troops to the Valley of Salt, where he struck down 10,000 men of Seir,
2 Chronicles 28:17
The Edomites had again come and attacked Judah and carried away captives.
Psalm 60:8
Moab is My washbasin; upon Edom I toss My sandal; over Philistia I shout in triumph.”
2 Kings 14:10
You have indeed defeated Edom, and your heart has become proud. Glory in that and stay at home. Why should you stir up trouble so that you fall—you and Judah with you?”
1 Kings 11:15–17
Earlier, when David was in Edom, Joab the commander of the army had gone to bury the dead and had struck down every male in Edom.
Genesis 32:6
When the messengers returned to Jacob, they said, “We went to your brother Esau, and now he is coming to meet you—he and four hundred men with him.”
2 Kings 14:7
Amaziah struck down 10,000 Edomites in the Valley of Salt. He took Sela in battle and called it Joktheel, which is its name to this very day.

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Birthright Ebla Tablets Esau Genealogy Genesis, Book of Idumea, Idumeans Isaac Jacob Jacob’s Ladder Leah Nathanael Patriarchs, Period of the Rebecca, Rebekah

Topics

Benedictions: Upon Esau Death: Scenes of Death of Isaac Edomites: Prophecies Concerning Family: Infelicity In of Isaac, on Account of the Disagreement Between Jacob and Esau Isaac: The Miraculous Son of Abraham was a Prophet Isaac: The Miraculous Son of Abraham: His Old Age, Last Blessing Upon his Sons Israel: Prophecies Concerning Parents: Paternal Blessings of Isaac Sword of War The Edomites: Predictions Respecting: Revolt from Israel The Sword: (Living By) of Rapine

Genesis 27:40

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