Genesis 27:42
New International Version
When Rebekah was told what her older son Esau had said, she sent for her younger son Jacob and said to him, “Your brother Esau is planning to avenge himself by killing you.

New Living Translation
But Rebekah heard about Esau’s plans. So she sent for Jacob and told him, “Listen, Esau is consoling himself by plotting to kill you.

English Standard Version
But the words of Esau her older son were told to Rebekah. So she sent and called Jacob her younger son and said to him, “Behold, your brother Esau comforts himself about you by planning to kill you.

Berean Standard Bible
When the words of her older son Esau were relayed to Rebekah, she sent for her younger son Jacob and told him, “Look, your brother Esau is consoling himself by plotting to kill you.

King James Bible
And these words of Esau her elder son were told to Rebekah: and she sent and called Jacob her younger son, and said unto him, Behold, thy brother Esau, as touching thee, doth comfort himself, purposing to kill thee.

New King James Version
And the words of Esau her older son were told to Rebekah. So she sent and called Jacob her younger son, and said to him, “Surely your brother Esau comforts himself concerning you by intending to kill you.

New American Standard Bible
Now when the words of her elder son Esau were reported to Rebekah, she sent word and called her younger son Jacob, and said to him, “Behold your brother Esau is consoling himself concerning you by planning to kill you.

NASB 1995
Now when the words of her elder son Esau were reported to Rebekah, she sent and called her younger son Jacob, and said to him, “Behold your brother Esau is consoling himself concerning you by planning to kill you.

NASB 1977
Now when the words of her elder son Esau were reported to Rebekah, she sent and called her younger son Jacob, and said to him, “Behold your brother Esau is consoling himself concerning you, by planning to kill you.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then the words of her elder son Esau were told to Rebekah. So she sent and called her younger son Jacob and said to him, “Behold, your brother Esau is consoling himself concerning you by planning to kill you.

Amplified Bible
When these words of her elder son Esau were repeated to Rebekah, she sent for Jacob her younger son, and said to him, “Listen carefully, your brother Esau is comforting himself concerning you by planning to kill you.

Christian Standard Bible
When the words of her older son Esau were reported to Rebekah, she summoned her younger son Jacob and said to him, “Listen, your brother Esau is consoling himself by planning to kill you.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
When the words of her older son Esau were reported to Rebekah, she summoned her younger son Jacob and said to him, “Listen, your brother Esau is consoling himself by planning to kill you.

American Standard Version
And the words of Esau her elder son were told to Rebekah; and she sent and called Jacob her younger son, and said unto him, Behold, thy brother Esau, as touching thee, doth comfort himself, purposing to kill thee.

Contemporary English Version
When Rebekah found out what Esau planned to do, she sent for Jacob and told him, "Son, your brother Esau is just waiting for a chance to kill you.

English Revised Version
And the words of Esau her elder son were told to Rebekah; and she sent and called Jacob her younger son, and said unto him, Behold, thy brother Esau, as touching thee, doth comfort himself, purposing to kill thee.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
When Rebekah was told what her older son Esau had said, she sent for her younger son Jacob and said to him, "Watch out! Your brother Esau is comforting himself by planning to kill you.

Good News Translation
But when Rebecca heard about Esau's plan, she sent for Jacob and said, "Listen, your brother Esau is planning to get even with you and kill you.

International Standard Version
Eventually, what Rebekah's older son Esau had been saying was reported to her, so she sent for her younger son Jacob and warned him, "Look! Your brother is planning to get even by killing you.

Majority Standard Bible
When the words of her older son Esau were relayed to Rebekah, she sent for her younger son Jacob and told him, “Look, your brother Esau is consoling himself by plotting to kill you.

NET Bible
When Rebekah heard what her older son Esau had said, she quickly summoned her younger son Jacob and told him, "Look, your brother Esau is planning to get revenge by killing you.

New Heart English Bible
The words of Esau, her elder son, were told to Rebekah. She sent and called Jacob, her younger son, and said to him, "Look, your brother Esau comforts himself about you by planning to kill you.

Webster's Bible Translation
And these words of Esau her elder son were told to Rebekah: and she sent and called Jacob her younger son, and said to him, Behold, thy brother Esau, as concerning thee, doth comfort himself, purposing to kill thee.

World English Bible
The words of Esau, her elder son, were told to Rebekah. She sent and called Jacob, her younger son, and said to him, “Behold, your brother Esau comforts himself about you by planning to kill you.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And the words of Esau her older son are declared to Rebekah, and she sends and calls for Jacob her younger son, and says to him, “Behold, your brother Esau is comforting himself in regard to you—to slay you;

Young's Literal Translation
And the words of Esau her elder son are declared to Rebekah, and she sendeth and calleth for Jacob her younger son, and saith unto him, 'Lo, Esau thy brother is comforting himself in regard to thee -- to slay thee;

Smith's Literal Translation
And the words of Esau her son, the great, will be announced to Rebekah; and she will send and call to Jacob her son, the small, and she will say to him, Behold, Esau thy brother will avenge himself toward thee by killing thee.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
These things were told to Rebecca: and she sent and called Jacob her son, and said to him: Behold Esau thy brother threateneth to kill thee.

Catholic Public Domain Version
These things were reported to Rebekah. And sending and calling for her son Jacob, she said to him, “Behold, your brother Esau is threatening to kill you.

New American Bible
When Rebekah got news of what her older son Esau had in mind, she summoned her younger son Jacob and said to him: “Listen! Your brother Esau intends to get his revenge by killing you.

New Revised Standard Version
But the words of her elder son Esau were told to Rebekah; so she sent and called her younger son Jacob and said to him, “Your brother Esau is consoling himself by planning to kill you.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And the words of Esau her elder son were told to Rebekah; so she sent and called her younger son Jacob, and said to him, Behold, your brother Esau is threatening to kill you.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the words of Esau her elder son were told to Raphqa and she sent and she called Yaquuv her younger son and she said to him, “See, Esau your brother is threatening you to kill you.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And the words of Esau her elder son were told to Rebekah; and she sent and called Jacob her younger son, and said unto him: 'Behold, thy brother Esau, as touching thee, doth comfort himself, purposing to kill thee.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the words of Esau her elder son were reported to Rebecca, and she sent and called Jacob her younger son, and said to him, Behold, Esau thy brother threatens thee to kill thee.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Stolen Blessing
41Esau held a grudge against Jacob because of the blessing his father had given him. And Esau said in his heart, “The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then I will kill my brother Jacob.” 42When the words of her older son Esau were relayed to Rebekah, she sent for her younger son Jacob and told him, “Look, your brother Esau is consoling himself by plotting to kill you. 43So now, my son, obey my voice and flee at once to my brother Laban in Haran.…

Cross References
Genesis 32:6-8
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.” / In great fear and distress, Jacob divided his people into two camps, as well as the flocks and herds and camels. / He thought, “If Esau comes and attacks one camp, then the other camp can escape.”

Genesis 33:1-4
Now Jacob looked up and saw Esau coming toward him with four hundred men. So he divided the children among Leah, Rachel, and the two maidservants. / He put the maidservants and their children in front, Leah and her children next, and Rachel and Joseph at the rear. / But Jacob himself went on ahead and bowed to the ground seven times as he approached his brother. ...

Genesis 37:18-20
Now Joseph’s brothers saw him in the distance, and before he arrived, they plotted to kill him. / “Here comes that dreamer!” they said to one another. / “Come now, let us kill him and throw him into one of the pits. We can say that a vicious animal has devoured him. Then we shall see what becomes of his dreams!”

Genesis 4:5-8
but He had no regard for Cain and his offering. So Cain became very angry, and his countenance fell. / “Why are you angry,” said the LORD to Cain, “and why has your countenance fallen? / If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you refuse to do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires you, but you must master it.” ...

Genesis 50:15-21
When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “What if Joseph bears a grudge? Then he will surely repay us for all the evil that we did to him.” / So they sent word to Joseph, saying, “Before he died, your father commanded, / ‘This is what you are to say to Joseph: I beg you, please forgive the transgression and sin of your brothers, for they did you wrong.’ So now, Joseph, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” When their message came to him, Joseph wept. ...

Exodus 21:14
But if a man schemes and acts willfully against his neighbor to kill him, you must take him away from My altar to be put to death.

1 Samuel 19:1-2
Then Saul ordered his son Jonathan and all his servants to kill David. But Jonathan delighted greatly in David, / so he warned David, saying, “My father Saul intends to kill you. Be on your guard in the morning; find a secret place and hide there.

2 Samuel 13:28-29
Now Absalom had ordered his young men, “Watch Amnon until his heart is merry with wine, and when I order you to strike Amnon down, you are to kill him. Do not be afraid. Have I not commanded you? Be courageous and valiant!” / So Absalom’s young men did to Amnon just as Absalom had ordered. Then all the other sons of the king got up, and each one fled on his mule.

Proverbs 27:4
Wrath is cruel and anger is like a flood, but who can withstand jealousy?

Proverbs 29:22
An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered man abounds in transgression.

Obadiah 1:10-14
Because of the violence against your brother Jacob, you will be covered with shame and cut off forever. / On the day you stood aloof while strangers carried off his wealth and foreigners entered his gate and cast lots for Jerusalem, you were just like one of them. / But you should not gloat in that day, your brother’s day of misfortune, nor rejoice over the people of Judah in the day of their destruction, nor boast proudly in the day of their distress. ...

Matthew 5:21-22
You have heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘Do not murder’ and ‘Anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ / But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ will be subject to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to the fire of hell.

Matthew 10:21
Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rise against their parents and have them put to death.

Matthew 24:10
At that time many will fall away and will betray and hate one another,

Mark 13:12
Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child. Children will rise against their parents and have them put to death.


Treasury of Scripture

And these words of Esau her elder son were told to Rebekah: and she sent and called Jacob her younger son, and said to him, Behold, your brother Esau, as touching you, does comfort himself, purposing to kill you.

comfort himself.

Genesis 37:18-20
And when they saw him afar off, even before he came near unto them, they conspired against him to slay him…

Genesis 42:21,22
And they said one to another, We are verily guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the anguish of his soul, when he besought us, and we would not hear; therefore is this distress come upon us…

1 Samuel 30:5
And David's two wives were taken captives, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite.

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Comfort Comforts Consoling Elder Esau Jacob Kill Killing Planning Purposing Rebekah Reported Thought Touching Words Younger
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Comfort Comforts Consoling Elder Esau Jacob Kill Killing Planning Purposing Rebekah Reported Thought Touching Words Younger
Genesis 27
1. Isaac sends Esau for venison.
6. Rebekah instructs Jacob to obtain the blessing.
14. Jacob, feigning to be Esau, obtains it.
30. Esau brings venison.
33. Isaac trembles.
34. Esau complains, and by importunity obtains a blessing.
41. He threatens Jacob's life.
42. Rebekah disappoints him, by sending Jacob away.














When the words of her older son Esau were relayed to Rebekah
The phrase highlights the communication of Esau's intentions to Rebekah. In the Hebrew context, the word for "words" (דְּבָרִים, devarim) often implies not just spoken words but matters or things of significance. This indicates the gravity of Esau's intentions. The role of communication in family dynamics is crucial here, as it sets the stage for Rebekah's protective actions. Historically, the oral transmission of information was vital in ancient cultures, emphasizing the importance of spoken words in shaping events.

she sent for her younger son Jacob
Rebekah's action in sending for Jacob underscores her proactive role in the narrative. The Hebrew verb used here (קָרָא, qara) can mean to call or summon, indicating urgency and authority. Rebekah's maternal instinct and favoritism towards Jacob are evident, reflecting the complex family relationships that are a recurring theme in Genesis. This action also foreshadows the unfolding of God's plan through Jacob, despite human manipulation.

and said to him, 'Behold, your brother Esau is consoling himself
The word "Behold" (הִנֵּה, hinneh) is a call to attention, often used in Scripture to emphasize the importance of what follows. Rebekah's message to Jacob is urgent and serious. The phrase "consoling himself" (מִתְנַחֵם, mitnachem) is intriguing, as it suggests that Esau finds solace in the thought of revenge. This reflects the deep-seated emotions and the potential for violence that can arise from familial betrayal, a theme that resonates throughout the Bible.

by plotting to kill you
The stark reality of Esau's intentions is laid bare. The Hebrew root for "plotting" (חָשַׁב, chashav) implies a calculated and deliberate plan, highlighting the depth of Esau's anger and hurt. This phrase serves as a reminder of the consequences of deception and favoritism within families. It also sets the stage for Jacob's eventual flight and the continuation of God's covenant promise through him, despite human failings. The narrative invites reflection on God's sovereignty and the mysterious ways in which His purposes are fulfilled.

(42) These words of Esau.--Though spoken "in his heart," Esau had evidently made no secret of his evil purpose, and Rebekah therefore determines to send Jacob to her father's house, not merely for safety, but that he might take a wife from among his own kindred. He was now formally acknowledged as the heir of the birthright and of the promises made to Abraham, and must therefore conform to the principle laid down in his own father's case, and marry into the family of Nahor. "She sends, therefore, and calls him" to her tent, and takes secret counsel with him; and Jacob consents to take this distant journey. Thus the separation of mother and son, and long and painful travel, are the immediate result of their scheming.

Verse 42. - And these (literally, the) words of Esau her elder son were told to Rebekah: - not likely by revelation (Augustine), but by some one to whom he had made known his secret purpose (Proverbs 29:11) - and she sent and called Jacob her younger son (to advise him of his danger, being apprehensive lest the passionate soul of the enraged hunter should find it difficult to delay till Isaac's death), and said unto him, Behold, thy brother Esau, as touching thee, doth comfort himself, purposing to kill thee. Literally, behold thy brother Esau taking vengeance upon thee (the hithpael of נָחַם meaning properly to comfort oneself, hence to satisfy one's feeling of revenge) by killing thee. The translations ἀπειλεῖ (LXX.) and mina-fur (Vulgate), besides being inaccurate, are too feeble to express the fratricidal purpose of Esau.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
When the words
דִּבְרֵ֥י (diḇ·rê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

of her older
הַגָּדֹ֑ל (hag·gā·ḏōl)
Article | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 1419: Great, older, insolent

son
בְּנָ֣הּ (bə·nāh)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 1121: A son

Esau
עֵשָׂ֖ו (‘ê·śāw)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6215: Esau -- oldest son of Isaac

were relayed
וַיֻּגַּ֣ד (way·yug·gaḏ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hofal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5046: To be conspicuous

to Rebekah,
לְרִבְקָ֔ה (lə·riḇ·qāh)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 7259: Rebekah -- wife of Isaac

she sent for
וַתִּשְׁלַ֞ח (wat·tiš·laḥ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 7971: To send away, for, out

her younger
הַקָּטָ֔ן (haq·qā·ṭān)
Article | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 6996: Small, young, unimportant

son
בְּנָ֣הּ (bə·nāh)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 1121: A son

Jacob
לְיַעֲקֹב֙ (lə·ya·‘ă·qōḇ)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3290: Jacob -- a son of Isaac, also his desc

and told
וַתֹּ֣אמֶר (wat·tō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

him,
אֵלָ֔יו (’ê·lāw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

“Look,
הִנֵּה֙ (hin·nêh)
Interjection
Strong's 2009: Lo! behold!

your brother
אָחִ֔יךָ (’ā·ḥî·ḵā)
Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 251: A brother, )

Esau
עֵשָׂ֣ו (‘ê·śāw)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6215: Esau -- oldest son of Isaac

is consoling
מִתְנַחֵ֥ם (miṯ·na·ḥêm)
Verb - Hitpael - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 5162: To sigh, breathe strongly, to be sorry, to pity, console, rue, to avenge

himself by
לְךָ֖ (lə·ḵā)
Preposition | second person masculine singular
Strong's Hebrew

plotting to kill you.
לְהָרְגֶֽךָ׃ (lə·hā·rə·ḡe·ḵā)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 2026: To smite with deadly intent


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OT Law: Genesis 27:42 The words of Esau her elder son (Gen. Ge Gn)
Genesis 27:41
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