Old Testament
Genesis 27:15
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Then Rebekah took the finest clothes belonging to her older son Esau, which she had in the house, and dressed her younger son Jacob in them.
Compare translations
And Rebekah took goodly raiment of her eldest son Esau, which were with her in the house, and put them upon Jacob her younger son:
What Genesis 27:15 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this moment, Rebekah is taking decisive action to help her son Jacob. She chooses the best clothes of his older brother Esau, knowing that these garments symbolize Esau's status and blessing. By dressing Jacob in Esau's clothes, Rebekah is attempting to deceive Isaac, their father, who is blind and about to give his blessing. This act shows the lengths a mother will go to protect and favor her child. It also highlights the complex family dynamics and the tension between the brothers. Rebekah's choice reflects her belief that Jacob deserves the blessing, despite the traditional expectations of birth order. This story invites us to consider the impact of our choices and the motivations behind them, especially when it comes to family loyalty and favoritism. It raises questions about identity and the roles we play in our families, as well as the consequences of deception. Ultimately, it reminds us that our actions can have far-reaching effects on our relationships and futures.
How to apply Genesis 27:15 to your life
Consider the motivations behind your actions, especially in family situations. Are you acting out of love, or are there hidden agendas? Reflect on how your choices might affect your relationships and the importance of honesty in building trust with loved ones. Choose wisely in your interactions with family members, as they shape your future together.
Curated for this public verse page. Genesis Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Jacob's story: The Stolen Blessing (Genesis 27:1–40)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jacob
Photo: Zeev Stein / PikiWiki Israel, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.5. Source. Location: Tel Beer Sheva National Park, Israel. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Beersheba
Where Abraham and Isaac dug wells and worshiped the LORD, at the southern edge of the land.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Genesis 27:15
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Genesis 27:15
Related Bible verses
Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of Genesis
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Genesis 27:15 teach about family loyalty?
Genesis 27:15 illustrates the lengths to which Rebekah goes to protect her son Jacob, showing a strong sense of loyalty to him over her other son, Esau. This act raises questions about the nature of familial loyalty and favoritism, as Rebekah prioritizes Jacob's needs and desires over the traditional expectations of birth order and fairness. It prompts readers to reflect on their own family dynamics and the impact of favoritism on relationships.
Why did Rebekah dress Jacob in Esau's clothes?
Rebekah dressed Jacob in Esau's clothes to deceive their blind father, Isaac, into believing that Jacob was Esau. The garments symbolized Esau's status and the blessing that Isaac was about to bestow. This act of deception highlights the complexities of family relationships and the lengths individuals may go to achieve their goals, raising ethical questions about honesty and integrity within families.
What are the consequences of Rebekah's actions in this verse?
Rebekah's decision to deceive Isaac by dressing Jacob in Esau's clothes leads to significant consequences, including a deepening rift between the brothers and Jacob's eventual exile. This story serves as a cautionary tale about the repercussions of deception and favoritism, illustrating how such actions can disrupt family harmony and create lasting divisions.
How does this verse relate to the theme of identity?
Genesis 27:15 touches on the theme of identity as Jacob assumes the role of Esau through the clothing he wears. This act raises questions about how identity is shaped by family roles, expectations, and the choices we make. It challenges readers to consider their own identities within their families and the influence of external perceptions on self-understanding.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.