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Genesis 27:34

Genesis 27:34 in Multiple Translations

When Esau heard his father’s words, he let out a loud and bitter cry and said to his father, “Bless me too, O my father!”

And when Esau heard the words of his father, he cried with a great and exceeding bitter cry, and said unto his father, Bless me, even me also, O my father.

When Esau heard the words of his father, he cried with an exceeding great and bitter cry, and said unto his father, Bless me, even me also, O my father.

And hearing the words of his father, Esau gave a great and bitter cry, and said to his father, Give a blessing to me, even to me, O my father!

When Esau heard his father's words, he cried out in great anger and bitterness, and pleaded with his father, “Please bless me too, my father!”

When Esau heard the wordes of his father, he cryed out with a great crye and bitter, out of measure, and sayde vnto his father, Blesse me, euen me also, my father.

When Esau heareth the words of his father, then he crieth a very great and bitter cry, and saith to his father, 'Bless me, me also, O my father;'

When Esau heard the words of his father, he cried with an exceedingly great and bitter cry, and said to his father, “Bless me, even me also, my father.”

And when Esau heard the words of his father, he cried with a great and exceedingly bitter cry, and said to his father, Bless me, even me also, O my father.

Esau having heard his father’s words, roared out with a great cry: and being in a great consternation, said: Bless me also, my father.

When Esau heard those words of his father, he cried loudly. He was very disappointed. He said to his father, “My father, bless me, too!”

Then Esau got really upset, and he yelled out. Then he said, “My father, please ask God to be good to me too.”

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 27:34

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Genesis 27:34 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB כִּ/שְׁמֹ֤עַ עֵשָׂו֙ אֶת דִּבְרֵ֣י אָבִ֔י/ו וַ/יִּצְעַ֣ק צְעָקָ֔ה גְּדֹלָ֥ה וּ/מָרָ֖ה עַד מְאֹ֑ד וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר לְ/אָבִ֔י/ו בָּרֲכֵ֥/נִי גַם אָ֖נִי אָבִֽ/י
כִּ/שְׁמֹ֤עַ shâmaʻ H8085 to hear Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
עֵשָׂו֙ ʻÊsâv H6215 Esau N-proper
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
דִּבְרֵ֣י dâbâr H1697 Chronicles N-mp
אָבִ֔י/ו ʼâb H1 father N-ms | Suff
וַ/יִּצְעַ֣ק tsâʻaq H6817 to cry Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
צְעָקָ֔ה tsaʻăqâh H6818 cry N-fs
גְּדֹלָ֥ה gâdôwl H1419 Great (Sea) Adj
וּ/מָרָ֖ה mar H4751 bitter Conj | Adj
עַד ʻad H5704 till Prep
מְאֹ֑ד mᵉʼôd H3966 much Adv
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לְ/אָבִ֔י/ו ʼâb H1 father Prep | N-ms | Suff
בָּרֲכֵ֥/נִי bârak H1288 to bless V-Piel-Impv-2ms | Suff
גַם gam H1571 also Adv
אָ֖נִי ʼănîy H589 I Pron
אָבִֽ/י ʼâb H1 father N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 27:34

כִּ/שְׁמֹ֤עַ shâmaʻ H8085 "to hear" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
עֵשָׂו֙ ʻÊsâv H6215 "Esau" N-proper
Esau was the son of Isaac and twin brother of Jacob, and his name means 'hairy'. He sold his birthright to Jacob and lost the divine blessing, as told in Genesis 25:29-34, and became the ancestor of the Arab peoples.
Definition: § Esau = "hairy" eldest son of Isaac and Rebecca and twin brother of Jacob; sold the birthright for food when he was hungry and the divine blessing went to Jacob; progenitor of the Arab peoples
Usage: Occurs in 82 OT verses. KJV: Esau. See also: Genesis 25:25; Genesis 33:9; Jeremiah 49:8.
אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
דִּבְרֵ֣י dâbâr H1697 "Chronicles" N-mp
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
אָבִ֔י/ו ʼâb H1 "father" N-ms | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
וַ/יִּצְעַ֣ק tsâʻaq H6817 "to cry" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To cry or cry out is the meaning of this verb, often used to express distress or need, as seen in the Psalms where people cry out to God for help.
Definition: 1) to cry, cry out, call, cry for help 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cry, cry out (for help) 1a2) to cry, cry out (in distress or need) 1a3) to make outcry, clamour 1b) (Niphal) to be summoned 1c) (Piel) to cry aloud (in grief) 1d) (Hiphil) to call together
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, call together, cry (out), gather (selves) (together). See also: Genesis 4:10; 1 Samuel 13:4; Psalms 34:18.
צְעָקָ֔ה tsaʻăqâh H6818 "cry" N-fs
A cry or outcry is what this word represents, often a cry of distress that reaches God's ears, as seen in Exodus where the Israelites cry out against slavery.
Definition: 1) cry, outcry 1a) outcry (against) 1b) cry of distress (especially as heard by God)
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: cry(-ing). See also: Genesis 18:21; Nehemiah 5:1; Psalms 9:13.
גְּדֹלָ֥ה gâdôwl H1419 "Great (Sea)" Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means something or someone great, whether in size, age, or importance. It appears in descriptions of the Great Sea and the Philistines. The word is used to convey a sense of magnitude or grandeur.
Definition: adj great Also named: pe.lish.ti (פְּלִשְׁתִּי "(Sea of the )Philistines" H6430I)
Usage: Occurs in 499 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, elder(-est), [phrase] exceeding(-ly), [phrase] far, (man of) great (man, matter, thing,-er,-ness), high, long, loud, mighty, more, much, noble, proud thing, [idiom] sore, ([idiom]) very. See also: Genesis 1:16; Joshua 7:26; 1 Kings 20:13.
וּ/מָרָ֖ה mar H4751 "bitter" Conj | Adj
Mar means bitter, describing something that tastes bad or is unpleasant. It can also describe emotional pain or discontent, like being angry or chafed.
Definition: adj 1) bitter, bitterness 1a) of water or food 1b) of harlot's end, end of wickedness, cry (fig.) 1c) of pain (subst) adv 2) bitterly
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] angry, bitter(-ly, -ness), chafed, discontented, [idiom] great, heavy. See also: Genesis 27:34; Psalms 64:4; Proverbs 5:4.
עַד ʻad H5704 "till" Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
מְאֹ֑ד mᵉʼôd H3966 "much" Adv
Meod means 'much' or 'very' and is used to emphasize something. It can mean 'exceedingly' or 'greatly' and is often used to show strong feelings or actions.
Definition: adv 1) exceedingly, much subst 2) might, force, abundance n m 3) muchness, force, abundance, exceedingly 3a) force, might 3b) exceedingly, greatly, very (idioms showing magnitude or degree) 3b1) exceedingly 3b2) up to abundance, to a great degree, exceedingly 3b3) with muchness, muchness
Usage: Occurs in 278 OT verses. KJV: diligently, especially, exceeding(-ly), far, fast, good, great(-ly), [idiom] louder and louder, might(-ily, -y), (so) much, quickly, (so) sore, utterly, very ([phrase] much, sore), well. See also: Genesis 1:31; 1 Samuel 11:6; Psalms 6:4.
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
לְ/אָבִ֔י/ו ʼâb H1 "father" Prep | N-ms | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
בָּרֲכֵ֥/נִי bârak H1288 "to bless" V-Piel-Impv-2ms | Suff
To bless means to praise or honor God, often by kneeling in worship. In the Bible, people bless God and God blesses people, showing favor and care for them, as seen in the story of Abraham and his descendants.
Definition: 1) to bless, kneel 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to kneel 1a2) to bless 1b) (Niphal) to be blessed, bless oneself 1c) (Piel) to bless 1d) (Pual) to be blessed, be adored 1e) (Hiphil) to cause to kneel 1f) (Hithpael) to bless oneself 2) (TWOT) to praise, salute, curse Aramaic equivalent: be.rakh (בְּרַךְ "to bless" H1289)
Usage: Occurs in 289 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, [idiom] altogether, [idiom] at all, blaspheme, bless, congratulate, curse, [idiom] greatly, [idiom] indeed, kneel (down), praise, salute, [idiom] still, thank. See also: Genesis 1:22; Deuteronomy 24:19; Job 2:9.
גַם gam H1571 "also" Adv
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
אָ֖נִי ʼănîy H589 "I" Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
אָבִֽ/י ʼâb H1 "father" N-ms | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.

Study Notes — Genesis 27:34

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Hebrews 12:17 For you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected. He could find no ground for repentance, though he sought the blessing with tears.
2 Proverbs 1:31 So they will eat the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.
3 1 Samuel 30:4 So David and the troops with him lifted up their voices and wept until they had no strength left to weep.
4 Proverbs 19:3 A man’s own folly subverts his way, yet his heart rages against the LORD.
5 Luke 13:24–28 “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able. After the master of the house gets up and shuts the door, you will stand outside knocking and saying, ‘Lord, open the door for us.’ But he will reply, ‘I do not know where you are from.’ Then you will say, ‘We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.’ And he will answer, ‘I tell you, I do not know where you are from. Depart from me, all you evildoers.’ There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth when you see Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but you yourselves are thrown out.
6 Proverbs 1:24–28 Because you refused my call, and no one took my outstretched hand, because you neglected all my counsel, and wanted none of my correction, in turn I will mock your calamity; I will sneer when terror strikes you, when your dread comes like a storm, and your destruction like a whirlwind, when distress and anguish overwhelm you. Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; they will earnestly seek me, but will not find me.

Genesis 27:34 Summary

In Genesis 27:34, Esau is deeply hurt and feels cheated by his brother Jacob, so he asks his father Isaac for a blessing. This shows how much Esau values his father's approval and wants to be blessed. However, as we see in Genesis 27:33, Isaac has already given the blessing to Jacob, and it cannot be taken back. This teaches us that God's plans are sovereign and final, and we must trust in His will, as seen in Romans 11:29, rather than trying to force our own way, as warned in Proverbs 14:12.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Esau react so strongly to his father's words in Genesis 27:34?

Esau was deeply hurt and felt cheated by his brother Jacob, as seen in Genesis 27:36, and he desperately wanted his father's blessing, which he felt was rightfully his as the firstborn son, as mentioned in Genesis 25:31.

What does Esau's cry in Genesis 27:34 reveal about his character?

Esau's loud and bitter cry shows his intense emotional pain and sense of entitlement, which is also evident in his actions in Genesis 25:29-34, where he traded his birthright for a bowl of stew.

How does Isaac's response in Genesis 27:35 relate to Esau's plea in Genesis 27:34?

Isaac's response acknowledges Esau's feelings but also explains that Jacob had already received the blessing, which cannot be taken back, as seen in Genesis 27:33, highlighting the finality of God's sovereign plans, as mentioned in Romans 11:29.

What can we learn from Esau's mistake in Genesis 27:34?

We can learn the importance of seeking God's will and living according to His principles, rather than relying on our own desires and schemes, as warned in Proverbs 14:12 and Jeremiah 17:9.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I, like Esau, may be seeking my own way and neglecting God's will?
  2. How can I, like Jacob, trust in God's sovereignty and wait for His timing, even when it seems like everything is going against me, as seen in Genesis 28:15?
  3. What are some ways I can apply the lesson of Esau's cry in Genesis 27:34 to my own life, recognizing the dangers of entitlement and the importance of humility, as taught in 1 Peter 5:6-7?
  4. How can I balance my own desires with the need to trust in God's plans, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6, and avoid the mistakes of Esau in Genesis 27:34?

Gill's Exposition on Genesis 27:34

And when Esau heard the words of his father,.... That another person had been before him, and got the blessing; and especially when he heard this ratified, and confirmed, and made irrevocable: he

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 27:34

And it came to pass, as soon as Isaac had made an end of blessing Jacob, and Jacob was yet scarce gone out from the presence of Isaac his father, that Esau his brother came in from his hunting. Esau ... came in from his hunting.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 27:34

He cried with a great and exceeding bitter cry, not for any sense of his former sin, in despising his birthright, but for grief at his great loss therein, because God would not suffer him to be perjured in keeping that birthright blessing which he had sold and sworn away. Bless me, even me also, O my father, i.e. Thou art my father no less than his, and therefore, as a child, I claim a share in thy blessing.

Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 27:34

Genesis 27:34 And when Esau heard the words of his father, he cried with a great and exceeding bitter cry, and said unto his father, Bless me, [even] me also, O my father.Ver. 34. He cried with a great and exceeding bitter cry.] Not for his sin, in selling the birthright; but for his loss, in missing the blessing: though having sold the birthright, he had no right to the blessing. This is the guise of the ungodly. He cries, Perii; not Peccavi. If he "howl upon his bed," it is for corn and oil, as a dog tied up howls for his dinner: it never troubles him, that a good God is offended, which to an honest heart is the prime cause of greatest sorrow. Non dolet de peccato venditionis, sed de damno perditionis. - Par.

Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 27:34

G: UPON THE OF JACOB’S LIFE (Genesis 27) The elaborate calculations of Lightfoot, and most Jewish and Christian commentators, intended to show that when Jacob set out upon his journey to Haran, he and Esau were each about 77 years of age, and Isaac their father about 137, though based apparently upon the letter of Scripture, are so contrary to its facts that evidently there must be some error in them. Fortunately there are several dates which are open to no doubt, and if we start with these, it may prove not Impossible to arrive at more trustworthy conclusions. When, then, Jacob went down into Egypt, he was 130 years of age (Genesis 46:9), and as Joseph when he “stood before Pharaoh” was 30 (Genesis 41:46), and as his first years of power were the seven years of plenty, and there had been already two years of famine when he made himself known to his brethren, he was plainly about 14 years of age when his father joined him. Now he was a lad of 17 when sold into Egypt (Genesis 37:2), and as he was born before the contract to serve Laban for the speckled cattle (Genesis 30:25), which lasted for six years (Genesis 31:41), he was about 7 when Jacob returned to Canaan. It follows, therefore, that Jacob was 91 when Joseph was born. Now the usual calculations allow only twenty years for Jacob’s sojourn in Padanaram, of which the first seven were spent in service before Leah and Rachel were given him in marriage. If from the twenty, we subtract these seven years and the seven years of Joseph’s age, there remain only six years for the birth of Leah’s six sons and the interval of her barrenness; and undeniably the narrative would be guilty of very remarkable exaggeration in its account of Rachel’s childlessness, and Rachel herself of excessive impatience, considering that at the end of six years she gave birth herself to a son, and in the interval had given her maid Bilhah to Jacob, who had by her two sons; and as the birth of these was the occasion to Rachel of very unseemly exultation over her sister (Genesis 30:6; Genesis 30:8), her conduct can only be accounted for by the fact that Leah had already a numerous offspring when Rachel gave Bilhah to her husband. The case of Leah is still plainer. She bears four sons, after which she “left bearing” (Genesis 29:35), and this barrenness continued so long that she gave Zilpah as her substitute to Jacob, who bare him two sons, Gad and Asher. Now neither Rachel nor Leah would have resorted to this expedient until they utterly despaired of having children themselves; and Leah herself describes it as an act of great self-sacrifice (Genesis 30:18). Zilpah’s sons both seem to have been born in this period of Leah’s barrenness; for we find that Jacob had entirely discarded Leah, and it was only at Rachel’s request that he visited her again.

Cambridge Bible on Genesis 27:34

34. an exceeding … cry] These are the words to which reference is made in Hebrews 12:17. Esau had hoped to win back through his father’s fondness the privileges which he himself had bartered away through his own thoughtless folly. His disappointment is all the greater, because he believed that he was about to recover that which his conscience told him he had already forfeited in an unworthy and trifling spirit.

Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 27:34

34. Esau… cried with a great and exceeding bitter cry — Here comes his penalty and sorrow for his part in the attempt to move against the prophecy and against the spirit of his own oath solemnly made

Sermons on Genesis 27:34

SermonDescription
John Greer No Holiness - No Heaven by John Greer In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the seriousness of the business of preaching the word of God. He prays for the congregation to be convicted of their sinfulness and to seek
Zac Poonen The Danger of Addictions by Zac Poonen This sermon delves into the creation of man in Genesis, highlighting the unique aspects of humanity compared to animals, emphasizing the internal struggle between the spirit and th
George Fox Epistle 211 by George Fox George Fox preaches a powerful message warning those who have turned back to the world's ways after knowing the truth, causing stumbling blocks for others and grieving the righteou
John Calvin Genesis 27:1-46 by John Calvin Rebekah's faith and determination to secure the blessing for Jacob, despite the deceitful means used, demonstrate her trust in God's promise and providence. Isaac's unwitting role
Norman Grubb Hell - Part 2 by Norman Grubb In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of seeing the negative aspects of life and embracing change. He uses the example of Jesus, who was seen as a fool by the worl
A.W. Tozer The Illogic of Complaining by A.W. Tozer A.W. Tozer addresses the detrimental effects of complaining on the soul and the Christian testimony, emphasizing that this sin is often overlooked despite its prevalence. He argues
A.B. Simpson And When the People Complained, by A.B. Simpson A.B. Simpson addresses the subtlety of murmuring among the children of Israel in the wilderness, emphasizing how people often express their discontent 'as it were' without openly s

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