Genesis 27:13 kjv

And his mother said unto him, Upon me be thy curse, my son: only obey my voice, and go fetch me them.

Genesis 27:13 nkjv

But his mother said to him, "Let your curse be on me, my son; only obey my voice, and go, get them for me."

Genesis 27:13 niv

His mother said to him, "My son, let the curse fall on me. Just do what I say; go and get them for me."

Genesis 27:13 esv

His mother said to him, "Let your curse be on me, my son; only obey my voice, and go, bring them to me."

Genesis 27:13 nlt

But his mother replied, "Then let the curse fall on me, my son! Just do what I tell you. Go out and get the goats for me!"

Genesis 27 verses

Genesis 27 13 Meaning

Genesis 27:13 marks a critical juncture where Rebekah vehemently dismisses Jacob’s fear of receiving a curse rather than a blessing, declaring she will take the curse upon herself. She demands his unquestioning obedience to her instruction: "only obey my voice, and go, bring them to me." This statement reveals Rebekah’s unyielding determination and conviction in her plan to secure the patriarchal blessing for Jacob, even resorting to manipulation and potential deception, demonstrating her willingness to bear any negative spiritual consequence to achieve her perceived righteous end.

Genesis 27 13 Context

Genesis 27:13 is embedded in the narrative of Jacob and Rebekah's deception of Isaac to secure the firstborn's blessing. Isaac, old and blind, intended to bless Esau, the elder son. However, Rebekah, who had favored Jacob and remembered the divine prophecy that "the older shall serve the younger" (Gen 25:23), orchestrated a plan. She instructed Jacob to impersonate Esau by preparing a savory meal for Isaac and disguising himself with animal skins. Jacob hesitated, fearing discovery and receiving a curse instead of a blessing. This verse captures Rebekah's resolute response to Jacob's apprehension, taking responsibility for any negative outcome. Her declaration "Let your curse be on me" immediately precedes Jacob’s reluctant but eventual compliance, setting in motion a sequence of events leading to the theft of the blessing, Esau’s wrath, and Jacob’s subsequent flight, profoundly impacting their family and lives. Culturally, the patriarchal blessing held immense spiritual and familial weight in ancient Near Eastern society, viewed as a binding pronouncement and inheritance of future favor and prosperity. The fear of a curse was equally potent, signifying divine disfavor and adversity.

Genesis 27 13 Word analysis

• But his mother (אִמּוֹ - immo): The possessive "his mother" immediately identifies Rebekah as the central figure driving the action. She is not a passive character; her role is decisive and controlling in this crucial narrative turn, reflecting her favoritism towards Jacob (Gen 25:28).
• said (וַתֹּאמֶר - vat·tō·’mer): A strong Hebrew verb often used to introduce important declarations. Here, it indicates her direct, authoritative, and firm response, designed to counter Jacob's hesitancy without room for argument.
• to him (אֵלָיו - ’ēlāw): Directly addressing Jacob, making the instruction personal and pointed.
• Let your curse (קִֽלְלָתְךָ֙ - qil·lā·ṯeḵā): The word for "curse" (קְלָלָה - qelalah) signifies a negative pronouncement, divine disfavor, or the consequences of breaking an oath or covenant. It literally means "lightness" or "insignificance" compared to a blessing's "heaviness." Jacob fears this; Rebekah is willing to assume it, showing her radical commitment to the plan.
• be on me (עָלַי - ‘ālāy): This phrase, "upon me," is crucial. Rebekah actively takes the spiritual and physical liability for any potential curse, transferring it from Jacob to herself. This highlights her profound resolve, though it is based on human manipulation rather than divine direction for the means.
• my son (בְּנִ֑י - bĕnî): A term of endearment, yet in this context, it reinforces her maternal authority and the expectation of obedience. It appeals to their relationship even as she imposes a command.
• only (רַ֣ק - raq): This small particle serves as a strong limiting condition. It emphasizes that all Jacob needs to do is obey her; the curse, she assures, will not fall on him. It clears away any lingering excuses Jacob might have had.
• obey (שְׁמַע֙ - šəma‘): An imperative verb, "listen" or "hear," but in Hebrew often implying "obey." It calls for Jacob's immediate and complete submission to her will. This reflects the high value placed on hearing and acting upon commands.
• my voice (בְּקֹלִ֔י - bĕqōlî): The specific source of the command. Jacob is to trust and follow her directive implicitly, setting aside his own doubts and moral reservations.
• and go (וְלֵ֛ךְ - wĕlēḵ): An immediate, decisive imperative for physical action, indicating movement towards the next step of the plan.
• bring them (קַֽח־לִ֖י - qaḥ-lî): Literally "take for me." Another direct command, specifying the required action. "Them" refers to the young goats from verse 9, which are to be used for the deceptive meal. Jacob is to be her agent in carrying out the deceit.

Genesis 27 13 Bonus section

• Misguided Zeal: Rebekah’s intense statement underscores a dangerous form of religious zeal. While she may genuinely believe she is assisting God’s prophetic word to come to pass, her method clearly bypasses the need for truth, integrity, and trust in God’s perfect timing and power to accomplish His will righteously.
• Rebekah's Tragic Loyalty: Though intensely loyal to Jacob in this verse, her actions ultimately lead to their permanent separation. She never sees Jacob again after he flees Esau’s wrath, illustrating the bitter ironies that can arise from sinful manipulation, even when intended for good.
• The Power of Words and Pronouncements: This verse reminds us of the profound significance attributed to spoken words in the ancient world, especially curses and blessings. Rebekah treats the potential curse with gravity, willing to internalize its consequence, underscoring the spiritual reality these pronouncements held for the biblical audience.

Genesis 27 13 Commentary

Genesis 27:13 captures a mother's fierce, yet misguided, determination. Rebekah's dramatic declaration, "Let your curse be on me, my son," removes Jacob's last impediment to participating in her elaborate scheme. It speaks volumes about her resolve, driven by a deep conviction regarding God's prophecy (Gen 25:23) and her unwavering favoritism towards Jacob. However, her method is problematic, prioritizing an outcome achieved through deceit over integrity and patient reliance on divine providence. This act illustrates a significant human failing: attempting to 'help' God fulfill His word through unrighteous means, ultimately leading to significant strife and separation within the family, consequences Jacob would bear for decades. The verse highlights the tragic reality that even with noble intentions (ensuring the covenant promise continues through the divinely chosen son), flawed methods can result in significant pain and complex relational damage. This bold embrace of a potential curse for the sake of her son subtly, and distortedly, foreshadows the concept of substitutionary suffering—where one bears the burden or penalty for another—a theme ultimately fulfilled perfectly and righteously in Christ.