Genesis 27:18
New International Version
He went to his father and said, “My father.” “Yes, my son,” he answered. “Who is it?”

New Living Translation
So Jacob took the food to his father. “My father?” he said. “Yes, my son,” Isaac answered. “Who are you—Esau or Jacob?”

English Standard Version
So he went in to his father and said, “My father.” And he said, “Here I am. Who are you, my son?”

Berean Standard Bible
So Jacob went to his father and said, “My father.” “Here I am!” he answered. “Which one are you, my son?”

King James Bible
And he came unto his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I; who art thou, my son?

New King James Version
So he went to his father and said, “My father.” And he said, “Here I am. Who are you, my son?”

New American Standard Bible
Then he came to his father and said, “My father.” And he said, “Here I am. Who are you, my son?”

NASB 1995
Then he came to his father and said, “My father.” And he said, “Here I am. Who are you, my son?”

NASB 1977
Then he came to his father and said, “My father.” And he said, “Here I am. Who are you, my son?”

Legacy Standard Bible
Then he came to his father and said, “My father.” And he said, “Here I am. Who are you, my son?”

Amplified Bible
So he went to his father and said, “My father.” And Isaac said, “Here I am. Who are you, my son?”

Christian Standard Bible
When he came to his father, he said, “My father.” And he answered, “Here I am. Who are you, my son? ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
When he came to his father, he said, “My father.” And he answered, “Here I am. Who are you, my son?”

American Standard Version
And he came unto his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I; who art thou, my son?

Contemporary English Version
Jacob went to his father and said, "Father, here I am." "Which one of my sons are you?" his father asked.

English Revised Version
And he came unto his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I; who art thou, my son?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
He went to his father and said, "Father?" "Yes?" he answered. "Who are you, Son?"

Good News Translation
Then Jacob went to his father and said, "Father!" "Yes," he answered. "Which of my sons are you?"

International Standard Version
who went to his father and said, "My father…" "It's me!" he replied. "Which one are you, my son?"

NET Bible
He went to his father and said, "My father!" Isaac replied, "Here I am. Which are you, my son?"

New Heart English Bible
He came to his father, and said, "My father?" He said, "Here I am. Who are you, my son?"

Webster's Bible Translation
And he came to his father, and said, My father: And he said, Here am I; who art thou, my son?
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
So Jacob went to his father and said, “My father.” “Here I am!” he answered. “Which one are you, my son?”

World English Bible
He came to his father, and said, “My father?” He said, “Here I am. Who are you, my son?”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And he comes to his father and says, “My father”; and he says, “Here I [am]; who [are] you, my son?”

Young's Literal Translation
And he cometh in unto his father, and saith, 'My father;' and he saith, 'Here am I; who art thou, my son?'

Smith's Literal Translation
And he will go to his father and will say, My father. And he will say, Behold me; who thou my son?
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Which when he had carried in, he said: My father? But he answered: I hear. Who art thou, my son?

Catholic Public Domain Version
When he had carried these in, he said, “My father?” And he answered, “I’m listening. Who are you, my son?”

New American Bible
Going to his father, Jacob said, “Father!” “Yes?” replied Isaac. “Which of my sons are you?”

New Revised Standard Version
So he went in to his father, and said, “My father”; and he said, “Here I am; who are you, my son?”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And he brought them in to his father, and said, My father; and he said, Here am I. Then he said, Who are you, my son?

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And he brought it to his father and said, “My father”, and he said, “Here I am”, and he said, “Who are you, my son?”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And he came unto his father, and said: 'My father'; and he said: 'Here am I; who art thou, my son?'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And he brought them to his father, and said, Father; and he said, Behold I am here; who art thou, son?

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jacob's Deception
17Then she handed her son Jacob the tasty food and bread she had made. 18So Jacob went to his father and said, “My father.” “Here I am!” he answered. “Which one are you, my son?”

Cross References
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.”

Genesis 25:29-34
One day, while Jacob was cooking some stew, Esau came in from the field and was famished. / He said to Jacob, “Let me eat some of that red stew, for I am famished.” (That is why he was also called Edom.) / “First sell me your birthright,” Jacob replied. ...

Genesis 26:34-35
When Esau was forty years old, he took as his wives Judith daughter of Beeri the Hittite and Basemath daughter of Elon the Hittite. / And they brought grief to Isaac and Rebekah.

Genesis 28:1-5
So Isaac called for Jacob and blessed him. “Do not take a wife from the Canaanite women,” he commanded. / “Go at once to Paddan-aram, to the house of your mother’s father Bethuel, and take a wife from among the daughters of Laban, your mother’s brother. / May God Almighty bless you and make you fruitful and multiply you, so that you may become a company of peoples. ...

Genesis 29:25
When morning came, there was Leah! “What have you done to me?” Jacob said to Laban. “Wasn’t it for Rachel that I served you? Why have you deceived me?”

Genesis 37:31-33
Then they took Joseph’s robe, slaughtered a young goat, and dipped the robe in its blood. / They sent the robe of many colors to their father and said, “We found this. Examine it to see whether it is your son’s robe or not.” / His father recognized it and said, “It is my son’s robe! A vicious animal has devoured him. Joseph has surely been torn to pieces!”

Exodus 20:12
Honor your father and mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.

Exodus 23:1
“You shall not spread a false report. Do not join the wicked by being a malicious witness.

Leviticus 19:11
You must not steal. You must not lie or deceive one another.

1 Samuel 16:6-13
When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and said, “Surely here before the LORD is His anointed.” / But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.” / Then Jesse called Abinadab and presented him to Samuel, who said, “The LORD has not chosen this one either.” ...

1 Samuel 24:8-10
After that, David got up, went out of the cave, and called out to Saul, “My lord the king!” When Saul looked behind him, David bowed facedown in reverence / and said to Saul, “Why do you listen to the words of men who say, ‘Look, David intends to harm you’? / Behold, this day you have seen with your own eyes that the LORD delivered you into my hand in the cave. I was told to kill you, but I spared you and said, ‘I will not lift my hand against my lord, since he is the LORD’s anointed.’

2 Samuel 12:1-7
Then the LORD sent Nathan to David, and when he arrived, he said, “There were two men in a certain city, one rich and the other poor. / The rich man had a great number of sheep and cattle, / but the poor man had nothing except one small ewe lamb that he had bought. He raised it, and it grew up with him and his children. It shared his food and drank from his cup; it slept in his arms and was like a daughter to him. ...

Psalm 101:7
No one who practices deceit shall dwell in my house; no one who tells lies shall stand in my presence.

Proverbs 12:22
Lying lips are detestable to the LORD, but those who deal faithfully are His delight.

Jeremiah 9:4-5
“Let everyone guard against his neighbor; do not trust any brother, for every brother deals craftily, and every friend spreads slander. / Each one betrays his friend; no one tells the truth. They have taught their tongues to lie; they wear themselves out committing iniquity.


Treasury of Scripture

And he came to his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I; who are you, my son?

Jump to Previous
Jump to Next
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.














So Jacob went to his father
Jacob's approach to Isaac is a pivotal moment in the narrative of Genesis. This act is part of a larger scheme orchestrated by Rebekah to secure the blessing meant for Esau. The cultural context of the time placed immense importance on the father's blessing, which was seen as a prophetic and binding declaration over the future of the sons. Jacob's journey to his father also symbolizes the beginning of a significant transformation in his life, as he steps into a role that will define his future and the future of Israel.

and said, “My father.”
The address "My father" signifies both respect and intimacy. In the patriarchal society of ancient Israel, the father held a position of authority and reverence. This moment is charged with tension, as Jacob is about to deceive his father, Isaac, who is old and blind. The use of "My father" also highlights the personal nature of the blessing, which is intended to be a deeply personal and familial act.

“Here I am!” he answered.
Isaac's response, "Here I am," is a common biblical expression of readiness and attention. It echoes other significant biblical moments, such as Abraham's response to God in Genesis 22:1. This phrase indicates Isaac's openness and willingness to engage with his son, unaware of the deception about to unfold. It also reflects a moment of vulnerability, as Isaac is prepared to bestow a blessing that will shape the destiny of his descendants.

“Which one are you, my son?”
Isaac's question reveals his uncertainty and the beginning of his suspicion. The question underscores the theme of identity, which is central to Jacob's story. Throughout his life, Jacob struggles with issues of identity and deception, which are evident in this encounter. This moment foreshadows the future struggles Jacob will face, including his wrestling with God in Genesis 32, where his identity is ultimately transformed. Isaac's question also highlights the importance of the firstborn's blessing, as he seeks to confirm the identity of the son who will receive it.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Isaac
The father of Esau and Jacob, Isaac is an aging patriarch who is preparing to bless his sons. His physical blindness symbolizes a deeper spiritual blindness in discerning the true character and intentions of his sons.

2. Jacob
The younger son of Isaac, Jacob is known for his cunning and deceit. In this passage, he is impersonating his brother Esau to receive the blessing meant for the firstborn.

3. Esau
The elder son of Isaac, Esau is the rightful recipient of the blessing. He is characterized by his impulsive nature and lack of spiritual discernment, having previously sold his birthright to Jacob.

4. Rebekah
The mother of Esau and Jacob, Rebekah orchestrates the deception of Isaac, favoring Jacob over Esau. Her actions reflect a lack of trust in God's promise that the older would serve the younger.

5. The Blessing
A significant event in the patriarchal family, the blessing is not just a paternal wish but a prophetic declaration that carries spiritual and material implications for the future of the recipient.
Teaching Points
The Consequences of Deception
Deception, even with seemingly good intentions, leads to broken relationships and long-term consequences. Jacob's deceit results in family strife and personal exile.

The Importance of Spiritual Discernment
Isaac's physical blindness is a metaphor for spiritual blindness. Believers are called to seek God's wisdom and discernment to see beyond appearances and intentions.

Trusting in God's Sovereignty
Rebekah's manipulation reflects a lack of trust in God's promise. Believers should trust in God's timing and methods, knowing that His plans will prevail without human interference.

The Role of Faith in Receiving God's Promises
Isaac's blessing, despite the deception, is an act of faith. Believers are encouraged to hold onto God's promises, trusting that He will fulfill them in His way and time.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Genesis 27:18?

2. How does Jacob's deception in Genesis 27:18 challenge our integrity today?

3. What can we learn about obedience from Jacob's actions in Genesis 27:18?

4. How does Genesis 27:18 connect with the commandment against bearing false witness?

5. In what ways can we seek God's guidance to avoid deception like Jacob's?

6. How should believers respond when tempted to deceive, as seen in Genesis 27:18?

7. Why did Jacob deceive his father in Genesis 27:18?

8. How does Genesis 27:18 align with God's moral standards?

9. What does Genesis 27:18 reveal about family dynamics in biblical times?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 27?

11. What is the Tribe of Benjamin?

12. What does the Bible say about sibling rivalry?

13. How could Isaac be so easily deceived by Jacob's voice and skin when blessing him (Genesis 27:21-22)?

14. How many people were in Jacob's family in Egypt? (Genesis 46:27 vs. Acts 7:14)
What Does Genesis 27:18 Mean
So Jacob went to his father

• The action is deliberate; Jacob physically approaches Isaac, stepping into the center of the covenant drama that has been building since Genesis 25:23—“The older shall serve the younger.”

• Scripture records this as real history, showing God’s sovereign plan unfolding through flawed people (Romans 9:10-13).

• The scene reminds us that God’s purposes move forward even amid human scheming (Genesis 50:20).

• Jacob’s movement toward Isaac also echoes an earlier moment when Esau “came in from the field” (Genesis 25:29-30), highlighting the contrasting roads the brothers walk.


and said, “My father.”

• With these simple words, Jacob seeks intimacy and recognition, positioning himself to receive the blessing meant for the firstborn (Genesis 27:4).

• Scripture repeatedly elevates the importance of honoring one’s father (Exodus 20:12; Ephesians 6:1-3), yet here Jacob masks deception beneath filial address—a sobering reminder of the heart’s capacity for mixed motives (Jeremiah 17:9).

• The narrative invites us to examine how our own words can appear respectful while concealing sin (James 3:9-10).


“Here I am!” he answered.

• Isaac’s ready response, “Here I am” (Genesis 27:18), mirrors earlier covenant moments: Abraham to God in Genesis 22:1 and Jacob himself to God in Genesis 31:11.

• These words express availability and vulnerability; Isaac is prepared to give, unaware of the impending deceit.

• Even in physical blindness (Genesis 27:1), Isaac demonstrates paternal attentiveness, a trait God commends (Proverbs 4:1-4).


“Which one are you, my son?”

• Isaac’s question exposes tension between faith and uncertainty: he senses something amiss (Genesis 27:22) yet proceeds, illustrating how flesh can cloud discernment (Hebrews 5:14).

• The query also underscores the weight of identity. Throughout Genesis, God clarifies who belongs to His promise—Abram versus Lot (Genesis 13), Isaac versus Ishmael (Genesis 17:19-21), and now Jacob versus Esau (Romans 9:8).

• Spiritually, the question echoes forward: “Who do you say I am?” (Matthew 16:15). Identity with the covenant family demands truth, and Jacob’s forthcoming lie highlights humanity’s need for redemption (John 1:47).


summary

Genesis 27:18 captures a pivotal exchange: Jacob approaches, addresses, receives a welcoming response, and then faces a probing question. Each movement reveals God’s unwavering sovereignty working through very human choices. The verse reminds us that God’s promises stand firm, even as He calls His people to integrity, discernment, and truthful identity before Him.

Verse 18. - And he came unto his father, - by this time a bed-ridden invalid (vide ver. 19) - and said, My father. If he attempted to imitate the voice of Esau, he was manifestly unsuccessful; the dull ear of the aged patient was yet acute enough to detect a strangeness in the speaker's tone. And he said, Here am I who art thou, my son? "He thought be recognized the voice of Jacob; his suspicions were aroused; he knew the crafty disposition of his younger son too well; and he felt the duty of extreme carefulness" (Kalisch).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
So [Jacob] went
וַיָּבֹ֥א (way·yā·ḇō)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

his father
אָבִ֖יו (’ā·ḇîw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1: Father

and said,
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“My father.”
אָבִ֑י (’ā·ḇî)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 1: Father

“Here I am!”
הִנֶּ֔נִּי (hin·nen·nî)
Interjection | first person common singular
Strong's 2009: Lo! behold!

he answered.
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“Which one
מִ֥י (mî)
Interrogative
Strong's 4310: Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix

are you,
אַתָּ֖ה (’at·tāh)
Pronoun - second person masculine singular
Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you

my son?”
בְּנִֽי׃ (bə·nî)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 1121: A son


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OT Law: Genesis 27:18 He came to his father and said (Gen. Ge Gn)
Genesis 27:17
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