21 And Isaac said unto Jacob, Come near, I pray thee, that I may feel thee, my son, whether thou be my very son Esau or not.

Other Translations of Genesis 27:21

New International Version

21 Then Isaac said to Jacob, "Come near so I can touch you, my son, to know whether you really are my son Esau or not."

English Standard Version

21 Then Isaac said to Jacob, "Please come near, that I may feel you, my son, to know whether you are really my son Esau or not."

The Message

21 Isaac said, "Come close, son; let me touch you - are you really my son Esau?"

New King James Version

21 Then Isaac said to Jacob, "Please come near, that I may feel you, my son, whether you are really my son Esau or not."

New Living Translation

21 Then Isaac said to Jacob, "Come closer so I can touch you and make sure that you really are Esau."

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Genesis 27:21

Commentary on Genesis 27:18-29

(Read Genesis 27:18-29)

Jacob, with some difficulty, gained his point, and got the blessing. This blessing is in very general terms. No mention is made of the distinguishing mercies in the covenant with Abraham. This might be owing to Isaac having Esau in his mind, though it was Jacob who was before him. He could not be ignorant how Esau had despised the best things. Moreover, his attachment to Esau, so as to disregard the mind of God, must have greatly weakened his own faith in these things. It might therefore be expected, that leanness would attend his blessing, agreeing with the state of his mind.