Bible Strands
Genesis 27:24
Again he asked, “Are you really my son Esau?” And he replied, “I am.”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Isaac, blind and awaiting a meal, questions Jacob, who is disguised as Esau, immediately after the food is delivered and before the blessing is pronounced.
The words — The Hebrew זֶה בְּנִי עֵשָׂו (zeh beNi Esav) literally translates "this [is] my son Esau," while the reply אָנִי ('Ani) means "I [am]."
The thread — This exchange of deception is framed by the biblical standard against falsehood found in Colossians 3:9, Proverbs 12:22, and Ephesians 4:25.
Why it lands — The text records a direct, unambiguous lie in response to a direct question, requiring the reader to confront the mechanics of human deception without moralizing or excusing it.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And he said, Art thou my very son Esau? And he said, I am.
Cross-references
- Colossians 3:9 Do not lie to one another, since you have taken off the old self with its practices,
- Proverbs 12:22 Lying lips are detestable to the LORD, but those who deal faithfully are His delight.
- Ephesians 4:25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one another.
- 1 Samuel 21:2 “The king has given me a mission,” David replied. “He told me no one is to know about the mission on which I am sending you. And I have directed my young men to meet me at a certain place.
- 1 Samuel 21:13 So he changed his behavior before them and feigned madness in their hands; he scratched on the doors of the gate and let his saliva run down his beard.
- 1 Samuel 27:10 who would ask him, “What have you raided today?” And David would reply, “The Negev of Judah,” or “The Negev of Jerahmeel,” or “The Negev of the Kenites.”
- Job 13:7 Will you speak wickedly on God’s behalf or speak deceitfully for Him?
- Job 15:5 For your iniquity instructs your mouth, and you choose the language of the crafty.
- Proverbs 12:19 Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.
- Proverbs 30:8 Keep falsehood and deceitful words far from me. Give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the bread that is my portion.