Old Testament

New Testament

Genesis 27:28-40 New International Reader's Version (NIRV)

28. May God give you dew from heaven. May he give you the richness of the earth. May he give you plenty of grain and fresh wine.

29. May nations serve you. May they bow down to you. Rule over your brothers. May the sons of your mother bow down to you. May those who call down curses on you be cursed. And may those who bless you be blessed."

30. When Isaac finished blessing him, Jacob left his father. Just then his brother Esau came in from hunting.

31. He too prepared some tasty food. He brought it to his father. Then Esau said to him, "My father, sit up. Eat some of my wild meat. Then give me your blessing."

32. His father Isaac asked him, "Who are you?" "I'm your son," he answered. "I'm your oldest son. I'm Esau."

33. Isaac was shaking all over. He said, "Then who was it that hunted a wild animal and brought it to me? I ate it just before you came. I gave him my blessing. And he will certainly be blessed!"

34. Esau heard his father's words. Then he began crying loudly and bitterly. He said to his father, "Bless me! Bless me too, my father!"

35. But Isaac said, "Your brother came and tricked me. He took your blessing."

36. Esau said, "Isn't Jacob just the right name for him? He has cheated me two times. First, he took my rights as the oldest son. And now he's taken my blessing!" Then Esau asked, "Haven't you saved any blessing for me?"

37. Isaac answered Esau, "I've made him ruler over you. I've made all of his relatives serve him. And I've provided him with grain and fresh wine. So what can I possibly do for you, my son?"

38. Esau said to his father, "Do you have only one blessing, my father? Bless me too, my father!" Then Esau sobbed loudly.

39. His father Isaac answered him, "You will live far away from the richness of the earth. You will live far away from the dew of heaven above.

40. You will live by the sword. And you will serve your brother. But you will grow restless. Then you will throw off the heavy load he put on your shoulders."

Read complete chapter Genesis 27