Old Testament · Law

Genesis 27:32

The Stolen Blessing

But his father Isaac replied, “Who are you?” Genesis 27:32 · Berean Standard Bible
What It Means

Genesis 27:32, in plain English

Isaac immediately asks, "Who are you?" His question is flat, confused. The shock of a second son suddenly appearing has thrown him completely off balance.

Why it's here

Isaac realizes something has gone terribly wrong. He blessed someone, and now a second person is here asking for a blessing. The deception is collapsing in an instant. Isaac's confusion and alarm are evident in those three words.

Who's speaking

Isaac

Where it sits in the story

The moment of discovery has arrived. Everything hidden is about to be exposed, and this blind old man is about to see clearly what has been done in his presence.

A Closer Look

The scholarly reading

When Esau identifies himself, Isaac responds with a stark question—'Who are you?'—indicating that he has suddenly realized the magnitude of his error.

Language and setting

Isaac's question (מִי אַתָּה) is not a genuine inquiry but an exclamation of horror and recognition. The brevity and directness of the question convey shock. Some commentators (notably Sforno, the 16th-century Italian exegete) suggested that Isaac had suspected deception earlier but had been unwilling or unable to voice his doubts aloud. Now, faced with the genuine Esau, Isaac's reality-shattering awareness forces the question that cannot be evaded.

Voice

Isaac, his voice presumably filled with sudden dread.

Significance

This is the moment of revelation where hidden deception becomes manifest. Isaac must now confront both his own vulnerability and the irrevocable nature of the blessing he has pronounced.

In context

Genesis 27:30–34

30As soon as Isaac had finished blessing him and Jacob had left his father’s presence, his brother Esau returned from the hunt.

31He too made some tasty food, brought it to his father, and said to him, “My father, sit up and eat of your son’s game, so that you may bless me.”

32But his father Isaac replied, “Who are you?”

33Isaac began to tremble violently and said, “Who was it, then, who hunted the game and brought it to me? Before you came in, I ate it all and blessed him—and indeed, he will be blessed!”

34When Esau heard his father’s words, he let out a loud and bitter cry and said to his father, “Bless me too, O my father!”

Read all of Genesis 27 — A blind father. A hairy disguise. A stolen birthright. The blessing can't be undone — and neither can the betrayal.

Understand every verse, not just this one

This page covers one. BibleKey does all 31,102 — tap any verse for its meaning, any word for its Hebrew or Greek root, and keep reading without leaving the chapter.

Get BibleKey

Understand every verse.

Not just the famous ones. BibleKey is free on iPhone and iPad.

Download on the App Store

Free on iPhone & iPad