Genesis 27:13 (KJV)

What does Genesis 27:13 mean?

Genesis 27:13 shows Rebekah taking responsibility for the danger Jacob fears as she presses him to carry out her plan. Jacob worries that his father, Isaac, will discover the deception and curse him rather than bless him. Rebekah tells her son to proceed anyway.

Her words, “Upon me be thy curse,” offer to bear the harm Jacob fears. The command to fetch “them” refers to the two young goats Rebekah had requested so she could prepare food for Isaac.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 27:13

• “curse” — קְלָלָה (qelalah): The word refers to a curse, a spoken expression of harm or judgment. Rebekah answers Jacob’s fear of receiving such words from his father.
• “obey” — שָׁמַע (shamaʿ): The word often means “hear” or “listen,” but it can also mean to obey. Here, listening to Rebekah’s voice means doing what she has told Jacob to do.

Why Genesis 27:13 matters

• Rebekah is directing the deception, not merely agreeing to Jacob’s idea. Her words “obey my voice” and “go fetch me them” place her in charge of the next step.
• Jacob’s concern is being caught, especially because his skin is smoother than his brother Esau’s. Rebekah’s reply addresses the feared curse, while her preparations afterward help Jacob appear to be Esau.
• Rebekah’s promise is part of her persuasion. The passage records her willingness to bear the curse Jacob fears, giving weight to her request that he continue.