And his father Isaac said unto him, Come near now, and kiss me, my son.

GENESIS 27:26KJV
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Genesis 27:26 (KJV)

What does Genesis 27:26 mean?

Genesis 27:26 shows Isaac inviting his son to come closer and kiss him, setting up a moment of intimacy and trust between father and son. This gesture is part of the scene where Isaac, who is old and nearly blind, is about to give his blessing, believing he is speaking to Esau, though it is actually Jacob.

In this verse, Isaac is speaking to Jacob, who is disguised as his brother Esau to receive the blessing meant for the firstborn. The request for a kiss is a sign of affection and also serves as a way for Isaac to confirm the identity of his son through touch and closeness. This moment is key in the story’s tension, as it leads directly to Isaac giving the blessing to Jacob.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 27:26

  • kiss (נָשַׁק, nashaq): This Hebrew word means "to kiss" and often carries the sense of greeting, affection, or respect. In this context, it highlights the closeness and trust expected between Isaac and the person he believes is Esau.
  • near (גָּשָׁה, nagash): This word means "to come near" or "approach." Isaac’s invitation for his son to come closer emphasizes the physical nearness needed for the blessing and the importance of personal connection in this tradition.
  • son (בֵּן, ben): The word for "son" underlines the family relationship at the heart of this scene, making the act of blessing and the intimacy of the moment more personal and significant.

Why Genesis 27:26 matters

  • This verse shows the deep trust Isaac places in his son, which makes the deception by Jacob more poignant and central to the story’s drama.
  • The physical closeness—inviting a kiss—underscores how blessings in ancient times were not just spoken but involved personal, tangible acts.
  • Understanding this moment helps clarify why Isaac is so easily deceived; his reliance on touch and closeness, rather than sight, sets the stage for the blessing to be given to Jacob instead of Esau.

Where else these words appear

“kiss” Hebrew H5401 · used in 35 verses

  • Genesis 27:27 And he came near, and kissed him: and he smelled the smell of his raiment, and blessed him, and said, See, the smell of my son is as the smell of a field which the LORD hath blessed:
  • Exodus 18:7 And Moses went out to meet his father in law, and did obeisance, and kissed him; and they asked each other of their welfare; and they came into the tent.
  • 1 Chronicles 12:2 They were armed with bows, and could use both the right hand and the left in hurling stones and shooting arrows out of a bow, even of Saul's brethren of Benjamin.

“Isaac” Hebrew H3327 · used in 101 verses

  • Genesis 17:19 And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him.
  • Genesis 26:12 Then Isaac sowed in that land, and received in the same year an hundredfold: and the LORD blessed him.
  • Genesis 35:28 And the days of Isaac were an hundred and fourscore years.

“near” Hebrew H5066 · used in 112 verses

  • Genesis 18:23 And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked?
  • Joshua 3:9 And Joshua said unto the children of Israel, Come hither, and hear the words of the LORD your God.
  • 2 Kings 4:5 So she went from him, and shut the door upon her and upon her sons, who brought the vessels to her; and she poured out.