And Isaac answered and said unto Esau, Behold, I have made him thy lord, and all his brethren have I given to him for servants; and with corn and wine have I sustained him: and what shall I do now unto thee, my son?

GENESIS 27:37KJV
Know the Bible

Genesis 27:37 (KJV)

What does Genesis 27:37 mean?

Genesis 27:37 shows Isaac telling Esau that he has already given the blessing and authority to Jacob, making Jacob the master over Esau and their brothers, and providing him with material abundance. Isaac explains that he cannot undo this or give Esau a similar blessing, leaving Esau with little recourse.

In this verse, Isaac is speaking directly to Esau after Esau realizes that Jacob has received the blessing meant for him. Isaac’s words highlight the finality and seriousness of the blessing he gave Jacob, which included both leadership (“lord”) and prosperity (“corn and wine”). The situation is tense and emotional, as Esau is desperate for a blessing, but Isaac is clear that what has been done cannot be reversed.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 27:37

  • The word for “lord” is אֲדֹנִים (’adonim), which means master or ruler. Isaac’s use of this word emphasizes that Jacob now holds authority over Esau and their family, not just a spiritual blessing but a position of leadership.
  • The word for “servants” is עֶבֶד (’eved), meaning servant or slave. Isaac says he has made Esau and his brothers servants to Jacob, underlining the completeness of the blessing’s transfer of status.
  • The word for “sustained” is סָמַךְ (samakh), which often means to support or uphold. Here, it refers to Isaac giving Jacob not just authority but also the material means—grain and wine—to thrive.

Why Genesis 27:37 matters

  • This verse makes clear that the patriarchal blessing was seen as binding and powerful, not something that could be casually repeated or revoked.
  • It highlights the deep consequences of Jacob’s deception and the pain it caused within the family, especially for Esau.
  • The verse connects to the larger theme of Genesis about birthrights, blessings, and the unfolding of God’s promises through unexpected means.

Where else these words appear

“lord” Hebrew H1376 · used in 2 verses

  • Genesis 27:29 Let people serve thee, and nations bow down to thee: be lord over thy brethren, and let thy mother's sons bow down to thee: cursed be every one that curseth thee, and blessed be he that blesseth thee.

“now” Hebrew H645 · used in 15 verses

  • Genesis 27:33 And Isaac trembled very exceedingly, and said, Who? where is he that hath taken venison, and brought it me, and I have eaten of all before thou camest, and have blessed him? yea, and he shall be blessed.
  • 2 Kings 10:10 Know now that there shall fall unto the earth nothing of the word of the LORD, which the LORD spake concerning the house of Ahab: for the LORD hath done that which he spake by his servant Elijah.
  • Job 24:25 And if it be not so now, who will make me a liar, and make my speech nothing worth?

“wine” Hebrew H8492 · used in 38 verses

  • Genesis 27:28 Therefore God give thee of the dew of heaven, and the fatness of the earth, and plenty of corn and wine:
  • 2 Chronicles 32:28 Storehouses also for the increase of corn, and wine, and oil; and stalls for all manner of beasts, and cotes for flocks.
  • Jeremiah 31:12 Therefore they shall come and sing in the height of Zion, and shall flow together to the goodness of the LORD, for wheat, and for wine, and for oil, and for the young of the flock and of the herd: and their soul shall be as a watered garden; and they shall not sorrow any more at all.

“corn” Hebrew H1715 · used in 40 verses

  • Genesis 27:28 Therefore God give thee of the dew of heaven, and the fatness of the earth, and plenty of corn and wine:
  • Nehemiah 5:2 For there were that said, We, our sons, and our daughters, are many: therefore we take up corn for them, that we may eat, and live.
  • Lamentations 2:12 They say to their mothers, Where is corn and wine? when they swooned as the wounded in the streets of the city, when their soul was poured out into their mothers' bosom.