Genesis 27:41-45

New English Translation

Footnotes

1. Genesis 27:41 tn Or “bore a grudge against” (cf. NAB, NASB, NIV). The Hebrew verb שָׂטַם (satam) describes persistent hatred.
2. Genesis 27:41 tn Heb “because of the blessing which his father blessed him.”
3. Genesis 27:41 tn Heb “said in his heart.” The expression may mean “said to himself.” Even if this is the case, v. 42 makes it clear that he must have shared his intentions with someone, because the news reached Rebekah.
4. Genesis 27:41 tn Heb “days.”
5. Genesis 27:41 tn The cohortative here expresses Esau’s determined resolve to kill Jacob.
6. Genesis 27:42 tn Heb “and the words of Esau her older son were told to Rebekah.”
7. Genesis 27:42 tn Heb “she sent and called for.”
8. Genesis 27:42 tn Heb “is consoling himself with respect to you to kill you.” The only way Esau had of dealing with his anger at the moment was to plan to kill his brother after the death of Isaac.
9. Genesis 27:43 tn Heb “listen to my voice.”
10. Genesis 27:43 tn Heb “arise, flee.”
11. Genesis 27:44 tn Heb “a few days.” Rebekah probably downplays the length of time Jacob will be gone, perhaps to encourage him and assure him that things will settle down soon. She probably expects Esau’s anger to die down quickly. However, Jacob ends up being gone 20 years and he never sees Rebekah again.
12. Genesis 27:45 tn The words “stay there” are supplied in the translation for stylistic reasons.
13. Genesis 27:45 tn Heb “and I will send and I will take you from there.” The verb “send” has no object in the Hebrew text; one must be supplied in the translation. Either “someone” or “a message” could be supplied, but since in those times a message would require a messenger, “someone” has been used.
14. Genesis 27:45 tn If Jacob stayed, he would be killed and Esau would be forced to run away.