Genesis 27:11Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Observe Jacob's carefulness and the gentle nature he displays in his response. He expressed to his mother, "Esau, my brother, is rough in stature, while I have a smooth complexion; it could be that my father touches me and considers me a deceiver, bringing upon myself a curse instead of a blessing." His noble spirit and deep respect for his father are clearly evident. He expressed his concern that his efforts might result in the opposite of his intentions, leading him to look contrary to his father’s desires, thus incurring a curse rather than a blessing.

In the passages that describe ‘hairy,’ the original Hebrew uses the term seir (שָׂעִ֔ר). Consequently, the mountains and the area inhabited by Esau came to be known as Seir. This has also been referenced previously.

Jacob demonstrates his discernment by recalling the fate of Ham, who, upon witnessing Noah's nakedness, mocked his father and subsequently brought a curse upon himself. Ham's lack of caution positioned him as a temptation to his father, resulting in his downfall. Jacob's assertion holds true: 'Esau, my brother, is a man of bracken,' signifying his sinful nature, 'but I am a man of smoothness,' which highlights the purity and sinlessness of the flesh of the Lord. This sentiment reflects James' piety in expressing that while Esau, his brother, was hairy—a representation of sinfulness—I am smooth, indicating the integrity and sinlessness found in the Lord's incarnation.

Jacob did not immediately acquiesce to his mother's scheme. He expressed concern that Esau was "hairy," meaning he was born with a covering of hair (Genesis 25:25). Jacob was rightfully apprehensive that if he approached their blind father pretending to be Esau, Isaac would easily uncover the deception through touch, resulting in a curse rather than a blessing. Rebekah responded to Jacob by asserting, "Your oath is upon me," confident that no vow would be required and that God’s divine plan for the younger sibling to surpass the elder would indeed materialize. Her faith was justified; Isaac mistook Jacob for Esau and bestowed a blessing upon him. Rebekah’s plot succeeded, yet in order for her to realize that deceit for a good purpose is still sin, she faced divine retribution.