Genesis 27:27 So he came near and kissed him. When Isaac smelled his clothing, he blessed him and said: "Ah, the smell of my son is like the smell of a field that the LORD has blessed.

◄ Genesis 27:27 ►

New International Version
So he went to him and kissed him. When Isaac caught the smell of his clothes, he blessed him and said, “Ah, the smell of my son is like the smell of a field that the LORD has blessed.

New Living Translation
So Jacob went over and kissed him. And when Isaac caught the smell of his clothes, he was finally convinced, and he blessed his son. He said, “Ah! The smell of my son is like the smell of the outdoors, which the LORD has blessed!

English Standard Version
So he came near and kissed him. And Isaac smelled the smell of his garments and blessed him and said, “See, the smell of my son is as the smell of a field that the LORD has blessed!

Berean Standard Bible
So he came near and kissed him. When Isaac smelled his clothing, he blessed him and said: “Ah, the smell of my son is like the smell of a field that the LORD has blessed.

King James Bible
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:

New King James Version
And he came near and kissed him; and he smelled the smell of his clothing, and blessed him and said: “Surely, the smell of my son Is like the smell of a field Which the LORD has blessed.

New American Standard Bible
So he came close and kissed him; and when he smelled the smell of his garments, he blessed him and said, “See, the smell of my son Is like the smell of a field which the LORD has blessed;

NASB 1995
So he came close and kissed him; and when he smelled the smell of his garments, he blessed him and said, “See, the smell of my son Is like the smell of a field which the LORD has blessed;

NASB 1977
So he came close and kissed him; and when he smelled the smell of his garments, he blessed him and said, “See, the smell of my son Is like the smell of a field which the LORD has blessed;

Legacy Standard Bible
So he came near and kissed him; and he smelled the smell of his garments, and then he blessed him and said, “See, the smell of my son Is like the smell of a field which Yahweh has blessed;

Amplified Bible
So he came and kissed him; and Isaac smelled his clothing and blessed him and said, “The scent of my son [Esau] Is like the aroma of a field which the LORD has blessed;

Christian Standard Bible
So he came closer and kissed him. When Isaac smelled his clothes, he blessed him and said: Ah, the smell of my son is like the smell of a field that the LORD has blessed.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
So he came closer and kissed him. When Isaac smelled his clothes, he blessed him and said: Ah, the smell of my son is like the smell of a field that the LORD has blessed.

American Standard Version
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 Jehovah hath blessed:

Contemporary English Version
While Jacob was kissing him, Isaac caught the smell of his clothes and said: "The smell of my son is like a field the LORD has blessed.

English Revised Version
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:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
He went over and gave him a kiss. When Isaac smelled his clothes, he blessed him and said, "The smell of my son is like the smell of open country that the LORD has blessed.

Good News Translation
As he came up to kiss him, Isaac smelled his clothes--so he gave him his blessing. He said, "The pleasant smell of my son is like the smell of a field which the LORD has blessed.

International Standard Version
So Jacob drew closer to kiss him. When Isaac smelled the scent of his son's clothes, he blessed him and said, "How my son's scent is the fragrance of the field that the LORD has blessed.

Majority Standard Bible
So he came near and kissed him. When Isaac smelled his clothing, he blessed him and said: “Ah, the smell of my son is like the smell of a field that the LORD has blessed.

NET Bible
So Jacob went over and kissed him. When Isaac caught the scent of his clothing, he blessed him, saying, "Yes, my son smells like the scent of an open field which the LORD has blessed.

New Heart English Bible
He came near, and kissed him. He smelled the scent of his clothing, and blessed him, and said, "Look, the scent of my son is as the scent of a field which God has blessed.

Webster's Bible Translation
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:

World English Bible
He came near, and kissed him. He smelled the smell of his clothing, and blessed him, and said, “Behold, the smell of my son is as the smell of a field which Yahweh has blessed.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
and he comes near, and kisses him, and he smells the fragrance of his garments, and blesses him, and says, “See, the fragrance of my son [is] as the fragrance of a field which YHWH has blessed;

Young's Literal Translation
and he cometh nigh, and kisseth him, and he smelleth the fragrance of his garments, and blesseth him, and saith, 'See, the fragrance of my son is as the fragrance of a field which Jehovah hath blessed;

Smith's Literal Translation
And he will come near, and will kiss him: and he will smell the smell of his garment, and he will bless him, and he will say, See, the smell of my son as the smell of a field which Jehovah praised.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
He came near, and kissed him. And immediately as he smelled the fragrant smell of his garments, blessing him, he said: Behold the smell of my son is as the smell of a plentiful field, which Lord hath blessed.

Catholic Public Domain Version
He approached and kissed him. And immediately he perceived the fragrance of his garments. And so, blessing him, he said: “Behold, the smell of my son is like the smell of a plentiful field, which the Lord has blessed.

New American Bible
As Jacob went up to kiss him, Isaac smelled the fragrance of his clothes. With that, he blessed him, saying, “Ah, the fragrance of my son is like the fragrance of a field that the LORD has blessed!

New Revised Standard Version
So he came near and kissed him; and he smelled the smell of his garments, and blessed him, and said, “Ah, the smell of my son is like the smell of a field that the LORD has blessed.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And he came near, and kissed him; and he smelled the smell of his garments, and blessed him, and said, See, the smell of my son is like the smell of a field which the LORD has blessed;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And he came near and he kissed him and he smelled the fragrance of his clothing and he blessed him and said, “See, the fragrance of my son is like the fragrance of a field that LORD JEHOVAH has blessed:

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
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.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And he drew nigh and kissed him, and smelled the smell of his garments, and blessed him, and said, Behold, the smell of my son is as the smell of an abundant field, which the Lord has blessed.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Isaac Blesses Jacob
…26Then his father Isaac said to him, “Please come near and kiss me, my son.” 27So he came near and kissed him. When Isaac smelled his clothing, he blessed him and said: “Ah, the smell of my son is like the smell of a field that the LORD has blessed. 28May God give to you the dew of heaven and the richness of the earth—an abundance of grain and new wine.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Hebrews 11:20
By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning the future.

Genesis 49:25-26
by the God of your father who helps you, and by the Almighty who blesses you, with blessings of the heavens above, with blessings of the depths below, with blessings of the breasts and womb. / The blessings of your father have surpassed the blessings of the ancient mountains and the bounty of the everlasting hills. May they rest on the head of Joseph, on the brow of the prince of his brothers.

Deuteronomy 33:13-16
Concerning Joseph he said: “May his land be blessed by the LORD with the precious dew from heaven above and the deep waters that lie beneath, / with the bountiful harvest from the sun and the abundant yield of the seasons, / with the best of the ancient mountains and the bounty of the everlasting hills, ...

Numbers 6:24-27
‘May the LORD bless you and keep you; / may the LORD cause His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; / may the LORD lift up His countenance toward you and give you peace.’ ...

Psalm 133:2
It is like fine oil on the head, running down on the beard, running down Aaron’s beard over the collar of his robes.

Proverbs 27:9
Oil and incense bring joy to the heart, and the counsel of a friend is sweetness to the soul.

Song of Solomon 4:11
Your lips, my bride, drip sweetness like the honeycomb; honey and milk are under your tongue, and the fragrance of your garments is like the aroma of Lebanon.

James 3:10-12
Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, this should not be! / Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? / My brothers, can a fig tree grow olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.

Ephesians 1:3
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms.

Romans 9:10-13
Not only that, but Rebecca’s children were conceived by one man, our father Isaac. / Yet before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad, in order that God’s plan of election might stand, / not by works but by Him who calls, she was told, “The older will serve the younger.” ...

Malachi 1:2-3
“I have loved you,” says the LORD. But you ask, “How have You loved us?” “Was not Esau Jacob’s brother?” declares the LORD. “Yet Jacob I have loved, / but Esau I have hated, and I have made his mountains a wasteland and left his inheritance to the desert jackals.”

Genesis 9:27
May God expand the territory of Japheth; may he dwell in the tents of Shem, and may Canaan be his servant.”

Genesis 12:2-3
I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. / I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you; and all the families of the earth will be blessed through you.”

Genesis 28:3-4
May God Almighty bless you and make you fruitful and multiply you, so that you may become a company of peoples. / And may He give the blessing of Abraham to you and your descendants, so that you may possess the land where you dwell as a foreigner, the land God gave to Abraham.”

Genesis 48:15-16
Then he blessed Joseph and said: “May the God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, the God who has been my shepherd all my life to this day, / the angel who has redeemed me from all harm—may He bless these boys. And may they be called by my name and the names of my fathers Abraham and Isaac, and may they grow into a multitude upon the earth.”

Treasury of Scripture

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 has blessed:

blessed.

Hebrews 11:20
By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.

the smell of a field.

Genesis 27:15
And Rebekah took goodly raiment of her eldest son Esau, which were with her in the house, and put them upon Jacob her younger son:

Song of Solomon 2:13
The fig tree putteth forth her green figs, and the vines with the tender grape give a good smell. Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away.

Song of Solomon 4:11-14
Thy lips, O my spouse, drop as the honeycomb: honey and milk are under thy tongue; and the smell of thy garments is like the smell of Lebanon…

Song of Solomon 7:12,13
Let us get up early to the vineyards; let us see if the vine flourish, whether the tender grape appear, and the pomegranates bud forth: there will I give thee my loves…

which.

Genesis 26:12
Then Isaac sowed in that land, and received in the same year an hundredfold: and the LORD blessed him.

Hebrews 6:7
For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God:

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Ah Blessed Blesseth Blessing Caught Close Clothes Clothing Field Fragrance Garments Isaac Kiss Kissed Kisseth Nigh Raiment Smell Smelled Smelleth Smelt

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Ah Blessed Blesseth Blessing Caught Close Clothes Clothing Field Fragrance Garments Isaac Kiss Kissed Kisseth Nigh Raiment Smell Smelled Smelleth Smelt

Genesis 27

1. Isaac sends Esau for venison.
6. Rebekah instructs Jacob to obtain the blessing.
14. Jacob, feigning to be Esau, obtains it.
30. Esau brings venison.
33. Isaac trembles.
34. Esau complains, and by importunity obtains a blessing.
41. He threatens Jacob's life.
42. Rebekah disappoints him, by sending Jacob away.

Berean Study Bible

So he came near
This phrase indicates a physical approach, which in the Hebrew context often signifies an intimate or significant interaction. The act of coming near is not just physical but also relational, suggesting a closeness that is about to be exploited by Jacob in his deception. In the broader biblical narrative, drawing near can symbolize approaching God or a sacred moment, highlighting the gravity of the blessing about to be given.

and kissed him
The kiss in ancient Near Eastern culture was a common gesture of affection, respect, or greeting. Here, it is a deceptive act by Jacob, who is impersonating Esau. The kiss, often a symbol of love and trust, is ironically used in a moment of betrayal, reminiscent of Judas' kiss in the New Testament. This act underscores the complexity of human relationships and the potential for deceit even in gestures meant to convey love.

When Isaac smelled his clothing
The sense of smell is crucial in this narrative. Isaac, who is blind, relies on his other senses to discern the identity of his son. The clothing, belonging to Esau, carries the scent of the outdoors, which Isaac associates with his elder son. This moment highlights the importance of sensory perception in the absence of sight and sets the stage for the blessing that follows. It also reflects the cultural significance of garments as identifiers of personal and familial identity.

he blessed him and said
The blessing is a pivotal moment in the patriarchal narratives of Genesis. In Hebrew culture, a father's blessing was not merely a wish but a prophetic declaration that carried weight and authority. Isaac's blessing, intended for Esau, is irrevocably given to Jacob, altering the course of biblical history. This act emphasizes the power of spoken words and the belief in their ability to shape destiny.

Ah, the smell of my son
Isaac's exclamation reveals his emotional connection to Esau, whom he believes he is blessing. The sense of smell evokes memories and emotions, and Isaac's words reflect a deep paternal affection. This phrase underscores the theme of identity and recognition, as Isaac is deceived by the external cues that remind him of Esau.

is like the smell of a field
The comparison to a field suggests fertility, abundance, and the natural world. In ancient agrarian societies, fields were vital for sustenance and prosperity. This simile conveys a sense of blessing and favor, as fields were seen as sources of life and provision. It also reflects the cultural context where land and agriculture were central to survival and blessing.

that the LORD has blessed
The invocation of the LORD's blessing ties the narrative to the divine promises given to Abraham and his descendants. It acknowledges that true prosperity and favor come from God. This phrase reinforces the belief in God's sovereignty and the idea that blessings are ultimately bestowed by Him. It also foreshadows the unfolding of God's covenantal promises through Jacob, despite the human deception involved.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(27) As the smell of a field.--From the abundance of aromatic plants, the pastures of Palestine are peculiarly fragrant; but Isaac, deceived by the scent of Esau's own garments, intended probably to contrast the pure sweetness of one whose life was spent in the open field with the less pleasant odour which Jacob would bring with him from the cattle-shed.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 27. - And he came near, and kissed him. Originally the act of kissing had a symbolical character. Here it is a sign of affection between a parent and a child; in Genesis 29:13 between relatives. It was also a token of friendship (Tobit 7. 6; 10:12; 2 Samuel 20:9; Matthew 26:48; Luke 7:45; Luke 15:20; Acts 20:37). The kissing of princes was a symbol of homage (1 Samuel 10:1; Psalm 2:12; Xenoph., 'Cyrop.,' 7. 5, 32). With the Persians it was a mark of honor (Xenoph., 'Agesil.,' 5. 4). The Rabbins permitted only three kinds of kisses - the kiss of reverence, of reception, and of dismissal. The kiss of charity was practiced among disciples in the early Christian Church (Romans 16:16; 1 Corinthians 16:20; 2 Corinthians 13:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:26; 1 Peter 5:14; vide Kitto's' 'Cyclopedia,' art. Kissing). And he smelled the smell of his raiment, - not deliberately, in order to detect whether they belonged to a shepherd or a huntsman (Tuch), but accidentally while, in the act of kissing. The odor of Esau s garments, impregnated with the fragrance of the aromatic herbs of Palestine, excited the dull sensibilities of the aged prophet, suggesting to his mind pictures of freshness and fertility, and inspiring him to pour forth his promised benediction - and blessed him (not a second time, the statement in ver. 23 being only inserted by anticipation), and said, - the blessing, as is usual in elevated prophetic utterances, assumes a poetic and antistrophical form (cf. Esau's blessing, vers. 39, 40) - See, the smell of my son is as the smell of a field - the first clause of the poetic stanza clearly connects with the odor of Esau's raiment as that which had opened the fount of prophetic song in Isaac's breast, so far at least as its peculiar form was concerned; its secret inspiration we know was the Holy Ghost operating through Isaac's faith in the promise (vide Hebrews 11:20) - which the Lord hath blessed. The introduction of the name Jehovah instead of Elohim in this second clause proves that Isaac did not mean to liken his son to an ordinary well-cultivated field, but to "a field like that of Paradise, resplendent with traces of the Deity - an ideal field, bearing the same relation to an ordinary one as Israel did to the heathen - a kind of enchanted garden, such as would be realized at a later period in Canaan, as far as the fidelity of the people permitted it" (Hengstenberg).

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

So he came near
וַיִּגַּשׁ֙ (way·yig·gaš)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5066: To draw near, approach

and kissed him.
וַיִּשַּׁק־ (way·yiš·šaq-)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5401: To kiss, to equip with weapons

When Isaac smelled
וַיָּ֛רַח (way·yā·raḥ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7306: Accept, smell, touch, make of quick understanding

his clothing,
בְּגָדָ֖יו (bə·ḡā·ḏāw)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 899: A covering, clothing, treachery, pillage

he blessed
וַֽיְבָרֲכֵ֑הוּ (way·ḇā·ră·ḵê·hū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1288: To kneel, to bless God, man, to curse

him and said:
וַיֹּ֗אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“Ah,
רְאֵה֙ (rə·’êh)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 7200: To see

the smell
רֵ֥יחַ (rê·aḥ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7381: To smell, perceive odor

of my son
בְּנִ֔י (bə·nî)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 1121: A son

is like the smell
רֵ֣יחַ (rê·aḥ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7381: To smell, perceive odor

of a field
שָׂדֶ֔ה (śā·ḏeh)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7704: Field, land

that
אֲשֶׁ֥ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

the LORD
יְהוָֽה׃ (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

has blessed.
בֵּרֲכ֖וֹ (bê·ră·ḵōw)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1288: To kneel, to bless God, man, to curse

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OT Law: Genesis 27:27 He came near and kissed him (Gen. Ge Gn)