Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version You will live by the sword and you will serve your brother. But when you grow restless, you will throw his yoke from off your neck.” New Living Translation You will live by your sword, and you will serve your brother. But when you decide to break free, you will shake his yoke from your neck.” English Standard Version By your sword you shall live, and you shall serve your brother; but when you grow restless you shall break his yoke from your neck.” Berean Standard Bible You shall live by the sword and serve your brother. But when you rebel, you will tear his yoke from your neck.” Berean Literal Bible And by your sword you shall live, and your brother you shall serve. And it shall come to pass when you become restless, that you shall break his yoke from your neck.” King James Bible And by thy sword shalt thou live, and shalt serve thy brother; and it shall come to pass when thou shalt have the dominion, that thou shalt break his yoke from off thy neck. New King James Version By your sword you shall live, And you shall serve your brother; And it shall come to pass, when you become restless, That you shall break his yoke from your neck.” New American Standard Bible “And by your sword you shall live, And you shall serve your brother; But it shall come about when you become restless, That you will break his yoke from your neck.” NASB 1995 “By your sword you shall live, And your brother you shall serve; But it shall come about when you become restless, That you will break his yoke from your neck.” NASB 1977 “And by your sword you shall live, And your brother you shall serve; But it shall come about when you become restless, That you shall break his yoke from your neck.” Legacy Standard Bible By your sword you shall live, And your brother you shall serve; But it shall be when you become restless, That you will break his yoke from your neck.” Amplified Bible But you shall live by your sword, And serve your brother; However it shall come to pass when you break loose [from your anger and hatred], That you will tear his yoke off your neck [and you will be free of him].” Berean Annotated Bible You shall live by the sword and serve your brother. But when you rebel, you will tear his yoke from your neck. Christian Standard Bible You will live by your sword, and you will serve your brother. But when you rebel, you will break his yoke from your neck. Holman Christian Standard Bible You will live by your sword, and you will serve your brother. But when you rebel, you will break his yoke from your neck. American Standard Version And by thy sword shalt thou live, and thou shalt serve thy brother; And it shall come to pass, when thou shalt break loose, That thou shalt shake his yoke from off thy neck. Contemporary English Version You will live by the power of your sword and be your brother's slave. But when you decide to be free, you will break loose." English Revised Version And by thy sword shalt thou live, and thou shalt serve thy brother; And it shall come to pass when thou shalt break loose, That thou shalt shake his yoke from off thy neck. GOD'S WORD® Translation You will use your sword to live, and you will serve your brother. But eventually you will gain your freedom and break his yoke off your neck." Good News Translation You will live by your sword, But be your brother's slave. Yet when you rebel, You will break away from his control." International Standard Version By your sword you'll live; but you'll serve your brother. But when you've become restless, you'll break off his yoke from your neck." NET Bible You will live by your sword but you will serve your brother. When you grow restless, you will tear off his yoke from your neck." New Heart English Bible By your sword will you live, and you will serve your brother. It will happen, when you will break loose, that you shall shake his yoke from off your neck." Webster's Bible Translation And by thy sword shalt thou live, and shalt serve thy brother: and it shall come to pass when thou shalt have the dominion, that thou shalt break his yoke from off thy neck. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleYou shall live by the sword and serve your brother. But when you rebel, you will tear his yoke from your neck.” World English Bible You will live by your sword, and you will serve your brother. It will happen, when you will break loose, that you will shake his yoke from off your neck.” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand by your sword you live, and your brother serves you; and it has come to pass, when you rule, that you have broken his yoke from off your neck.” Berean Literal Bible And by your sword you shall live, and your brother you shall serve. And it shall come to pass when you become restless, that you shall break his yoke from your neck.” Young's Literal Translation and by thy sword dost thou live, and thy brother dost thou serve; and it hath come to pass when thou rulest, that thou hast broken his yoke from off thy neck.' Smith's Literal Translation And by thy sword shalt thou live and shalt serve thy brother: and it shall be when thou shalt wander about and thou shalt break his yoke from thy neck. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleShall thy blessing be. Thou shalt live by the sword and shalt serve thy brother: and the time shall come, when thou shalt shake off and loose his yoke from thy neck. Catholic Public Domain Version will your blessing be. You will live by the sword, and you will serve your brother. But the time will arrive when you will shake off and release his yoke from your neck.” New American Bible By your sword you will live, and your brother you will serve; But when you become restless, you will throw off his yoke from your neck.” New Revised Standard Version By your sword you shall live, and you shall serve your brother; but when you break loose, you shall break his yoke from your neck.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd by your sword you shall live, and you shall serve your brother; but if you shall repent, his yoke shall pass away from off your neck. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And you shall live by your sword and you shall serve your brother, and if you are converted, his yoke will pass from your neck.” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And by thy sword shalt thou live, And thou shalt serve thy brother; And it shall come to pass when thou shalt break loose, That thou shalt shake his yoke from off thy neck. Brenton Septuagint Translation And thou shalt live by thy sword, and shalt serve thy brother; and there shall be a time when thou shalt break and loosen his yoke from off thy neck. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Stolen Blessing…39His father Isaac answered him: “Behold, your dwelling place shall be away from the richness of the land, away from the dew of heaven above. 40You shall live by the sword and serve your brother. But when you rebel, you will tear his yoke from your neck.” 41Esau held a grudge against Jacob because of the blessing his father had given him. And Esau said in his heart, “The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then I will kill my brother Jacob.”… Cross References You shall live by the sword Matthew 26:52 “Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him. “For all who draw the sword will die by the sword. Amos 1:11-12 This is what the LORD says: “For three transgressions of Edom, even four, I will not revoke My judgment, because he pursued his brother with the sword and stifled all compassion; his anger raged continually, and his fury flamed incessantly. / So I will send fire upon Teman to consume the citadels of Bozrah.” Ezekiel 35:5 Because you harbored an ancient hatred and delivered the Israelites over to the sword in the time of their disaster at the final stage of their punishment, and serve your brother. Genesis 25:23 and He declared to her: “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger.” 2 Samuel 8:14 He placed garrisons throughout Edom, and all the Edomites were subject to David. So the LORD made David victorious wherever he went. But when you rebel, 2 Chronicles 21:8-10 In the days of Jehoram, Edom rebelled against the hand of Judah and appointed their own king. / So Jehoram crossed into Edom with his officers and all his chariots. When the Edomites surrounded him and his chariot commanders, he rose up and attacked by night. / So to this day Edom has been in rebellion against the hand of Judah. Likewise, Libnah rebelled against his hand at the same time, because Jehoram had forsaken the LORD, the God of his fathers. 2 Kings 8:20-22 In the days of Jehoram, Edom rebelled against the hand of Judah and appointed their own king. / So Jehoram crossed over to Zair with all his chariots. When the Edomites surrounded him and his chariot commanders, he rose up and attacked by night. His troops, however, fled to their homes. / So to this day Edom has been in rebellion against the hand of Judah. Likewise, Libnah rebelled at the same time. you will tear his yoke from your neck.” Jeremiah 30:8 On that day, declares the LORD of Hosts, I will break the yoke off their necks and tear off their bonds, and no longer will strangers enslave them. Nahum 1:13 For I will now break their yoke from your neck and tear away your shackles.” Jeremiah 2:20 “For long ago you broke your yoke and tore off your chains, saying, ‘I will not serve!’ Indeed, on every high hill and under every green tree you lay down as a prostitute. Hebrews 11:20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning the future. Romans 9:12-13 not by works but by Him who calls, she was told, “The older will serve the younger.” / So it is written: “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.” Obadiah 1:10 Because of the violence against your brother Jacob, you will be covered with shame and cut off forever. Obadiah 1:18 Then the house of Jacob will be a blazing fire, and the house of Joseph a burning flame; but the house of Esau will be stubble—Jacob will set it ablaze and consume it. Therefore no survivor will remain from the house of Esau.” For the LORD has spoken. 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.” Numbers 20:14-21 From Kadesh, Moses sent messengers to tell the king of Edom, “This is what your brother Israel says: You know all the hardship that has befallen us, / how our fathers went down to Egypt, where we lived many years. The Egyptians mistreated us and our fathers, / and when we cried out to the LORD, He heard our voice, sent an angel, and brought us out of Egypt. Now look, we are in Kadesh, a city on the edge of your territory. … Treasury of Scripture And by your sword shall you live, and shall serve your brother; and it shall come to pass when you shall have the dominion, that you shall break his yoke from off your neck. thy sword. Genesis 32:6 And the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, We came to thy brother Esau, and also he cometh to meet thee, and four hundred men with him. Matthew 10:34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. serve. Genesis 25:23 And the LORD said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger. 2 Samuel 8:14 And he put garrisons in Edom; throughout all Edom put he garrisons, and all they of Edom became David's servants. And the LORD preserved David whithersoever he went. 1 Kings 11:15-17 For it came to pass, when David was in Edom, and Joab the captain of the host was gone up to bury the slain, after he had smitten every male in Edom; … that thou. 2 Kings 8:20-22 In his days Edom revolted from under the hand of Judah, and made a king over themselves… 2 Chronicles 21:8,10 In his days the Edomites revolted from under the dominion of Judah, and made themselves a king… 2 Chronicles 28:17 For again the Edomites had come and smitten Judah, and carried away captives. Jump to Previous Break Broken Brother's Dominion Grow Increased Live Neck Power Restless Rulest Servant Serve Shake Sword Throw YokeJump to Next Break Broken Brother's Dominion Grow Increased Live Neck Power Restless Rulest Servant Serve Shake Sword Throw YokeGenesis 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. You shall live by the sword This phrase indicates a life characterized by conflict and struggle. Historically, Esau's descendants, the Edomites, were often in conflict with neighboring nations, including Israel. The sword symbolizes warfare and survival through strength and aggression. This prophecy reflects the turbulent history of the Edomites, who were known for their warrior culture and frequent battles with Israel (2 Kings 8:20-22). The imagery of the sword also connects to the broader biblical theme of conflict between nations and peoples, as seen in other scriptures like Matthew 26:52, where Jesus speaks of those who live by the sword. and serve your brother. But when you rebel, you will tear his yoke from your neck.” Persons / Places / Events 1. EsauThe elder son of Isaac and Rebekah, who was tricked out of his blessing by his younger brother Jacob. This verse is part of Isaac's blessing to Esau. 2. Isaac The father of Esau and Jacob, who inadvertently gave the primary blessing to Jacob, thinking he was Esau. 3. Jacob The younger twin brother of Esau, who deceitfully received the blessing meant for Esau. 4. Rebekah The mother of Esau and Jacob, who favored Jacob and helped him deceive Isaac. 5. The Land of Edom The region where Esau's descendants, the Edomites, settled. This verse foreshadows the future struggles between the Israelites and Edomites. Teaching Points The Consequences of DeceptionThe account of Esau and Jacob illustrates the long-term consequences of deceit. While Jacob gained the blessing, it led to familial strife and division. Believers are called to live truthfully and trust in God's timing and provision. Living by the Sword Esau's prophecy of living by the sword serves as a warning about the dangers of a life characterized by conflict and violence. Christians are encouraged to pursue peace and reconciliation, reflecting the teachings of Jesus. Breaking Free from Bondage The promise that Esau would eventually shake off Jacob's yoke symbolizes hope and redemption. It reminds believers that through Christ, they can break free from the bondage of sin and live in freedom. The Sovereignty of God Despite human actions and deceit, God's sovereign plan unfolds. This encourages believers to trust in God's ultimate control over their lives and circumstances. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Genesis 27:40?2. How does Genesis 27:40 illustrate consequences of choices in our lives today? 3. What does "live by your sword" teach about reliance on worldly means? 4. How can breaking free from "servitude" in Genesis 27:40 apply to spiritual freedom? 5. Connect Genesis 27:40 with New Testament teachings on overcoming oppression. 6. How can we apply the lesson of Esau's struggle to modern Christian life? 7. What does Genesis 27:40 reveal about Esau's future and his relationship with Jacob? 8. How does Genesis 27:40 reflect the theme of conflict and reconciliation in the Bible? 9. What is the significance of "living by the sword" in Genesis 27:40? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 27? 11. What is the Bible's stance on human trafficking? 12. What are Jacob's prophetic blessings for his sons? 13. If Ezekiel 35:5 describes Edom's 'perpetual hatred,' does historical record support such an unbroken hostility? 14. What is human trafficking and how can we combat it? What Does Genesis 27:40 Mean You shall live by the sword• Isaac foretells that Esau’s line will survive by force and conflict. The man who was already “a skillful hunter, a man of the field” (Genesis 25:27) would father a nation that keeps that rough-edged identity. • History bears it out. From the rugged heights of Seir, Edom depended on raiding and military strength (see Deuteronomy 2:4–5). When Saul fought neighboring enemies he “fought against Edom” as well (1 Samuel 14:47), and centuries later Amaziah struck ten thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt (2 Kings 14:7). • The sword also hints at an unending restlessness. Obadiah 1 addresses Edom’s violence, showing that the prophecy was not a compliment but a sober warning. and serve your brother • Although Esau was the elder, God had declared, “the older shall serve the younger” (Genesis 25:23). Isaac now confirms that Jacob’s offspring (Israel) will hold the upper hand. • David “established garrisons in Edom; and all the Edomites became David’s servants” (2 Samuel 8:14). Solomon’s campaigns continued that dominance (1 Kings 11:15–16). • This servitude is not merely political; it pictures how God’s sovereign choice prevails even when circumstances suggest otherwise (Romans 9:10–13 echoes this truth). But when you rebel • The word translated “rebel” points to a restless resolve to shake off domination. Scripture records several flare-ups: – During Jehoram’s reign, “Edom rebelled from under the hand of Judah” (2 Kings 8:20–22). – Ahaz later lost the port of Elath when “the Edomites came again and struck Judah” (2 Chronicles 28:17). • Each revolt illustrates both the resilience of Esau’s descendants and the instability that comes from trusting the sword rather than the Lord (Psalm 33:16–17). you will tear his yoke from your neck • Revolt does bring Edom seasons of autonomy. The yoke that David once placed is lifted for a time, fulfilling Isaac’s forecast. • Yet every brief independence is short-lived. Malachi reminds us that even though Edom may say, “We will rebuild,” the Lord replies, “They may build, but I will tear down” (Malachi 1:4). • The image of a shattered yoke also offers a broader lesson: earthly tyranny is temporary, and God alone assigns or removes it (Jeremiah 27:5–7). Edom breaks free now and then, but never escapes divine oversight (Obadiah 1:15). summary Genesis 27:40 foretells the turbulent history of Esau’s descendants. They will survive by conflict, often bow to Israel’s authority, repeatedly throw off that control, yet never slip beyond God’s sovereign plan. The verse underscores both the reliability of God’s promises and the futility of wrestling against His purposes with mere human strength. (40) When thou shalt have the dominion.--This rendering of a rare and difficult Hebrew word is scarcely more than a guess made by two or three ancient Jewish commentators. Its real meaning here, and in Jeremiah 2:31, Hosea 11:12, is to toss the yoke--be restless and unquiet. The prophecy of Edom's subjection to his brother was literally fulfilled, as Idumaea was for ages a mere dependency upon Judah; but in the days first of Joram, and then of Ahaz, it revolted, and recovered its freedom. It was again conquered by Hyrcanus, the nephew of Judas Maccabaeus; nor was its subject condition altered by the fact that the dynasty of the Herods was of Edomite extraction. In troubled times, then, it broke the yoke from its neck; but generally Edom served his brother.Verse 40. - And by thy sword shalt thou live, - literally, upon thy sword shalt thou be, i.e. thy maintenance shall depend on thy sword; a prediction that Esau s descendants should be a warlike and tumultuous people of predatory habits (cf. Josephus, B. 1, 4. 4) - and shalt serve thy brother; - a prediction afterwards fulfilled (cf. 1 Samuel 14:47; 2 Samuel 8:14; 1 Kings 11:16; 2 Kings 14:7-10; 2 Chronicles 20:22-25) - and it shall come to pass when thou shalt have the dominion, that thou shalt break his yoke from off thy neck. The verb רוּד, used of beasts which have broken the yoke and wander freely about (Gesenius, Furst), appear to hint at an incessant restlessness on the part of Edom while under Israel's yoke which should eventually terminate in regaining their independence. The exact rendering of the clause is obscure, but perhaps means that when Edom should roam about as a freebooter (Lange), or should revolt (Alford), or should toss, shake, or struggle against the yoke (Vulgate, Keil, Hengstenberg, 'Speaker's Commentary), he should succeed. Other renderings are, when thou shalt bear rule (Kimchi), when thou shalt repent (Jarchi), when thou shalt be strong (Samaritan), when thou prevailest (Murphy), when thou shalt truly desire it (Kalisch), when thou shalt pull down (LXX.); because thou art restless (Havernick). CHAPTER 27:41-46 |
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