Verse: Genesis 27:13–14
Theme: Trust in Human Plans and the Cost of Deception
And his mother said unto him Upon me be thy curse my son only obey my voice and go fetch me them And he went and fetched and brought them to his mother and his mother made savoury meat such as his father loved
— Genesis 27:13–14, King James Version (KJV)
But his mother replied Then let the curse fall on me my son Just do what I tell you Go out and get the goats for me So Jacob went out and got the young goats for his mother Rebekah took them and prepared a delicious meal just the way Isaac liked it
— Genesis 27:13–14, New Living Translation (NLT)
His mother said to him My son let the curse fall on me Just do what I say Go and get them for me So he went and got them and brought them to his mother and she prepared some tasty food just the way his father liked it
— Genesis 27:13–14, New International Version (NIV)
Meaning of Genesis 27:13–14
This passage unveils a critical moment where Rebekah takes the burden of potential consequences upon herself in order to advance her plan. Her words, “Upon me be thy curse,” highlight her willingness to shield Jacob from divine or paternal judgment, indicating the depth of her maternal resolve and the weight of familial manipulation. The phrase suggests not only boldness but also a moral and spiritual gamble that underscores the gravity of her involvement.
The instruction, “Only obey my voice,” reveals Rebekah’s insistence on immediate compliance, signaling a powerful assertion of influence and authority in the family structure. Jacob’s subsequent actions, though passive on the surface, suggest an internal conflict. He is torn between obedience to his mother and the moral implications of deceiving his father. This tension is a mirror of the moral crossroads many individuals face when navigating loyalty to family versus the demands of personal integrity.
The phrase “fetch them me” further illustrates Rebekah’s control and urgency. It is not a mere request but a command that propels the deception forward. Jacob’s compliance, while prompt, cannot be interpreted as unthinking. Likely, he wrestled inwardly with the righteousness of the plan, the potential consequences, and the fear of defying his mother. This internal struggle reflects the human experience of moral ambiguity, where duty, fear, and familial pressure converge.
In this brief but potent exchange, the passage invites readers to reflect on how decisions made under pressure can lead to both immediate success and long-term conflict. It also raises questions about accountability, courage, and how God’s purposes may unfold even through imperfect human choices.
This passage reveals the decisive moment in Rebekah and Jacob’s scheme to deceive Isaac into blessing Jacob instead of Esau. Rebekah’s determination is startling. She assumes full responsibility for any consequences, even a curse. Her resolve presses Jacob into obedience and moves the deceptive plan forward.
These verses highlight a mother’s influence and the dynamic of trust in human strategies over divine timing. Rather than seeking God’s will through prayer and patience, Rebekah acts on urgency and manipulation. Jacob follows without protest, exposing how quickly one can be swept into another’s plans without spiritual discernment.
God had already declared that “the older shall serve the younger.” But Rebekah and Jacob took matters into their own hands. This passage invites us to examine how often we act out of fear, mistrust, or urgency instead of trusting God’s word to be fulfilled in His time and way.
Popular Words of Wisdom from Genesis 27:13–14
God does not need our schemes to fulfill His promises He needs our trust
— Charles Stanley, Pastor and Founder of In Touch Ministries
When you manipulate outcomes you may achieve a result but lose the peace that comes with obedience
— Christine Caine, Evangelist and Founder of A21 Campaign
Trusting a human plan over God’s promise is a subtle form of idolatry
— Francis Chan, Pastor and Author of “Crazy Love”
Rebekah meant well but acted wrong Faith that waits is greater than faith that pushes
— Jackie Hill Perry, Poet and Christian Apologist
Responsibility is noble but rebellion in disguise is still disobedience
— Priscilla Shirer, Bible Teacher and Founder of Going Beyond Ministries
God does not reward deception even when the motive is to accomplish His will
— Dr. Eric Mason, Pastor and Theologian
A blessing secured by deceit will never bring the joy a blessing received in truth brings
— Lisa Bevere, Author and Co-Founder of Messenger International
Our hands can force outcomes but only God’s hand establishes legacy
— John Mark Comer, Pastor and Author
Explaining the Context of Genesis 27:13–14
Genesis 27 is a chapter filled with tension and trickery. Rebekah overhears Isaac telling Esau to hunt and prepare food so he can bless him. Knowing God’s word that the older would serve the younger, she crafts a plan to ensure Jacob receives the blessing.
Jacob initially hesitates, not because of the morality of deceiving his father, but because of the potential curse if the plan fails. Rebekah’s statement, “Upon me be thy curse,” demonstrates the emotional and spiritual pressure she places on him. She is willing to absorb the consequences to engineer what she believes is God’s plan.
This story is part of a larger narrative where each family member operates in secrecy. Isaac tries to bless Esau in private. Rebekah counteracts in secret. Jacob submits to deceit. Esau returns unaware. In contrast to the secrecy and deception of human actors, God remains faithful and sovereign.
Explaining the Key Parts of Genesis 27:13–14
Upon Me Be Thy Curse
Rebekah boldly takes responsibility for any consequences that might come. While it shows courage, it also exposes recklessness. Taking ownership of sin does not remove the sin itself. This statement reflects desperation and control.
Only Obey My Voice
Rebekah’s insistence shows a shift from spiritual matriarch to manipulative strategist. Instead of leading Jacob in prayer or reflection, she demands blind obedience to her plan.
Fetch Me Them
She refers to the two young goats she needs to prepare the meal. The practical step moves the deception into action. Faith would have waited. Flesh got to work.
He Went and Fetched
Jacob’s compliance highlights how easily one can slide into sin under authority, fear, or relational loyalty. There is no record of him seeking God, only obeying his mother.
His Mother Made Savoury Meat Such as His Father Loved
Rebekah uses her knowledge of Isaac’s preferences to make the deception believable. It is a reminder that sometimes what feels right to us emotionally or familially can still be wrong spiritually. Familiarity can be weaponized when righteousness is disregarded.
Lessons to Learn from Genesis 27:13–14
1. Good Intentions Do Not Justify Deception
Rebekah wanted Jacob to receive the blessing. God had promised it. But using lies to get a divine result undermines the integrity of the outcome.
2. Influence Comes with Responsibility
Rebekah had a significant influence over Jacob. Her words directed his steps. We must use our influence to lead others toward faith, not fear.
3. Trusting God Requires Patience
Taking matters into our own hands often signals distrust. God’s promises are not dependent on our deadlines.
4. Obedience Must Be Rooted in Conviction, Not Pressure
Jacob’s obedience was not spiritual. It was based on fear of consequences. Real obedience comes from trust in God, not just in people.
5. Manipulation Erodes Spiritual Peace
Rebekah gained the blessing for Jacob but lost family peace. Deception might win a moment, but it fractures long-term trust.
6. Actions Done in Secret Cannot Escape God’s Sight
While everyone in the story operated behind someone’s back, God saw it all. His sovereignty is never circumvented.
7. There Is a Cost to Every Lie
Though Jacob was blessed, he fled from Esau, lived in exile, and was later deceived himself. The cost of deception is never small.
Related Bible Verses
Be sure your sin will find you out
— Numbers 32:23, King James Version (KJV)
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding In all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy paths
— Proverbs 3:5–6, King James Version (KJV)
There is a way which seemeth right unto a man but the end thereof are the ways of death
— Proverbs 14:12, King James Version (KJV)
Lying lips are abomination to the Lord but they that deal truly are his delight
— Proverbs 12:22, King James Version (KJV)
A faithful man shall abound with blessings but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent
— Proverbs 28:20, King James Version (KJV)
How This Verse Points to Christ
Where Jacob gained a blessing through deception, Christ bore a curse through righteousness. Jesus never manipulated His way to glory. He surrendered to the Father’s timing, the Father’s plan, and the Father’s will.
Rebekah’s willingness to take on a curse contrasts with Jesus, who did. Galatians 3:13 says Christ became a curse for us. He took our guilt willingly, not to fulfill a selfish plan, but to reconcile us to God.
While this story shows humans scrambling to secure blessing, Jesus came to offer the eternal blessing of salvation freely and truthfully. His blessing cannot be stolen or earned through trickery. It is received by grace.
Closing Reflection
Genesis 27:13–14 is a sobering picture of how quickly we turn from trusting God’s plan to building our own. Rebekah’s urgency and Jacob’s passivity create a moment that reshapes their family forever.
Even when our motives seem right, our methods matter. God wants us to pursue His will in His way. He invites us to trust, wait, and believe without manipulation.
Let us not trade integrity for immediacy. Let us trust that the God who promised is able to perform. His way is always better.
Say This Prayer
Father God
I ask Your forgiveness for the times I’ve relied on my own plans instead of trusting Yours. Help me resist the urge to manipulate outcomes. Strengthen my faith so I can wait on You. Let my actions be grounded in truth and my steps guided by Your Spirit.
Teach me to trust in Your timing and Your word. Even when it seems slow, I will wait. I will not trade obedience for opportunity. I surrender my outcomes to You.
In Jesus’ name, I pray
Amen.