Genesis 27:23

23 He did not recognize Jacob, because his arms were hairy like Esau's. He was about to give him his blessing,

Genesis 27:23 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 27:23

And he discerned him not
As he could not see, he could make no judgment by that sense; and, though he had his hearing, and thought the voice was like Jacob's, he might imagine there might be an alteration in Esau's voice, coming in haste and weary from the fields; yet, as there could not be any deception in his feeling, he thought it safest to trust to that, as it follows: because his hands were hairy as his brother Esau's hands;
which could not in a short time become so naturally; it was more reasonable to think that Esau's voice should be altered and become like Jacob's, than that Jacob's hands should become like Esau's: so he blessed him;
or intended and determined within himself to bless him, for the blessing was not given till afterwards; unless this is to be understood of a common blessing, congratulating him on the quick dispatch he made, and the great success he met with; and after this gave him the patriarchal blessing, which as yet he had not, being not thoroughly satisfied of him, as appears by what follows.

Genesis 27:23 In-Context

21 Isaac said to Jacob, "Please come closer so that I can touch you. Are you really Esau?"
22 Jacob moved closer to his father, who felt him and said, "Your voice sounds like Jacob's voice, but your arms feel like Esau's arms."
23 He did not recognize Jacob, because his arms were hairy like Esau's. He was about to give him his blessing,
24 but asked again, "Are you really Esau?" "I am," he answered.
25 Isaac said, "Bring me some of the meat. After I eat it, I will give you my blessing." Jacob brought it to him, and he also brought him some wine to drink.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.