Genesis 27:23

23 And he knew him not, for his hands were as the hands of his brother Esau, hairy; and he blessed him,

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 And Isaac said to Jacob, Draw night to me, and I will feel thee, son, if thou art my son Esau or not.

22 And Jacob drew nigh to his father Isaac, and he felt him, and said, The voice Jacob's voice, but the hands the hands of Esau.

23 And he knew him not, for his hands were as the hands of his brother Esau, hairy; and he blessed him,

24 and he said, Art thou my son Esau? and he said, I .

25 And he said, Bring hither, and I will eat of thy venison, son, that my soul may bless thee; and he brought near to him, and he ate, and he brought him wine, and he drank.