Definition: And Jacob went near unto Isaac his father; and he felt him, and said, The voice [is] Jacob’s voice, but the hands [are] the hands of Esau.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Genesis 27:22. It’s a really interesting and symbolic passage about Jacob and his relationship with Isaac. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a moment of intense emotion when Jacob is visiting Isaac after fleeing his father’s house. He’s deeply moved by Isaac, and he feels a strong connection to him – almost as if he’s hearing Isaac’s voice. However, there's something else going on too, which is a little mysterious. Let’s break it down word-by-word: “And Jacob went near unto Isaac his father…” - This tells us that Jacob was visiting Isaac for the first time after fleeing his father’s house. He's traveling to see him. “…and he felt him, and said, The voice [is] Jacob’s voice…” – This is the key part. Jacob felt Isaac’s presence. He wasn’t just seeing him; he was feeling something. He realized that Isaac's voice wasn't just his own; it sounded like a familiar, comforting voice. “but the hands [are] the hands of Esau.” – This is where it gets really symbolic. The “hands” are being described as those of Esau. What does this mean ? This verse is often interpreted as representing a moment of intense pride and rivalry between Jacob and his brother, Esau. Here's the connection: Esau was favored: In the story of the Genesis account, Esau was given preferential treatment by his father, Abraham. He was the second son and received the best part of the inheritance. Jacob felt a sense of longing for what he didn’t have: Jacob felt a strong desire to be like Esau – to have the best things in life. This feeling is reflected in his intense reaction to Isaac. The "hands" symbolize something more: The hands being described as those of Esau could represent a sense of envy or resentment towards Isaac, who had been granted greater favor. It suggests that Jacob felt a deep dissatisfaction with the situation. Overall Interpretation: The verse isn't about who is speaking, but rather about the feeling – the powerful and perhaps somewhat unsettling feeling Jacob experienced when he was near to Isaac. It’s a moment of intense emotional connection tinged with a hint of jealousy or longing. Important Note: This interpretation has been debated for centuries! It's a complex passage that’s open to different understandings. --- Would you like me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Discuss the symbolism surrounding it further? Compare it to other biblical passages?