Definition: And Isaac said unto Jacob, Come near, I pray thee, that I may feel thee, my son, whether thou [be] my very son Esau or not.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Genesis 27:21. It’s a really important and slightly complex passage about Jacob and his relationship with Isaac. Here’s the explanation in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about Jacob feeling a strong connection to Isaac – even though he considers Esau (his estranged brother) to be his "son." It's a moment of intense longing and affection. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And Isaac said unto Jacob…” : This sets the scene. It’s Isaac, the patriarch of Jacob, speaking to him. “…Come near, I pray thee, that I may feel thee, my son, whether thou be my very son Esau or not.” This is the core of the verse. Here's what it means: “Come near” : Isaac wants to close with Jacob, to be closer to him. “I pray thee” : It’s a heartfelt request. He’s trying to express something very important. “…feel thee…” : This is the key phrase. Isaac is asking Jacob to touch or experience him, to feel his presence. “my son” : Again, it's explicitly referring to Jacob. “whether thou be my very son Esau or not.” This is where the surprising part comes in. Isaac isn’t just interested in feeling Jacob . He wants to know if Jacob is really his son, even though he considers Esau a brother. What it's suggesting: This verse suggests a deep and perhaps unusual bond between Isaac and Jacob. It hints at a complex mix of affection, longing, and perhaps a bit of a struggle with familial relationships. It’s not just about love; there’s a sense of wanting to understand the nature of Jacob's identity within the family. Why it matters: This verse is significant because it shows Isaac's profound desire for connection with his son, even when he also recognized and appreciated Esau’s role in his family. It’s a moment where he actively seeks to understand the complex dynamics within his lineage. --- Resources if you want to delve deeper: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/Genesis/27:21](https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/Genesis/27:21) – This website provides a reliable translation and context for the verse. Wikipedia - Genesis 27: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genesis_27](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genesis_27) – A good overview of the story and its significance. Do you want me to explain any part of this in more detail, or perhaps explore a specific aspect of the verse (like its symbolism)?