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Book of Genesis - Chapter 27 - Verse 27

27:27
And he came near, and kissed him: and he smelled the smell of his raiment, and blessed him, and said, See, the smell of my son is as the smell of a field which the LORD hath blessed:

Meaning

When Jacob reunited with his son Joseph after many years of separation, he was overwhelmed with emotion. In this verse, Jacob's loving actions symbolize the restoration of their relationship and the joy of being reunited with his long-lost son. By kissing Joseph and smelling his clothing, Jacob experiences a deep sense of connection and familiarity with his beloved child. The mention of the smell of Joseph's raiment being like a field blessed by the Lord signifies the presence of God's favor and blessing upon Joseph. This symbolic gesture highlights the spiritual significance of their reunion and emphasizes the idea that God's hand was at work in bringing them back together. Overall, this verse conveys a powerful message about the importance of family bonds, forgiveness, and divine intervention in the lives of those who trust in the Lord's guidance.

Theological Overview

In this verse from Genesis, the act of kissing and smelling is significant in the context of the cultural customs of the time. The kiss and the smell of the raiment have symbolic meanings in the Hebrew culture. The act of smelling someone's clothing was a way of affirming their identity and connection to the family. It was a way of recognizing and blessing the person, as we see Jacob doing to his son Joseph in this verse. The act of smelling also signifies approval and blessing from the Lord. This gesture of blessing through smell emphasizes the emotional and spiritual connection between father and son, showing the deep bond and love between them. The comparison of Joseph's smell to a field blessed by the Lord further emphasizes the divine favor and blessing upon Joseph. Overall, this verse showcases the importance of sensory experiences and familial blessings in the theological interpretation of the text.

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