grain and wine. Let peoples serve you, and nations bow down to you. Be a lord over your brothers, and may your mother’s sons bow down to you. The one who curses you be accursed, and the one who blesses you be blessed.” (Gen 27:27–29) And in this ancient context, the blessing is not merely a promise, but a formal conferring of favor and an empowerment which cannot be taken back or transferred (see Gen 27:30–40). Like the example from Qumran, this text clarifies that cursing is the reciprocal of blessing.