King James Version

What Does Genesis 27:1 Mean?

Genesis 27:1 in the King James Version says “And it came to pass, that when Isaac was old, and his eyes were dim, so that he could not see, he called Esau his eldest...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And it came to pass, that when Isaac was old, and his eyes were dim, so that he could not see, he called Esau his eldest son, and said unto him, My son: and he said unto him, Behold, here am I.”

Genesis 27:1 · KJV

Context

1

And it came to pass, that when Isaac was old, and his eyes were dim, so that he could not see, he called Esau his eldest son, and said unto him, My son: and he said unto him, Behold, here am I.

2

And he said, Behold now, I am old, I know not the day of my death:

3

Now therefore take, I pray thee, thy weapons, thy quiver and thy bow, and go out to the field, and take me some venison ; take: Heb. hunt

Read Genesis 27 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And it came to pass, that when Isaac was old, and his eyes were dim, so that he could not see, he ca... This passage belongs to the Jacob narratives which demonstrate God's sovereign election overriding human merit and the transformation of a deceiver into Israel, the father of the twelve tribes. The Jacob cycle shows how divine purposes advance through flawed individuals whom God graciously transforms.

Key themes include God's sovereign choice ("the older shall serve the younger"), the consequences of deception and family dysfunction, exile and return patterns, wrestling with God leading to blessing, and covenant renewal across generations. Jacob's character development from manipulative deceiver to mature patriarch demonstrates sanctification's lifelong process.

Theologically significant aspects include: (1) divine election based on grace not merit (Romans 9:10-13); (2) God's faithfulness to covenant promises despite human unfaithfulness; (3) discipline as evidence of divine love and means of transformation; (4) generational patterns of sin requiring divine intervention to break; (5) prayer and wrestling with God as legitimate expressions of faith. Jacob's limp after wrestling God symbolizes how divine encounters leave permanent marks, transforming our approach to life and dependence on God rather than our own cunning.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The patriarchal narratives (Genesis 12-50) reflect the cultural, social, and legal customs of the ancient Near East during the Middle Bronze Age (2000-1500 BCE). Archaeological discoveries including the Mari tablets, Nuzi tablets, and Egyptian records confirm many details: nomadic pastoralism, covenant-making ceremonies, marriage customs, property laws, and international travel patterns described in Genesis.

The cultural practices reflected include: treaty/covenant forms (Genesis 15), bride-price customs (Genesis 24, 29), inheritance laws favoring firstborn sons (Genesis 25, 27), adoption practices (Genesis 15, 30), levirate-type arrangements (Genesis 38), and Egyptian administrative systems (Genesis 41, 47). These parallels confirm Genesis's historical reliability while showing how God worked within ancient cultural frameworks to accomplish His purposes.

For later Israelites, these narratives established their identity as Abraham's descendants, explained their claim to Canaan, justified their possession of Joseph's bones (Exodus 13:19), and provided models of faith despite imperfection. The patriarchs' failures and God's faithfulness encouraged Israel that covenant relationship depended on God's grace rather than human merit. The movement from Mesopotamia to Canaan to Egypt set the stage for the Exodus and conquest narratives.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does this passage reveal about God's sovereignty and human responsibility?
  2. What specific changes in thinking or behavior does this verse call us to make?
  3. In what ways does this narrative foreshadow or typify aspects of Christ's redemptive work?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וַֽיְהִי֙1 of 18

“And it came to pass”

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כִּֽי2 of 18
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

זָקֵ֣ן3 of 18

“was old”

H2204

to be old

יִצְחָ֔ק4 of 18

“that when Isaac”

H3327

jitschak (or isaac), son of abraham

וַתִּכְהֶ֥יןָ5 of 18

“were dim”

H3543

to be weak, i.e., (figuratively) to despond (causatively, rebuke), or (of light, the eye) to grow dull

עֵינָ֖יו6 of 18

“and his eyes”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

מֵֽרְאֹ֑ת7 of 18

“so that he could not see”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

וַיִּקְרָ֞א8 of 18

“he called”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

אֶת9 of 18
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

עֵשָׂ֣ו׀10 of 18

“Esau”

H6215

esav, a son of isaac, including his posterity

בְּנִ֔י11 of 18

“son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

הַגָּדֹ֗ל12 of 18

“his eldest”

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

וַיֹּ֥אמֶר13 of 18

“and he said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵלָיו֙14 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בְּנִ֔י15 of 18

“son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

וַיֹּ֥אמֶר16 of 18

“and he said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵלָ֖יו17 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הִנֵּֽנִי׃18 of 18
H2009

lo!

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Genesis. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Genesis 27:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Genesis 27:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 48:101 Samuel 3:2Genesis 25:23-25John 9:3Ecclesiastes 12:3

Test Your Knowledge

Genesis 27 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterGenesis Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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