King James Version

What Does Genesis 27:10 Mean?

Genesis 27:10 in the King James Version says “And thou shalt bring it to thy father, that he may eat, and that he may bless thee before his death.” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And thou shalt bring it to thy father, that he may eat, and that he may bless thee before his death.”

Genesis 27:10 · KJV

Context

8

Now therefore, my son, obey my voice according to that which I command thee.

9

Go now to the flock, and fetch me from thence two good kids of the goats; and I will make them savoury meat for thy father, such as he loveth:

10

And thou shalt bring it to thy father, that he may eat, and that he may bless thee before his death.

11

And Jacob said to Rebekah his mother, Behold, Esau my brother is a hairy man, and I am a smooth man:

12

My father peradventure will feel me, and I shall seem to him as a deceiver; and I shall bring a curse upon me, and not a blessing.

Read Genesis 27 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And thou shalt bring it to thy father, that he may eat, and that he may bless thee before his death.... 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. How does understanding this verse shape our doctrine of humanity, sin, or salvation?
  2. What specific changes in thinking or behavior does this verse call us to make?
  3. How does this verse fit into the broader biblical story culminating in Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וְהֵֽבֵאתָ֥1 of 8

“And thou shalt bring”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

לְאָבִ֖יךָ2 of 8

“it to thy father”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

וְאָכָ֑ל3 of 8

“that he may eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

בַּֽעֲבֻ֛ר4 of 8
H5668

properly, crossed, i.e., (abstractly) transit; used only adverbially, on account of, in order that

אֲשֶׁ֥ר5 of 8

“and that”

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יְבָֽרֶכְךָ֖6 of 8

“he may bless”

H1288

to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as

לִפְנֵ֥י7 of 8

“thee before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

מוֹתֽוֹ׃8 of 8

“his death”

H4194

death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin

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 27:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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